Patti-pourri

ZOMG! MEREDITH IS A FRESHMAN!

2010-06-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight Meredith graduated Middle School. We couldn't be prouder of her. This year Meredith participated, and excelled in, The Cal Young Orchestra, The Little Symphony, and her school drama production. She also maintained excellent grades.

Meredith with Grandma Dale.

Meredith with Cousin Morgan (who is a Junior now! WTG Morgan!)

Meredith walking into her ceremony.

Meredith being Meredith

Meredith accepting her certificate.

In four short years you will be walking across the stage to accept your high school diploma. The time flies, enjoy every minute of it. Mom and Dad will always be your biggest cheerleaders!
GO MEREDITH!

Meredith's Concert

2009-06-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some 15 second clips from Meredith's concert on Tuesday. I was so impressed with the way these kids played. Their teacher did not pick easy pieces for them, and they played them well.

The Ninja Cake

2009-05-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Devin is a fan of an internet series called "Tiny Plaid Ninjas". He wanted a ninja cake, so that is why I surprised him with. I had a blast making the cake and the characters, and he was so surprised and loved it.

Some games, supersoakers, a compass...and a beautiful day for a birthday. I think Devin had a happy birthday. Oh, and man-food...he loved the man-food.

Devin's Birthday...the Waterfight

2009-05-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

Devin got a supersoaker for his birthday, so of course we had to try it out.

This thing had a range of about 40 feet, so he could stand on one end of the yard and shoot.

Morgan was ready.

Aiden was having fun.
Devin was trying to hide but he got himself cornered.

More pictures to come later!

Happy 9th Birthday Devin!

Aiden's Second Birthday...

2009-02-21T16:19:00.001-08:00

Sorry this is almost two months late...but here are some pictures from Aiden's second birthday. It is so hard to believe he is two years old!

He had an animal theme. Devin helped me decorate.

My birthday boy!
Aiden, Morgan, Devin, and Meredith.

Sandia Classic

2008-09-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

We were off to the motorcycle races here in Albuquerque. It was a beautiful day. The bikes were awesome to look at, and fun to watch race around the track.

The winners of a hard fought race. The guy in the red suit, this is his first year racing, and he is leading in the points for his racing league.

These guys are stunting. Very fun to watch. They did some incredible things on a motorcycle that I don't ever see myself doing (that is for you, Mom).

Here are some pictures of the classic bikes. They are well maintained and it was incredible to see them out racing, still.

More racing. Enjoy the pictures!

Santa Fe and Taos

2008-09-14T18:19:00.001-07:00

Last week we went to Santa Fe. It was Fiesta Weekend. Here is a picture of one of the dancers.
A nice picture I took of everyone. I wish Aiden would look at the camera every now and then.
Meredith took this picture.

This is a picture of Meredith at a restaurant where we had a yummy lunch. This is the reason we went up to Santa Fe. Tara's Organic Ice Cream. Very yummy. Flavors such as vanilla, basil, lavender, cinnamon, etc. It is excellent. www.tarasorganic.com
Here is Aiden enjoying a cup of vanilla ice cream.
Devin enjoying a cone of coconut ice cream. He says it was very yummy!
We ten went up to Taos. Just a few miles away is the Rio Grande gorge. There is a bridge that spans the bridge, and it is 680 feet straight down.

Meredith's Birthday Cake

2008-09-14T18:17:00.001-07:00

Meredith celebrated her 12th birthday on August 19. Here is the cake I made for her. I had a lot of fun decorating it and I think she was surprised and pleased.

The Zoo...

2008-07-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Aiden and I took a trip to the zoo. This plays music. It was cool and Aiden had a great time!

This was right above the music "band".
I just loved this picture.
I don't remember what this is, but it looks like a hamster with horns and hoofs.
This giraffe says hello.
Nom, nom, nom.
An artistic shot...
No pictures, please.
A cool koala napping.
This is a dove.
The tigers were taking it easy.
I love the polar bears. I could just sit and watch them all day.
I have visited this zoo at least a half a dozen times, and this is the first time I have seen this turtle. Believe it or not, there are two! I pass by the enclosure every time we go, but had yet to see him until now.
Oh, and please beware of the kimodo dragon. He is hungry.

Vacation!

2008-06-28T15:10:00.001-07:00

Yeah, vacation was almost a month ago...but better late than never, right?!
We started the morning off having breakfast in Albuquerque. It was such a nice morning even the balloons were out.
Here is Devin waiting for his breakfast. I think he ordered cereal.
This just made me giggle in a juvenile sort of way...
Meredith smiling. I think we were teasing her about something.
There aren't that many picture of Stephen and I together. It is usually one of us behind the camera taking the picture. Meredith took this. I think she did a good job.
Here is a picture of a chicken sculpture at 5th Street Public Market in Eugene.

