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11.18.11 San Diego Wild Animal Park

beckyeversull — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:18:25 +0000

The week before Thanksgiving, Audrey, Britton, and I headed down to San Diego to see the Grandparents (That and Chris was traveling for work for the week). I was a bit worried to travel alone with both kids for the first time, but actually it went really well. I think the key was scheduling the short flight during lunch, that way I was just able to feed both kids on the plane and everyone was happy

Audrey is becoming old hat at the park (Safari Park they call it now…) we seem to go every time we visit (Grandma has passes…)

We saw the gorillas. It was a nice cool day so they were being pretty active.

I was really relating to this female as I was carrying Britton around the park…

We tried to go to the bird show – but Audrey didn’t want to stay, so we got lunch instead.

Britton seems concerned that there wasn’t anything for him to eat…

Happy now – must have found something to eat…

Guess Audrey ate something too, although I am pretty sure it was only chips…

Britton enjoyed being held by Grandma

We had a great time visiting the Grandparents!! We can’t wait to head down again for Christmas!!

Halloween

beckyeversull — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 04:07:27 +0000

So this year for Halloween I figured it was probably the last time that I would have license to decide for Audrey what she would be – so I decided against princesses, faeries, and Disney, and decided to aim for something a bit more, well, Halloween – a black Spider! (Her favorite song at the time was ‘Itsey Bitsey Spider’).

Audrey hanging out with our awesome neighbor Clay before going out for an event (notice the black pants – this was the original incarnation – but it turned out to be pretty warm on Halloween, so we adjusted…)
At first I couldn’t get Audrey to put her costume on – however, after wearing it a while I couldn’t get her to take it off

We headed out trick o treating in our neighborhood with our friends from the park (Josie and Oliver, and Eli)

The costume!

We remembered to bring the orange bucket, however I didn’t ever quite convince her to actually say Trick or treat – next year maybe.

Eli was a bear

Josie was a superhero!

wait where is Oliver?

yep – the graveyard!
It might not have been the busiest trick or treating area in Palo Alto, but we had a great time with our friends in our neighborhood in College Terrace…

10.28.11 Audrey at the Park

beckyeversull — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 03:47:42 +0000

Charity (my Sister) informed me the other day that I am woefully behind in my blogging. Of course I think her main goal may have been to see more pictures of Britton, so I will try and get there, but to start with, we have Audrey at the park…

Mainly I would like to point out that she is very stylish:

-Replete with primary colors and a very stylish hat (well, sometimes you have to take the hat off to slide)

-

1 month with Britton

beckyeversull — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 05:21:48 +0000

So Britton turned 1 month old this Monday. At his appointment on Tuesday he was 22 inches long and 10 lbs 13 oz – so no longer 97th percentile – but he is still around the 80th

Audrey seems to be adjusting to having her very own baby brother. In the first week after we came home, whenever I handed off Britton to Chris or Audrey’s Grandma, she would tell them “Give that back to Mama!” Now she is asking to hold him (on the sofa on a pillow) and always wants to change his diaper. She is also very helpful with instruction – telling him “No crying baby Britton!” (Well, it is what we tell her after all).

So I finally got to take some pictures of Britton – sadly no naked baby pics, he still is hanging on to the umbilical cord…

Lots of hair – straight brown hair – pretty sure it is my hair – only fair I think…

And blue eyes – not that he opened them for my photo shoot…

Any ideas which ones I should use for birth announcement – or what additional photos I should try to get?

I just love his scrunched up face here – so cute!!

Yep – I did feet…

And, just because she is STILL so darn cute:

Yep – pretty darn cute!

Britton

beckyeversull — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:14:51 +0000

britton david eversull

born 9.19.11
weight 9 lbs 7 oz
length 20 inches

Helping Mom with Pizza …

beckyeversull — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 04:54:06 +0000

Audrey is so grown up these days – She thought that she would help out with the pizza…

Yes, she really believes in doing things with style – notice the heels…

Also, yes, she is standing on a box, and no – I didn’t help her get up there – I did, however, run for the camera once I saw her (Note – this was actually a few weeks ago – I just downloaded the pictures today.)

Quick Strawberry Lemon Marmalade

beckyeversull — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:10:26 +0000

So, after an initial 2 jam trial run at Chris’ Mom’s house a couple of weeks ago (Raspberry-cherry jam and Red current Raspberry Jam) and since we have already gone through a jar and a half of the jam we brought home – I decided to attempt a solo effort during Audrey’s nap today. I should have know that as soon as I attempted something productive she would decide to wake up…

Since it is a Marmalade, the first step was to cut thin strips of lemon peel and then boil them to soften. I have no idea if I did the strips right… I tried to get as little of the white part on as possible, and then cut the strips pretty small.

