Mike, Jill, Lucy, & Wubie!

Lucy: (yelling) “Aaaaaaaah, YOGURT!”
Mom: “You’re screaming at your yogurt cup?”
Lucy: (calmly) “Yes, it won’t open.”
— another conversation overheard at the dinner table

2010.08 Friday Night Movies from Mike C on Vimeo.

Last night we went to Los Altos for a movie night. It was pretty neat. The city shut down a section of Main Street, set up a screen, and propped up a movie projector. In addition to this, they also brought in a jumpy house, a couple of slides, balloons, etc.. Needless to say, Lucy gave all of this a very hearty approval.

The kid had a blast, running from slide to jumpy house to slide again. She also got a balloon (in the shape of a pink bunny of course) and some body art. I managed to shoot some video. Hopefully,  Jill will be posting some pics too.

Going to the Snow from Mike C on Vimeo.

We spent the weekend in Grass Valley with Lucy’s grandparents. Lucy had been looking forward to the trip all week, especially our Saturday trek to Soda Springs where she’d be able to play in the snow.

Lucy got her first taste of snow last year. However, she wasn’t really prepared for that encounter. Her excitement dissipated quickly once she realized how cold and wet snow could be.

However, this year was very different. Lucy’s three now, a grizzled veteran compared to the two year old rookie we plopped into the snow last year. This time she had a much better idea of what to expect. We also planned things a bit better, making sure to bring along a snow sled for the kid.

In this video you’ll see us all having a great time in the snow. Lucy’s excitement can be quite infectious that way. Also, if you watch the whole video, you just might catch a special moment where Lucy and her Gpa cut the rug together. Fun stuff.

Grass Valley Visit from Mike C on Vimeo.

We spent last weekend with Tom and Karen in Grass Valley. This is the (25 minute!) video. Some highlights:

• Lucy playing in the “ladybug pool”
• Lucy, Tom, and Karen putting on a talent show
• Lucy saying “Hi” to her Auntie Janie
• Lucy finding frogs while exploring a creek

For pics, please refer to Jill’s post.

Music:

• ‘”Mose Rager Blues” from Country Guitar Thunder by Merle Travis & Joe Maphis
• “Words Unspoken” and “Tin Roof” from The Crow—New Songs For The 5-String Banjo by Steve Martin
• “Gone” from Guitar Country by Chet Atkins
• “Understand Your Man, “Catch the Wind“, and “Blowin’ in the Wind” from More of That Guitar Country by Chet Atkins
• “Ground Speed” from Foggy Mountain Banjo by Flatt & Scruggs
• “Black Mountain Rag” from The Essential Chet Atkins by Chet Atkins

Oregon Visit from Mike C on Vimeo.

We spent Sept 16 – 21 in Oregon. Here’s a (16 minute HD) video of our time there, including a get-together with my brother and his family.

The majority of the video was taken around Corvallis. We didn’t really get any Portland footage this time, so we’ll have to address that the next time we go back.

For more info, check out Jill’s earlier post about our trip.

Music:

• “Someday My Prince Will Come” from Someday My Prince Will Come by Miles Davis
• “Little Wing” from The Sky Is Crying by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Lucy visited her Grandma Karen and Grandpa Tom this weekend, and had lots of fun.

Below are some pics from our visit.

Lucy and Gma share a secret…

Wheeling the “quad” around the kitchen…after this she opened every cupboard and drawer, took out pots and pans to play with, and measuring cups to sort.

She loves playing with the great variety of toys at their house, courtesy of her bigger cousin, especially the quad (above) and the drum. She wheeled all over the house and the yard, and serenaded us with drumming each morning.

At the park on the slide with Daddy; Gpa poses by the double helix ladder.

Lucy got to see her first riverbed up close…

and wade in the water.

She also got to touch a tiny toad…and a much bigger one.

Unfortunately my camera fell in the water just after this small toad, so the big toad will just have to wait for Mike’s fabulous video footage!

Thanks to Gma and Gpa for their generous hospitality and a wonderful weekend!

We visited family in Oregon recently, and had a wonderful time.

Once we all converged there were aunties, uncle, cousins and grandma, and Lucy loved having a full house to entertain…she regaled them with songs over and over. I think she already misses the attention!

Here are some pics from our trip…thanks so much for having us!

p.s. this may end up being part one of a two-parter, stay tuned.

Our hosts…and the birthday boy.

relaxing on the patio

playing in the fountain along the river in downtown Corvallis

dandelion hunting in the park

three generations explore a new store…and local wildlife in a yard

One downside to the lush greenery…it’s a rich habitat for spiders. Eww.