A really great place for fish and chips...
A really good beer! We met up with some friends at this great restaurant.
This is a picture of the mountains near the Oregon/ California border.
Santa Nella, CA. They have Anderson's Split Pea soup. VERY yummy!
Yikes! The cold hard reality of the trip was gas...we didn't stop here for gas, though.
This was just a fun house to look at. It is the shape of a golf ball.
The mountains of Arizona.

We had a good time, even though it was a very quick trip. Maybe next time we can stay around a little longer and visit a little more.

WATSON!!!!

2008-05-20T08:44:00.001-07:00

Watson is a 5 month old corgie/basset hound mix. She is full of energy and a lot of fun!

Devin's Birthday!

2008-05-17T16:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Devin!

He turned eight yesterday!

His thing is the Star Wars Legos videogame...so he had a Star Wars Lego cake!

Here is Devin on his new scooter!

I think he had a good birthday! I can't believe my little boy is eight years old! Where did the time go...he is my little angel, devil, evil genius, and sweetie rolled into a ball of energy!

A Busy Day!!!!

2008-04-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

My instructor canceled class today so I made the most of it and went on a ride. It was a great day. Weather was just right, and there was hardly any wind. So off I went. I rode a back route and took pictures of some extinct volcanoes!

Here is a picture I took of myself. I am smiling under my helmet...I was so happy out there on the road!

Here are some more volcanoes!

And finally meet the newest member of our family...Lanie! She is a one year old Black Lab Retriever mix. We got her from the shelter today. She is very sweet, but very much still a puppy. Aiden isn't too keen on her yet, and her first encounter with the cats was less than ideal. They will all adjust. It was a lot to have to deal with in one day...Lanie is such a good natured dog, so I think they will all do just fine.

Ruins!!!

2008-03-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went to the Salinas Pueblo Missions just south of Albuquerque. It was a gorgeous day, and we had a great time!

The first one is the Abo ruins built in the 1600's.
At first we thought it would be okay to let Aiden walk around on his own, but he wanted to visit the same place over and over again.

So we put him in the backpack. We thought he would fuss a bit, but he had a great time. He hung out with his daddy and they talked back and forth.
Meredith and I hangin' out...
Walking along the path, we came across a horned toad.
Here are some more pictures of Abo...

A residential area...
Pottery...
We had a nice lunch at a little diner in town, and then went down to Gran Quivira which was established in the 1600's as well.

Meredith and Devin having a good time!

Devin making a new friend!

Mommy and Aiden having a great time!

Morning at the Venneman House

2008-03-04T06:27:00.001-08:00

Here are a few "around the house" pictures of the kids in the morning. Enjoy!

Aiden asks: Do you have any laundry for me?
What is that thing under the blanket?!
Phew! It's Devin!
Those waffles look good, Meredith!

I hope these pictures brought a smile to your face. Have a great day!

My New Ride...

2008-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is my bike. It is a Suzuki Katana 600. I am learning to ride it and will be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course in March. I can't wait.

Meredith's Honor Roll Assembly

2008-02-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

Meredith made Honor Roll! Yay for Meredith!!!! Here are the pictures I took at her assembly. It was quick in and out so I wasn't able to get too many.

Aiden's First Birthday.

2008-01-20T19:45:00.001-08:00

Aiden turned one on December 31. What a fun day we had. Not only were we celebrating Aiden's special day, we were awaiting the arrival of Morgan. The house was abuzz.
Here is Aiden just chillin in his mommy's lap.
Woohoo!!! Playtime!
He wasn't so much into the crown on his head.
Cake time!!

Hmmm not sure what to think yet!Oh, this is good...yum yum sugar!

Happy First Birthday Darling Aiden!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

Everyone was healthy for Christmas this year! YAY! The kids had a great Christmas. Here are some pictures.

I know I didn't take a lot of pictures, but I was having so much fun playing with the kids...

This Time Last Year...

2007-12-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

I was in the Emergency Room with Meredith because she was ill. Fortunately she was okay, but we were concerned because it was the same virus that put Stephen in the hospital on Christmas. Little did I know that a few hours later I would be heading to the hospital to bring little Aiden Matthew into the world. I can't believe it has been a year already.

Now he walks, and "talks". He plays with his big brother and sister. He eats with a spoon and drinks from a sippy cup. My baby is turning into a toddler...where has the time gone!?!

My Present for Myself...

2007-12-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

When we lived on Tybee Island, running was my thing. I lost 20 pounds, and then a move and pregnancy kinda put a stop to it. That and the oppressive heat and humidity of a Georgia summer.

