The Dichmann Family Blog

Birthday letters..... Not the ones you get in the mail

2011-04-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Michael's M's......
Wax paper on cookie sheets, multiple M's written with white candy melts in a squeeze bottle and sprinklered with sprinklers before the M's cool off. I think I made over 50!

Diet advice

2011-03-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is trying to lose some weight. She asked me for some advice and this is what I said

Do you know what one of my New Year's Resolutions was......

It's ok to be hungry. I'm not gonna starve.

Did you know that I gave up French fries for an ENTIRE year! AND when my kids were young! It can be done, just make up your mind!

Here's a great idea

Only eat treat's on days that start with S, no exceptions........

Water, Water, Water........ Yuk I KNOW!!! Smart water does taste better and I feel better on that. TJ's makes their own smart water that tastes good too and is cheaper.

Costco has these great snap containers for smaller servings. Great for peanut butter, hummus, granola and cheese slices.

Great snack choices

Cheese and crackers (not kraft cheese, something YOU need to slice)
gouda & milton crackers ( only pack 4 slices & 6 crackers) That's my fav.   Cheddar and wheat thins are fine too, just leave the box at home!
Yogurt & granola (greek with honey and that delicious pumpkin seed granola from TJ's, I don't add all the honey...... too sweet)
banana (boring but very effective) TJ's has chocolate covered bananas
hummus & one pita slice (pita bread freezes well so you can grab one for you and not let the entire bag spoil)
1/2 half real peanut butter on whole wheat bread (unfortunately you'll want the other half, but you won't have it with you!)
oooooo apple slices and peanut butter, delicious!
bag of raw almonds
slices of oranges
Cup of soup ( TJ's has this red bell pepper soup that is amazing!!! 1 cup is like 60 calories) (you'll feel like you are cheating it's so good!)
one slice of toast with avocado
avocado and crackers LOVE THIS!!! (Brisco's sells cheap avocados).    avocado's are UBER good for you!!!

Find a bread that you like. You can freeze it and take a slice as you need it. Bob and I eat the whole wheat, orowheat from costco.
About peanut butter, no jiff or skippy, get the real stuff. Costco sells Laura Scutters, but so does Albertsons in a smaller size. TJ's has their own brand too.

Fast food

If you must, and sometimes we must.
DON'T order your own fries. NEVER!!! Don't do it, you'll eat them!! ; )
I always ask each of my kids for a fry donation. Some are more generous than others but I get my fix.
My favourite fast food burger is........ Carl's Famous Star no cheese, no pickle ( LOVE IT) , however regardless where I eat my burger I only eat the top of the bun and slide the bottom along as I eat it.   (except for the Carl's famous...... I really just love it, don't tell Melissa!!! She hates Carls)
Also Carl's has a great low cal, low fat chicken sandwich, the BBQ chicken sandwich. There's no mayo, no cheese just grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce. It's good...... not the famous star but a great alternative.

Taco bell - Cindy Crawford while pregnant ate the bean and cheese burrito. And that's what I get..... Can you see the similarities!!? (WHATEVER!!) Don't get any meat there? You can add extra veggies like lettuce and tomato, hold the sour cream (drat!) And only order that for yourself.

Mcdonald's (I've completely boycotted, but I don't have little ones so I get it) & the soda's are cheap. next time you go through the drive through ask for a nutrition guide. They have a grill chicken sandwich and some salads, but I found them BORING and felt like a heifer chewing through the stuff. But find something you like and stick with it and NO FRIES! McDonald's are my FAVOURITE FRIES! FAVOURITE!!!! Don't do it!

Jack in the Box has my VERY FAVOURITE healthy snack!!!!!! Chicken Fajita Pita with extra salsa please!! One is not enough but only order one!!! & No fries. I really do like their curly fries. Talk one of your kids into getting one (they are more pricey) and ask for a donation. You will not be disappointed....... unless you eat the whole container.

El Pollo Loco - I LOVE THIS CHICKEN..... Thank goodness the closest one is in Santa Maria. I don't eat the sides. Just chicken salsa and tortilla (corn, it's better for you) No cheese!

And here's something that I just recently discovered. I am more hungry and edgy when I drink Diet Coke. When I quit diet coke and then cut WAY back on my calories. I didn't mind being hungry. But then I had a treat..... I gave myself a diet coke and was still eating a low calorie diet and I was jittery and I minded being hungry........ I wanted to eat the kitchen cabinets! And I was mean. It seemed that when I was hungry and not on diet coke I was more patient, not so much whilst riding high on diet coke!