The next step involved 4 cups of hulled and crushed strawberries. Again I was guessing, but (as I didn’t have an actual strawberry crusher) I decided that the muddler was just the tool for the job.

Looking pretty tasty to me at this point. The recipe said to use a large Stainless Steel pan – and this is the largest one that I own – sadly as this was only half of the strawberries (and none of the sugar – 6 cups seriously) I decided it wasn’t going to fit.

Presumably they just wanted something non-reactive so my enamel dutch oven should work fine (seemed to).

It doesn’t look quite as pretty at this point…

I was kind of running out of counter space – someday I could use a larger kitchen … or perhaps a sous-chef to clean up after me…

(Note: Audrey does not count as a Sous-Chef – she manages to create additional mess – especially from the spice drawer. I had to send her over to bother Chris Whenever I was handling hot Marmalade or Jars for safety – Thanks Chris!)

The recipe made about 8 jars of Marmalade, but it turns out that my stock pot isn’t as big as I thought (it only fit 6 at a time so I had to do 2 batches). I was, however, pretty excited to hear the little pops as the jars sealed while they were cooling on the counter.

(Totally gratuitous picture of Audrey – just because she is really cute).
Anyhow, although I can’t see any of the peel in the finished marmalade – Chris and I tried the finished product (well, the foamy part that you skim from the top) and it is pretty lemony and quite good! So far I love the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving (Thanks for the recommendation Jamie and Sam).
Anyhow, this ought to keep us in PB&J for a few more weeks…

Days 16 & 17 – Prague

beckyeversull — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:38:11 +0000

For some reason I have always wanted to go to Prague – so I was excited when this trip we had a chance to visit. In retrospect I didn’t really know much about the history of the city – but I was right that it is very beautiful!

We left from Dresden a bit early (and convinced that we could have enjoyed another couple of days there).

We may have had a little more luggage than you strictly enjoy lugging up and down stairs, and on and off of trains – but the train ride itself was only about 2 hours – not bad at all.

The scenery was pretty nice (the view out the window too – the train stays right on the river pretty much the entire way.)
When we reached our hotel in Prague – we discovered the two things that made the hotel for us – the lady who ran it (seriously she was amazing – nice, helpful and friendly) and – yes, in the lobby a room full of toys for the children to play with!

After settling in for a bit – we went out to explore the city. Our helpful hotel had pointed out just in the river is ‘children’s island’ a little island connected by bridge to the main, that is pretty much a really large playground. It was our first stop.

They had some interesting play structures – like this bike-go-round – such that we had never seen before.

Mostly though it was swings, and climbing structures that children everywhere appreciate. Sadly, Maddie bemoaned the lack of monkey bars – (I remember Jane complaining about that in Rome too – they must be an American playground phenomenon…

After playing we continued our walk through the city (looking for Bankomats all the while – the one annoying thing about Prague is that it isn’t in the Euro-zone. I had forgotten how annoying it is to have to change currency (and mindset) when you cross a border!)

There was some beautiful detailing built into the stone and sometimes added as mosaics on the buildings.

The river was beautiful – and it was warm enough that we really just wanted to be able to jump right in!

We finally made it to the Charles bridge – the oldest and most famous bridge in Prague (and certainly the most overrun with tourists!)

Finally! A Bankomat! (Turns out that we had walked past many of them in our neighborhood early in the day – before we had started looking for them)

We stopped for gelato – not our best – but Maddie was taking a nap and hence missed it – so Alie had to get her an ice cream at the grocery store where we stopped for supplies on the way back.

Only showers again – I guess Audrey was ok with it

The next morning (Saturday) we headed out to tour the city.

After stopping for supplies (eat early eat often you know)
we climbed up to Prague castle

It was a lot of stairs!
We reached the square at the top right at noon and there was a huge crowd. We think that the guards were parading.

We stayed to watch for a bit – but we couldn’t see much…

Next we walked into Prague castle and stopped in the cathedral.

It is hard to get a good picture because it is so big, but closely surrounded by other buildings within the castle. Apparently this is how the Cathedral of Notre Dame was many years ago – but when the restored it (Victor Hugo’s time) they tore the rest of the buildings down so it is now more visable.
Inside the Cathedral is very dramatic

with some beautiful stained glass windows.

Yet another nice example of mid-evil architecture.
There were even gargoyles/grotesques and flying buttresses

Before we headed out I had done some research on what to see (until Audrey unplugged my computer a couple of times and I gave up) – anyhow, one of the things that I came across was a Museum about the collection of a private family (everyone on tripadvisor loved it) – apparently the best part was the audio tour – read by members of the family telling family stories. I had given up on the idea as Audrey won’t let us (well Chris) listen to an Audio tour while he is carrying her. However, we just happened to come across the museum in the castle while Audrey was asleep – we took advantage and went.