We got a treadmill this summer, so I don't have any excuse to not exercise, but I came up with plenty. However, I found my motivation and a fun little tool. It is the Nike+. It is a sensor that hooks up with my ipod to set my workout and record my workout stats. I then go to a website and can keep track of my workouts!

Stephen and I have a challenge going for 2008. To run a 5K. Here is the kicker. Stephen is a 49er's fan, and I am a Cowboys' fan. We will get jerseys for each team, and if one of us fails to do a 5K by the end of the year we have to wear the other team's jersey. For example. If I fail to run the 5K I have to wear the 49er's jersey. Now, if I do run the 5K. Stephen has to wear the Cowboys' jersey. I think the jersey will look good on him!

Little Aiden is keeping me on my toes! I need to be in shape so I can keep up with him!

A little catching up...

2007-12-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have done a blog entry. The holiday break is upon us, and I have a little more time. I successfully completed my first term at UNM and have a few weeks before I start the next one. Meredith and Devin finished school for 2007 on Friday. Stephen is off of school for the next several days, and Aiden...well, he just goes with the flow!

In October we bought a new car and traveled to Arizona to visit with Stephen's grandparents and aunt and uncle. It was quite a trip.

Here is a picture of our car:
We had just picked him up from the dealership the day before our trip to Arizona.

On the way to Arizona we stopped at the Very Large Array and Pie Town for lunch and (of course) pie! YUMMY!!!

Here is a picture of Meredith and Aiden with their great grandmother in the background:
We paid a visit to Fort Huachuca and stopped in the museums:

At the end of October, Meredith had her first Orchestra Concert. She plays the viola.

In November we moved from a townhome to a house. I like having a front and back yard! I also like having space between us and our neighbors!

Here is cute picture of Aiden pouting:

A week ago we went to the Egypt exhibit at the Albuquerque Museum. We weren't able to take pictures of the exhibit, but here are some pictures of Meredith and Aiden dressed up as Ancient Egyptians.

Finally, Meredith had her Winter Concert for Orchestra.

Well, I think you are about caught up now! Of course we will be taking pictures on Christmas morning. Morgan will be here on Aiden's birthday. We can't wait! We will take pictures then, too!

In the meantime...

Merry Christmas!!!!

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

2007-10-08T16:56:00.002-07:00

There is so much to show I am going to have to post in phases! Here are pictures of the early morning balloon glow.

We got there at 5:15 in the morning, had breakfast burritos and coffee waiting for things to get started and trying to stay warm. It was very cold. Eventually the kids and I (Stephen was working in one of the tents giving chair massages) went out towards the grassy area, and this is what welcomed us:
These balloons are from the Dawn Patrol. They get their balloon going just as the sun is coming up before all of the other balloons get going. It is an incredible sight to see! Here are some more pictures!

As the morning went on, hundreds of balloons took to the sky:

I have a lot more pictures to share with you but I wanted to show you what I had so far! If you are interested in the Albuquerque Balloon Feista here is the link:
www.balloonfiesta.org

It was an incredible experience, and I plan on spending as much time there as possible. If you get the chance, the trip is well worth it!

I will have more later!

Meredith's Birthday Party

2007-08-21T19:02:00.001-07:00

Meredith is 11 years old! Where did the time go?!

We rolled out the red carpet!

This was a Hollywood party! So there were stars everywhere!

Here is Meredith's cake:

Meredith is blowing out her candles. Actually, I think she is enjoying everyone singing to her!

We put a log in the firepit and they sat around and talked...one of them is boy crazy and so the big topic of conversation was boys! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Poor kitties...they wanted to come out and play...but they had to stay inside.
Meredith and her friends had a good time. After they were done with the fire pit they went inside to play video games and eventually they went to sleep.

Stephen and I survived Meredith's first slumber party.

First Days of School...

2007-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Meredith started school Tuesday...here are some pictures of her on her first day. I can't believe she is in Middle School!!! They have a strict dress code. Pants and a collard shirt.
Here is one with her and Devin...Devin still had another day before he started school.
Here is a fun picture of the kids' shadows...

Devin started school the next day. He is in the second grade. Here he is on his first day:

They both seem to like their teachers. Devin's teacher has a lot of energy, and that is important when dealing with Devin. He can exhaust you he has so much energy!!!

The Children's Museum...

2007-07-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

...is one of the coolest places EVER!!! The weather was stormy outside...so we decided to play inside. Here is a picture of the clouds coming in:

Here are Meredith and Devin making sand dunes by taking wind and moving it in different directions:

Here are some more pictures of the kids having fun:

Here is a map of the Rio Grande River. It runs right through Albuquerque.
Aiden hung out in the stroller and enjoyed watching all the people...