This is a good start. The key is consistency, consistency, and a degree of will power! If you finished college, you can do this! You didn't give up and it was really hard at times! And it's okay to be hungry. And it's okay to cheat. But you have to tell yourself you can't cheat until you've lost a certain amount. It'll be worth it and it'll be hard!

And this is just the food part........exercise is just as important. Start with something small, like a mile a day...... for 4 days. And find someone to do it with! Be accountable to a workout buddy. I would love to be that buddy, but I'm in training and my time is precious,....... sorry, blunt but true!

Find a really fun playlist! When I am hiking with Bob, I still bring my ipod and have it in 1 ear. The rhythm keeps me moving faster than I want to go. Pick a time of day and don't give in.

I put my workout clothes on first think in the morning. That way I don't have to change again and I'm halfway committed.

And something I just started since I've increased my training for that stupid race. Dry Shampoo. I can't wash my hair everyday! I don't have the time, but I didn't want sweaty head grossness! So I found this dry shampoo. Saved me tons of time and I don't have to figure washing my hair into my getting ready time. And honestly my hair looks better and is healthier for it. But not everyone can do that. I have a friend who thinks it's just gross. She's never said that...... but I can just tell...... I can take a five minute shower and be ready in 15 minutes.

I cannot stress the important of exercise. You can lose weight with a diet change, but adding exercise not only helps with weight loss it helps with stronger bones, healthier heart and lungs. You have to make it a part of life, like eating and breathing. It has to be a priority or it will not happen. No everyone can afford a gym, but that works for me. I have a class that I have been attending for 10 years. 9 o'clock M - F. I have friends there and it's a priority. I don't schedule anything else during that time. I'm lucky that I can do that time, but I tell you because you need to find a time. 6 am does not work for me. Evening's don't work for me. 9 am is my time. It's perfect. Sometimes it doesn't work out, but I find time to do something else. 2 o clock on Tuesdays, My sitter takes my kids to piano. I go walking to the village. I don't get as much reading done as I'd like and I love to read, but exercise is a bigger priority for me.

Cash is tight, but have you checked out fitness 19. They have a M W F plan for like 10 dollars a month. Go on the elliptical for 30 minutes...... boom done and they open very early! Drink diet coke from a can and not buy at the donut store. That is at least 10 dollar savings. (I preferred soda fountain much more than can. but I found a reusable cup with a straw that I liked and it was better) 7/11 refills are 99 cents.

Let me know what you think. This are just some things that work for me. I will nag you! You are a beautiful woman, inside and out! Don't beat yourself up! You are busy and have young kids. If you are disciplined you can lose weight fast, but small changes can make a difference too, just slower.

BE SUPER COMMITTED UNTIL YOU LOSE 10 POUNDS!!!

I'll be stalking you until you do this. Do you have a empty journal that you can dedicate to this endeavor? I have one if you want one.

Good Luck
Your own personal NAG!

Happy Birthday Lucie!!

2011-01-21T16:46:00.000-08:00

It's my sister's Birthday today! Happy Birthday Lucie! I love my sister so much. When we are together we laugh until we cry. We hardly see each other but when we get together it's like no time has passed between us! My sister is on the right with her youngest son in the middle and our niece, Shanie, on the left.

This is my sister at another one of her son's wedding. That's Derek, isn't he so handsome with his lovely wife Robin. And I can't forget Jerry, Lucie's husband.

I'm trying to make all my gifts this year and this is what showed up at my sisters door for her birthday!

Cute, huh! I hope she likes it!

Crafty weekend for New Years

2011-01-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

We had some friends over for New Year's Eve. There were activities for the kids and the adults, but not for a few teenage girls. So I checked out some blogs and got a few ideas and set up a table.

I saw a cute jewelry holder from thirtyhandmadedays and a great LOVE idea from Amy Butler's free patterns online. I found some free 70's fonts online and plugged those into my "Sure Cuts Alot" and waala!

I'm not sure this is where they'll end up, but for now it's a good place. I even had some supplies left over for my Saturday Night babysitter to make a smaller set. I think Leena's are so adorable. I like the smaller size!!!

I've tried to rotate this photo....... but alas, tilt your head please.

My Jewelry holder is not finished. I need to buy more dowels. We used all of them on New Year's eve. But cute, eh!

Happy New Year!