It was very interesting. Among the displays were original manuscripts by Mozart (whom one of the relatives had sponsored) including several that where dedicated to him.

The view was also rather spectacular – this is just after we exited the museum – Audrey had really good timing as to when to wake up…
We walked down the hill from the castle and crossed the river (this is the view of the Charles bridge from the one we crossed at – Manesuv bridge – just north). I should note – while the Charles was absolutely teeming with tourists and people trying to sell them things – all of the other bridges were very nice and quite calm.
We wondered around town a but trying to find lunch (I was of course STARVING – I don’t think Chris was hungry).

This was some awesome detail on a building that we passed.
We ended up having lunch in a pizza place in the expensive shopping district (across from Prada) due to desperation – it was ok – but not great. We then headed over to look at the Jewish Cemetery. Have I mentioned this was Saturday? Yes – it was closed. We headed south through the old city to try and find the photography museum and saw many of the sights along the way.

astrological clock on the side of a church

Overall Prague is just a really beautiful city – this was the view from the street where the Photography museum was supposed to be – we never did find it…

We did stop for some Gelato along the way – Audrey really liked her spoon

After we gave up and headed back to our hotel Chris stayed in (he had some work to do) and Audrey and I walked down to the river to feed the swans (stale bread given to us by our awesome hotel lady) and visit the playground.

If you notice – in the background of this picture there is a cafe – it was right between the 2 playground areas. The idea is brilliant – refreshments and a place to sit for parents while their kids play. The fact that a lot of what they serve is alcoholic probably wouldn’t make the plan go over too well in the states though…

They also had sit on spring thingies (not sure what to call them) some of Audrey’s fav things…
At about 7 Audrey and I headed back to the hotel to get Chris and meet Steve and Alie for dinner. (When we got there Audrey got back in her stroller and announced “Eat … Pizza” – have I mentioned that she has been eating quite a bit of pizza?
Anyhow, this turned into kind of a boondoggle. We headed over to the tram to get quickly up to the Charles Bridge – but there was a stopped tram across the street (headed the other direction) and no trams showed up our direction… (after waiting about 15 or 20 min (and watching them haul off the stalled tram) we decided to walk – Chris didn’t have his phone, and I ended up dropping mine – causing it to reset – needing to have the pin re-entered (an annoying part of Pre-paid sims in Europe) I of course had the pin – back at the hotel. So we hightailed it towards the bridge – but it took forever by the time we got there they were pretty much finished (and I was more concerned about finding a still open grocery store so we had food for the 7 hour train trip first thing in the morning) so we didn’t stay (stupid phone – If I hadn’t dropped it we could have just sent a text!)
Anyhow, we caught a tram on the way back – but the wrong one (my fault again)! Eventually we did find an open grocrey store in the mall – it was HUGE!

It even had an escalator sort of thing that somehow gripped the cart wheels (look mom – no hands).
After getting tons of food – we headed back to our hotel and warmed up pasta in red sauce (that I made Audrey for dinner the night before) she ate tons of it.

Overall Prague was a very beautiful city! I think that there is probably much more to do than we did in our 1.5 ish days, but we enjoyed what we did – and our hotel was great!

Day 15 – Dresden – Walking tour,VW Glass Factory, New Masters Gallery and the best sushi in Dresden

beckyeversull — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:53:48 +0000

On our second morning in Dresden we got off to a bit of a late start – but a cute one. Audrey got to wear one of her new German dresses.

When we did get out we decided to take ourselves on the self guided walking tour that we had downloaded to the kindle. It started in Theater platz facing the back side of the horse statue – but did look up from there.

In the Zwimer we learned that this is know as the crown gate.

This clock is surrounded by the white bells made of Meissen porcelain. They still ring 3 times a day. (you see the white bells on either side of the window below the clock).
It is also where the Porcelain Museum is housed (although we didn’t go).

This is the largest Porcelain mural in the world (I think). The images are a procession of the Saxon rulers of Dresden through history. Interestingly – because the tiles were fired so hot in their creation, the mural all but escaped the fire bombing unscathed.
The Catholic cathedral is beautiful.

While mostly historic

it also has some more modern pieces – meant to honor the victims of the firebombing.

I believe they regularly have organ concerts that you can attend (Wednesdays and Saturdays) – but it was Thursday.

