The Adventures of the Nomadic Kerby Clan

We are now in Week 5 of our California Adventure. So far, it has gone pretty well. It has been full of family, friends, and activity with everyone in good health for the most part- yeah! The first week we spent at Jake's parents for Thanksgiving. Ben became quite attached to one of those stupid singing fish things. It started out as down right terror and quickly moved to obsession. As soon as he walks in their house, he asks for the fish and walks around swaying and saying, "Be happy". Jake and I are wondering if "Don't Worry, Be Happy" will ever leave our heads.

The second week Jake and I spent in Mexico while the boys stayed with my parents. We had an amazing time, filled with lots of relaxing and lots of reading for me. If you haven't read, The Kindness of Strangers yet, and are looking for a good (but very intesnse) read, pick it up! It is a good one.

The boys also had a great week, including two sleep overs with their cousins. Kudos to my parents and Paul and Amy for braving those! They say the kids were great and very easy so I am thankful. The third week, we bounced back and forth between our parents, ending the week with a trip to Disneyland. Jake's uncle is a volunteer fire fighter there and they get free passes and invited us. It was a very fun (and cheap) day. One mistake we made, though, was taking Lucas on Mr Toad's Wild Ride early in the day. As adults, Jake and I forgot how scary that ride can be and lucas flipped- total sensory overload. I am still wondering why these rides need to be so stinking loud. Not only is it a lot to see, but man you are seeing and hearing everything so intensely, it is totally overwhelming. Needless to say, after that, anytime we went indoors for anything, Lucas freaked. He didn't want to get himslef trapped in another scary situation, and obviously felt he couldn't trust us anymore, when we said it wouldn't be scary. He bolted out of the Tiki Room before the show even started and had to be talked down before riding the boat for "It's A Small World". I know I am making this out to be an awful day, but besides a few moment of terror for Lucas, it was really fun. We took in a parade, then went over to CA Adventure for another parade and some outdoor, kid friendly rides...and Tower of Terror. :) No we didn't take the kids on that one.

This week we have been at my parent's house enjoying some time with all the cousins. My sister came into town with her two boys so it has been a zoo around here- very fun! Ben LOVES the babies and is a great entertainer for them. It has been so fun to have them all together.

This past weekend, we spent in Carlsbad with some old friends. It was so nice to just relax and catch up. We had an amazing weekend and couldn't have asked for better weather.


Ben and Max building sand castles:

Nick, Cope, and Ben:
Ben enjoying a nice day on the deck:
Lucas was here too but due to constipation, was not available for pictures. Poor guy! :(

Hola from Mexico!

Jake and I are currently enjoying a much needed vacation in Merida Mexico! It has been so nice to just relax, explore a new city, eat, eat some more, and read. I kept telling Jake before we left that I was just giddy about being able to be on a plane and read the entire time, and not The Hungry Caterpillar or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, but an actual book! Of course we get on the plane and my seat is next to this girl whose expression reads, "I am looking for a new friend and I choose you!" I have to say that I was more than happy to switch seats when a new mom wanted a window seat. Bye Bye Chatty Cathy!! 

Yesterday was our first day here and it was so fun to just walk around and figure this new place out. We got lucky and found some amazing places to eat (I love food!)) for lunch and dinner- real Mexican food!!! As you can possibly imagine, South Dakota is lacking in the Mexican food department. Anyway, today's plan includes me, a book, and poolside as  Jake will be in meetings most of the morning. I am loving this sunshine!!!