Things I would never say to my friends!

2010-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever say something to your children and then stop a minute to think about what just came out of your mouth? Like, "take the dinosaur out of the toilet!" I would never say something like that to my friends. Let's take today for example, "Michael! Get out of the dryer!" Again something I wouldn't say to my friends.

Hawaii & Eclipse

2010-07-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

I finally made it!

2010-06-23T23:15:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the last school year I met an amazing person. I was new to the school and didn't know anyone. I volunteered to serve pizza to the kids on Wednesdays with another mom, Lindsey Chaney. Well let me tell you....! She is quite talented and an inspiration to me. When I went to her house, she had this FANTASTIC "Family Rules" canvas that she made herself. I asked if I could take a picture to copy at home. I immediately bought blank canvas (well it was on sale at Michael's & how often does that happen! Guess what, now I know, canvas goes on sale a lot....), anyway. I had the canvas laying around my house for months and finally....

I didn't do family rules, like Lindsey, but I used President Gordon B. Hinkley's B's. It's very colourful! I don't think it's as nice as Lindsey's but its a good effort! Check out Lindsey's blog "thepleatedpoppy" She shows off all her cool crafts and sells some of it too! Happy browsing & some shopping too!

Pie, Pie, Pie & a very large nephew!

2010-06-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

My friends and I went out for a birthday girls night out and we're terribly frugal. You see we went to Marie Callenders for dessert. And heres the conundrum, one slice $4.99 or an entire pie for $6.99 AND our waiter was in a contest on how many pies he could sell! Well, being the frugal women that we are and willing to help the competitive spirit of our waiter, we each bought an entire pie!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

And what other wonders appear in my life, but a surprise visit from my nephew. LOOK at him, He's huge! Like 6'1" and 18 years old just graduated from high school. Congratulations Jonathon!

Abby never left his side! She adores him!

June Wedding

2010-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

My friend got married this weekend. She looked beautiful. And the day went off without a hitch, or should I say with a hitch....... Mr. & Mrs Bradley Boulton were hitched! HAHAHA!
Anyway it was beautiful. The Bridal shower I had a few days back was for Abby and I made this banner for her shower and WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT! She used it for her reception!

The dessert table was amazing......You could get all the whip cream you wanted! You served yourself!

She even had cookie jars. 3 of them! and who did I find with their hands in the cookie jar!!!

We all had a good time!

Congratulations Abby & Brad!

The Piano Man

2010-05-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

This is what my middle child likes to do in his PJ's

And he is quite good!

And this is what my oldest likes to do in his PJ's......

but I won't let him!

This is our Family timeline from our first year of a Classical Education! Isn't it sooooo cool!

Can you see the change from BC to AD? That's around Jesus' birth. We studied about ancient history and the beginning of Christianity. Our required reading was out of the New Testament. We used Holy Scriptures for our school study! And look what else, we even included Book of Mormon stories on our family timeline! How happy am I....... off the Richter scale!

More painting and crafting at the Dichmann's

2010-05-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

We love to paint! Kirsi's brother, Matt was coming home from his 2 year mission. We like to make posters to welcome the homesick missionaries when they get off the plane. And so Abby and I got out the paints!

See the strawberries in the lower left! Do you see remnants of our timeline on the wall behind the poster? This is a great day for homeschooling!

And since we have been homeschooling we do many projects. Here Kirsi is helping Michael paint his ancient Roman aqueduct. I'm not sure who is having more fun, Kirsi or Michael.

Party at my House

2010-05-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine is getting married and I volunteered to have a bridal shower at my house. And then I started looking at my house differently..... What a mess! It's been years since I've done anything new to the decor. I saw many things that needed changing with my new eyes. The first, my kitchen window. It is a beautiful window, with an AMAZING view.

However, during the summer the sun sets right into my kitchen. During our first summer living here, we wore sunglasses while eating supper. There are wooden blinds and hotel grade shades through out the house, but the kitchen window is too large and unique for any professional coverage. You see there is an arch on the top. Any way, I set out to make my own blind with velcro. I did this 8 years ago.

It attaches with velcro and I hate it! I have always hated it but it served it's purpose. So now with the party approaching and the time of day that I choose to have the party forced me to do something different.

I saw these GREAT blinds at Smith & Noble, pretty pricey and the arch would have to go (be covered). Maybe one day I can get those blinds, but the party is right around the corner. I was looking for an easy way out. I looked at duvet covers and sheet patterns, but I couldn't find what I was looking for until I hit the shower curtain section.