I decided this is the floor I want for my (someday) kitchen

After completing our waking tour we met up with Steve and Alie for lunch (well, there was some confusion, we thought it was the Catholic Church, but they were talking about the Protestant Church.
And on to our tour of the Volkswagen Glass Factory!

It is pretty amazing – we couldn’t take pictures inside, but you get to watch as workers assemble the top of the line VWs by hand, but in an incredibly automated process.

The Phaton – the car they make

Chris got comfortable in one

Audrey is ready for her first car please

She would like black or desert Grey

It is crazy, since each car is custom ordered, you not only can pick every detail, but if you want the wood trim to be made from your own cherry tree – well they can do that.

yep – Audrey was a fan

Next we went to a big park right next to the factory.

Audrey and Chris ‘chillaxing’
After a bit in the park we headed to the new masters gallery for a quick viewing. I think we did it in about half an hour – but we saw the highlights and enjoyed it. Particularly a few Degas (they have ‘little dancer’ there) and the random chance of a Picasso (I said, wow, that really looks like the style of Picasso – and it actually was an original).
Afterwards, we met Steve and Alie and the girls and headed across the river to look for some dinner in the ‘new town’ (founded in 1400)

On the way we found a fountian that the girls played in:

This is when I knew it was time to move on – Audrey started coming out of the fountain to give me a sopping wet hug!
During the fountain entertainment Chris had managed to get a recommendation for the ‘best sushi in Dresden’ from the concierge at a nice hotel (near the fountain) – it was a bit of a walk still (into a very interesting neighborhood that we dubbed the Berkley of Dresden – a much younger clientèle over there) – however, it seems that the concierge that Chris asked was correct – the Sushi was really good – and totally worth the walk. On the way home we (of course) had to stop for ice cream (sundays this time) so it was a very nice ending to our day.)

Day 14 – Dresden

beckyeversull — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:49:13 +0000

So, previous to this trip, my entire body of knowledge concerning Dresden came from reading Slaughterhouse-five and learning a bit of the history of the fire bombing. However, it turns out Dresden is a beautiful city (still working on rebuilding) with some historic and some modern elements.

So, to get to Dresden we took a 2 hour train ride from the main Berlin Station. We were running a bit late, so the two train trip to get to the station was a little stressful – but we made it with a bit of time to spare. Unfortunately this didn’t leave a lot of time for ‘eat early eat often’ so by the time we reached the station in Dresden I was melting down. However,the kids were ok:

This was at the restaurant in the train station where we stopped to eat. They were more prepared for kids than I have ever seen. I don’t think that we actually got Audrey to eat anything – but she was very happy! Right up until we left – she didn’t want to let the train go

After checking in to our hotel we headed out to see Dresden – we started at the Zwinger.
Notice Chris is using my kindle – we downloaded a PDF about Dresden and were reading it on the way…
Audrey managed to fall asleep on the way there and slept through the Master’s Gallery – perhaps the most famous museum in Dresden (although as it was all pre 1800s stuff – really not my favorite).
The Zwinger also houses an armory museum and the porcelain museum – but we didn’t make it to either of those.

Audrey was awake by the time we left the old Masters Gallery;

She was pretty happy post nap.

We caught up with Steve and Alie again in Theater Platz (just outside of the Zwinger courtyard.

Audrey had fun running around with Emmie

She has just gotten to the stage where she has started to do this really floppy run – lots of bouncing up and down – it is really cute!

Maddie is a bit more grown up!

This is the oldest bridge across the river.

It seams like all good European cities have a river running through them.
I think Audrey is making sure her tummy is still there

Some of the statues and stone blocks making up the buildings are really blackened – we think this is resultant of the firebombing..

There is just some really beautiful architecture whether original or rebuilt.

My cute family!

We decided to stop for dinner at this cute walking street.

Apparently if you want to sit outside you really need a reservation so we ended up at a table inside at a Tapas restaurant.

I had a virgin Mojito, and Chris had rubarb juice – both were really good.

We may have ordered a bit more food than we needed

Not the worst problem ever

As in Berlin, some of my favorite architecture is the juxtiposition of old and new. Stone and glass.

I think this exemplifies it really well.
What must have been a stone basilica has been replaced with glass – and the glass of the transport museum (I think) is the building that you see in front of the church.

The sunset was beautiful over the city

It was beautiful on Audrey as well

We really couldn’t avoid a slight photo shoot

Interestingly – in Berlin, everyone that we told that we were planning to come to Dresden was incredibly enthusiastic. It is a fairly big tourist attraction – but apparently mostly for Europeans – while we did run into a few Americans – each group told us that we were the only ones they had encountered. We think that more Americans should make it up here – it really is a beautiful city! Perhaps we will start by trying to convince my parents to come – what do you think – Mom, Dad?