But he got tuckered out and fell asleep...

Meredith defied gravity and went for a ride on a bicycle in the air...

This is so cool...this is the elevator! Please forgive the blur...

We had fun with colors...in the following pictures are shadows of the stroller and Meredith:

Devin was having great fun playing with shapes and patterns on the computer:
There was so much to do, and so much to see...we had so much fun. I think this might be a regular place for us to play!

Our Trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon

2007-07-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Finally! I finally have a moment...

So, last Thursday Stephen, Aiden and I went to Flagstaff, AZ to get Meredith and Devin from my parents. It was so nice to see the kids, and I didn't want to let them go! I swear they grew a couple of inches while they were away.

We had dinner at a great restaurant/ brewery called Beaver Street Brewery and Whistle Stop Cafe: http://www.beaverstreetbrewery.com/ . If you are in the Flagstaff area, I highly recommend it!

The next morning we got up early, said goodbye to my parents and went off to the Grand Canyon. Here is what we saw first:

The other side of the canyon is five to eight miles across, and the depth is about a mile down. It is incredible!

Aiden got hungry, so he, Devin and I raced back to the car so I could feed him. Stephen and Meredith took their time. Here is a picture of Meredith with the canyon behind her. She said standing so close made her nervous. I think I might have been nervous too...

Here is a fun little picture of Devin's beautiful eyes (sorry, just a little biased, right?!):

Here are a couple more pictures of the Canyon:

You can see the Colorado River in this picture. It was taken through glass at the Yavapai Overlook.

After a couple of hours it was time to head home. We had a great time, though, and next time we visit (we are about six hours away) I want to go hiking.

For lunch we went back to Flagstaff and ate at the Beaver Street Brewery again...yum! But when we got there, Meredith was asleep and we had to wake her up.

The drive was pretty uneventful until we hit New Mexico and the afternoon showers were starting. We went through one that produced thunder, lightning, and a lot of hail.

We finally got into Albuquerque after nine p.m. It was very nice to be home and have the family complete again.

The Zoo!

2007-07-10T15:07:00.001-07:00

Wow, was it hot today! However, I decided Aiden and I needed to go to the zoo. I am glad we did. It wasn't too crowded, just right, and some of the animals were active earlier on the in the day.

Aiden decided he was hungry right away, so before we started looking at the animals he needed to eat his carrots:

The guerrillas were active this morning chasing each other around. But the Orangutans were quiet and sitting in the shade. I wonder if we were watching this one, or if he was watching us...they aren't the best pictures, but his facial expression was great and he loved the camera. He looked right at me when I put the camera to my face:

Here, Aiden wants to give you a hug...
There are two baby giraffes at the zoo...they are trying to keep cool:
Aiden got tired and decided it was time to nap:

I think the mountain lion had the same idea:

But the African Lions were really relaxed:

The polar bears were trying to keep cool:

By the time we left it was very hot and Aiden was ready to go...I hope you enjoyed the pictures of our zoo trip!

Sunday Evening...

2007-07-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

...and all is quiet. Aiden is sleeping...shhh....

Meredith and Devin are at my parents. Just a few more days and we go get them in Arizona. Here is a picture of them from the 4th when they were still in Oregon...

I think they were having a good time.

We are going to try and go to the Grand Canyon for a few hours on Friday. I am really looking forward to that.

Just a short blog today. I wanted to go to the All Star stuff today, but I don't like going to those places by myself. I would have had Aiden, but still...

Here's to a good week!

Happy Independence Day!

2007-07-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!!!

A Trip to the Museum

2007-07-03T20:21:00.002-07:00

Today was a warm one, so Aiden and I decided it was a good day to go to the Natural History Museum. We had a good time.

This is what greeted us near the entrance:

A Tyrannosaurus Rex found here in New Mexico. I think I am going to have to go fossil hunting. Who knows what I might find!

There were a lot of dinosaurs, including a Seismosaurus:

They believe this is one was approximately 118 feet long and estimated to be 800 years old when it died!! It was found here in New Mexico.

When you enter the museum, you head upstairs on an elevator that "takes you back in time" and you start from the "Big Bang" and go through the different periods, and eras of the Earth, from its formation, to the Iron Catastrophe, to Dinosaurs, the Ice Ages and modern times.

Too cool...I can't wait to take Meredith and Devin.

Hello!

2007-05-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

This is Patti-pourri...a blog. Hey! Everyone else is doing it! I thought it would be a fun way to share our pictures and our adventures with family and friends! If there is anything you can say about our family, I think adventurous would be a good word! We like to get out and go, and we have been to many places across the country. Check back often because as we go on our adventures or do fun things I will share them! Enjoy!!!