My friend the bride to be needed a shower curtain and her wedding theme is "Nature". This is a bare tree and I added colourful pattern fabric leaves that I cut with my Cricut (well someone else's Cricut, I now own my own!!!) When my bride friend left after the shower I put her new shower curtain in a box with the rest of her shower memorabilia. I sure hope she likes it! I did, while it was hanging in front of the blazing sun.

Now all I have is the brown back drop hanging. I'm looking for another shower curtain! Target has a nice selection. I'll keep you posted!

Did we go anywhere?

2010-05-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

We've been home from our adventures for over a month now. We immediately got back into the swing of life. So busy that, I'm thinking did we go to Egypt?

Once home I've started on a rampage of crafts. Thanks to my discovery of the Cricut! And a bevy of special occasions that simple needed some crafty attention.

I cut out flowers from tissue paper (no Cricut for these flowers). I painted the boxes an opalescent white or metallic blue. Then, with modge podge I applied the flowers, layering them. These boxes turned out so cute! I used them for May Day, to surprise my friends with little hand carved alabaster vases from Egypt in side the pretty boxes.

If it was not for Pompeii.....

2010-04-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just when I think that I have my favorite place, I wake up and it's a new day! Did you know that if Pompeii was not discovered we would only guess what ancient Rome was like, only guess! It's true, all the knowledge that we have gained from daily life in Ancient Rome is from the discovery of Pompeii. It is an AMAZING place. (I think I have totally burnt out that word!)

First I want to say that I thought that Pompeii was a small excavation. Wrong, there are streets upon streets of homes and shops and even fast food shops. A little history about Pompeii...... around 600 -500 BC Pompeii was extablished. Pompeii is mentioned in Ancient Rome history with the various rulers of Rome. However, in 79 AD the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering the city with ash and soot. So much covered the area that people were buried alive right in the middle of their day, leaving behind evidence of they daily life preserved for nearly 2000 years.

Chris is standing at the entrance of the home of Caecilius and his family. The textbook that Chris has been studying Latin from is called "Cambridge Latin Course". And the entire first unit is about this family. Chris was able to tell us about each room, it's purpose and about the family. Cool, huh!

I took this picture with my camera inside the gate, so as to not see the bars. This is one room of items that have been removed from each room during the excation, there are about 10 of these rooms. Each vase, pedestal, chest, table, chair and body (plaster) has been catalogued and put out of reach of the tourists. Most of the frescos, and mosiac floors have been removed and put into museums. Do you see the shape of a man on the shelf?

There are a few casts of real humans and pets. These remains were found but an archilogist, who while excavating realized what he was finding. He decided to pour plaster into the next holes he discovered and once dry was able to see what position some of these people were in when they died. There is one plaster that shows a broken skull. It is speculated that that one was hit by dropping pumice from the exploding volcano. The people seemed to be in living positions when they were buried by the ash. Including a pregnant lady protecting her face.

This is a public toilet, imagine a large marble shelf with holes in them. The refuge (ahem) would drop into the ditch. Enough said! This was an open room, where people sat side by side.

This is one street. The road is lower for when it rains and the side walk is raised as to not step into the water. There is a small area for the water to flow. On the larger streets there are stepping stones to aid in crossing the street so as not to get your feet wet.

Pompeii is a large city about 1 square mile, with a population of about 15,000 people. It is unbelievable how large it is and how much has been excavated. There is still a large section covered. The volcano is still active, and the residents of the surrounding area know that Mount Versivuis could erupt again.

I'm so glad we came to Pompeii. We took a fast train from Rome to Naples, about 1 hour, (to cover 200kms) but a great way to travel. We are standing in the forum and behind us is the Volcano.

And then back to the hotel again. BUSTED!!! Look what I'm doing while posting on our blog......

Did I mention that the bakery is right across the street from our hotel? Chris and I stayed home so I could work on the blog and Bob made a bakery run, alas the last one! He tried to trick me that the bakery was sold out, but he knew better than to come back empty handed with creme on his nose!!!

Oh one last think...... There is a church by our Hotel.... and it is the strangest thing...... very strange.
Let me try to explain,..... here is a photo....

The Crypt of the Capuchins. So, I want to explain and show respect.... I will copy the brochure. "In 1631, The Capuchin friars left the friary of St. Bonaventure and came to live in this church, of which only the church and cemetery remain. The remains of the deceased friars were transported from the old friary and laid to rest. The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as poor Romans. Over the years, until 1870, further alterations transformed this burial place into the work of art we see today. It's message is clear: death closes the gates of time, and opens those of eternity." No cameras were allowed inside, this is a picture of a brochure.

There are 6 rooms with different scenes depicted...... all in human bones! NO KIDDING!

So, Ciao, we're leaving in the AM for NY!!

Creme puff,,,,,, what creme puff!!

2010-04-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

That creme puff heading should have shown me and not Abby!!!

Ancient Rome and modern creme puffs!

2010-04-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

No I'm not the creme puff! Although I haven't exercised this whole trip. I may look like a creme puff, however...... I have had 2 already..... and some of Abby's. I wouldn't share with Bob today, he had to get his own creme puff!

Here is the spot where Marc Antony said "Fellow Romans lend me your ears...", while Caesar's body lie dead. The place certainly does not look as grand as the steps in the "Julius Caesar" 1953 movie with Marlon Brando. But our guide said there are still some ruins under the earth. This area is the forum and was covered with marsh land after the fall of the Roman Empire and not excavated until the late 1800's. It's all incredibly interesting. "Is there a bakery near by?"

We did a whirl wind tour of Rome, including of course the Colleseum. Back in Ancient times it was not called the Colleseum, it was called the amphitheater. Not just a theater, which is usually a half circle but and "amplified" theater, 2 half circles , thus Amphitheater.

The middle picture shows where the floor of the amphitheater was before it collapsed. The underground was a labyrith of walls and chambers. There were lifts with counter weights and trap doors into the arena for the various animals that were fought. The amphitheater was used up untill about 600 A.D. The Christian leaders were not fond of the type of games that were played in the arena and eventually they were stopped. There were naval games played here as well but there was too much leaking into the ground level seats, so the naval games were moved else where in Rome. It is said that up to 80,000 people could sit and watch an event here, but you had to sit in your class or be arrested. Virtually no women watched the games except for the vessel virgins who were allowed to sit with the aristocrats.

This statue of the she-wolf with Remus and Romulus was spotted up and in the back of the Forum.

We made a quick trip to the Vatican. The wait into St. Peter's Basica was about 3 hours long, so Mom and Dad were out voted 3 - 2. We ate a delicious lunch and headed back to the Hotel. Where now we sit and relax! Getting ready for our next meal!

Oh did I mention, I love points! POINTS, POINTS, POINTS!!! If it wasn't for our points we wouldn't even be able to walk by this hotel let alone go into the lobby, but alas we have points! Check it out!

Parthenon, Gyro & Museum

2010-04-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Athens in a Day! I don't recommend it! BUT DON'T PASS UP THE FOOD!!!
1st - shuttle to city center, Athens & ruins
2nd find ruins
3rd tour ruins (oh, ruins not closed because of holiday, but it's free today! that's good & bad!)
4th EAT Gyros (yea, finally!)
5th shop! Really watch your kids here, there's some stuff you don't want them to see!
6th subway to museum
7th museum (free too, but closes at 3, we got there at 2:15, how happy were our kids you ask? They wanted it to close at 2 ; D)
8th find subway and then tram to outer Greece
9th wait for bus to take us to hotel...... wait some more, wait some more, wait some more.......
10 YEA BACK TO HOTEL

Erechtheion - the building behind the kids 4th century bc, Where Poseidon left trident mark and where Athena planted an olive tree as a gift to Athens, providing them with trade & wealth. (Have you had a Greek olive?) The tree is the one above Abby. Cool, huh!

More olive tree, up close.
Today, because it was free, the ancient site was SWAMPED with people! This ancient site dates back from 500 - 100 bc. You may wonder why the ancient sites in Egypt look better and more discernable. Most of the ancient Egyptian sites were covered in sand for over 2500 years. It is only until the last 2 centuries that those ruins exsist, whereas this ancient site in Greece has been exposed the entire time. Despite the wear, it is a magnificent site to behold!

Lots of restoration work.

We're getting pretty good at these photos. I know how it looks but he is really far from the opening. But do check out the most important keystone!

Did I mention GYRO!?

and diet coke, of course! Sorry honey but I'm having onions! And finally Posidon!

Can we leave now!!!?

Full day! Off to Rome tomorrow!

Happy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

We did not do any touring today, we did not walk anywhere today. We ate and read and swam and then ate some more. There is an indoor pool here and Michael is in Heaven!

some more ACTION shots!

Bob's not really sleeping! That'll be the day! & yes Chris has sucked a plastic cup onto his chin & yes now he has a purple goutee! HAHAHA!!

the first Greek God Statue siteing! That is Achilles and Athena!

Nice car lady! Do you have room for another!!!

View from our Room!

Abby is a Demi God, Poiseden's daughter

2010-04-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

We are in Greece. In a lovely hotel just off the Mediterranean. We flew over the Aegean sea and all Abby could say was "Do you think we will find Theseus father, King Aegean? This is his tomb you know!" Smarty pants! I hate to say it but Greece is all Abby has talked about for the last 4 months and now we're finally here! She has already gone swimming in the Sea. It was too cold for the rest of us.

We sit down at a restaurant in the hotel and look at what is on Abby's plate! Can you believe it!

Poseidon on her plate! Shocking! Does she look excited? huh.... She didn't want to let her plate go.

Now to tell you about our big mistake..... I told you that Abby's really looking forward to exploring Greece and the history of the mythology. Yea, well, This is a BIG weekend in Greece, it's Easter.

Tonight at 11pm is a mass commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then at midnight the buffet begins with fireworks and partying all night, then Greece shuts down Sunday and Monday! Shuts down, nothing open (that's some kind of hangover!). Anyway, we're not planning on being hung over, and we have a few things we'd like to do whilst here! We leave Tuesday morning....... Can they close the Parthanon? Yep, they can, I hope we can change a few things.

Here's some funny photos!!! It's a really nice hotel and all we have is travel clothes and a 12 year old who pretends to be 12! He didn't like the fineal at the end of the rail!

As you can see there were a few Poisedon's at our table. But Abby's was the first to notice! I was checking to see there were clothes on the drawings. Have you seen "Bird Cage", with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane? I was just checking!

Our last Ancient Egyptian site!

2010-04-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

Abu Simbel is where there are temples dedicated to Ramses II and his wife Nefertiti, (ahem, built by Ramses II). This ancient was built by Ramses for the Nubian people to get to know him better. But in the 1960's a HUGE dam was built up river. When the dam was completed, the people of Egypt realized that this temple would be under water, never to be seen again. So they moved the ancient site!!! Can you believe it? They lifted these 2 temples, there are large rooms inside (we were not allowed to bring a camera), 30 meters up and over. There are many amazing things about this temple, but the most amazing is they the ancient Egyptians situated the Temple so that the sun would shine on 3 of the 4 statues inside on 2 dates of the year. The significance is not understood. When the temple was moved, the movers, by chance were able to perserve the direction of the sun rays on the 2 very same days.

The picture on the right shows the original spot of where the Temples were. The water area to the right.

The statues are over 20 meters high. Can you see Michael's favourite tie dye shirt! We are going inside.

These temples were originally carved into the sand stone next to the Nile river but now this is what is on the other side of the temple. A Large dome was built over the site to preserve it.

We said a sad good bye to our guide, Hassan. He made our trip so wonderful. He studied Ancient History and now gives tours to all the ancient site. Hassan was with us for all of our Egyptian adventures and sites. We told him about April Fool's day in North America and he played a trick on the kids and we all laughed. We also have a tradition when we visit a Dam that we take advantage of adding "dam" as an adjective regarding anything surrounding the dam. Hassan thought that was very fun as well. I thought Chris was clever with the "dam" adjective, but Hassan had us in stitches! We will miss you Hassan! Best wishes to you and your family!

Aswan, more ancient ruins and a Dam.

2010-04-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Nile river is B E A uuuutiful here in Aswan! You can really see why the early people settled here. The fertile shore and the beautiful river. The sun is stifling hot, but the shade is so pleasant.

Today we visited a few more sights and are winding down to our Egyptian departure tomorrow. We will be headed to our most southern destination. Abu Simbel where colossal statues up to 20 meters high are located. These statues are for Ramses II. Last stop.

But I'm ahead of myself. Today, the kids are lack luster and would like to vege. We went on a boat ride that was suppose to be 2 hours, we told our guide Hassan 1.5 hour and thankfully we finished in 45 minutes.

MICHAEL'S FEELING BETTER!!!!

2010-03-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!! HALLELUIA!!!! Just a fever today but energy level back up!!!! He does not have a traveling gut! Poor guy! He was the second one up! After Dad of course, me I just rolled over ;D

This is the Temple of Edfu. The most preserved Egyptian Temple. The hyroglyphics and room structures are still intact and very interesting. There are more than 1000 Horace God's depicted in this temple. Horace is the God with the Falcon Head.

What a day! We will be checking out the ships kitchen for a little cooking lesson soon!

homeschooling on the NILE!

2010-03-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

A little math, a little LA & history and a lot of scenery!

Our boat went up 8 meters in the Esna Lock.
Can you see the difference? The little red office was once high above our boat, then right next to it.
Cool huh!

Nile Cruise, Luxor Temple, Karnak

2010-03-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

By far the highlight!!! Pyramids were amazing and awesome,..... however The Temple of Karnak.... I don't have words to describe. The great "HYPOstyle Hall" is an incredible forest of giant pillars..... 134 of them! You can still see color on the top stones. Bob and I could have stayed for hours..... but alas we are being flexible!

Today, We visited the west bank of Luxor seeing the Valley of the Kings, Madinet Habou and Hatchepsut (pronounced HAT - sheep - soup) Temple...( I was Hatchepsut for Halloween). I wish I could share pictures truly amazing. Did you know that once the royality was buried the nobles hid the tombs by burying the tombs so that robbers and thiefs could not find the tombs? There may still be hidden tombs that have not been discovered. See Michael getting a shoulder ride. He's still not feeling well. He couldn't walk in the heat. He is exhausted and dehydrated. Bob's worried he'll need dialysis soon.

As I type, our cruise ship (not your typical cruise ship, this one has only 35 rooms) is passing through the Esna lock. The ship will be dropping 8 meters! Just like the ride at Disney, the Pirates of the Carribean.... Hands up "weeeeee", except no "weeeee" only like a water elevator

Tomorrow, we're headed to the temple of Edfu in a horse carriage. I haven't told Abby about the horses. She will be thrilled! It's all about the animals for her!

We were able to do some school work on deck today. I told the kids, "Instead of writing the date on your work, just write Nile Cruise! We won't be able to put that on our work ever again! Until tomorrow, of course!"

2010-03-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

I want to shout "I saw this, I saw this!!!" Just like Elf when he heard that Santa was coming at 10 AM. Remember that!

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

2010-03-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

2nd Day Egypt, King Tut, Mosque & Blonde Hair

2010-03-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Remember in November we went to San Francisco to see the Tutenkhamen exhibit at the DeYoung Museum, well today we went to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. There is 7,000 years of Egyptian history there. Sadly we were unable to bring a camera. We saw the gold mask of Tutenkhamun and his many tomb's...... more like cascading sarcophaguses (sarcophagi). The first box holding the young kings body is HUGE, like bigger than a garden shed huge, and the many that fit inside, ALL GOLD! We saw real live mummies,........ well we're real live and the mummies... not so much. Abby was asked to have her photo taken with a young muslim girl. They were both so excited. (So glad we didn't dye her hair!!!!) The museum was awesome. That is the only word I can think of to describe. Bob and I could have stayed all day, the antiquities that are at that museum are mind boggling. What was found in Tutenkhmamun's tomb alone is displayed in a room the size of a football field. And that was one side of the upper half of the museum. CRAZY!

Museum was beyond busy, but our guide said it was a good day. We could move.

We ate traditional Egyptian food at a fancy hotel from the 14th century. Then we went to the Mohamed Ali Mosque and ancient Citadel. The fortress was built in 1176 ad, but it was never used as a fortress. The Mosque was beautiful. Our guide was able to give us a better understanding of the Muslim religion. Not so different as we Mormons! It was a refreshing tour. Again Abby was asked to have her picture taken, more than once inside the Mosque. Michael too! They were both so proud of their blonde hair. We were mobbed in the mosque by a group of charming muslim girls around 13 years old. Asking us our names and where we come from, wanting to touch Abby's hair.

2010-03-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

2010-03-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

More Pictures

2010-03-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

We can't believe we're here!!!
It has been AMAZING!!!

I've written this blog 3 times with computer problems and I"m a tad bit frustrated. So..... I will post pictures and tell later!

2010-03-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

WE CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE HERE!

Cairo, population 23 million (and they were all at the Sphinx)

There are 126 Pyramids, we got to visited 7

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World

Having a guide to drive you around Cairo - PRICELESS

We really try to get Chris to stop touching everything!

Camels, Horses and sheep oh my.

We knew what cartorches, canopic jars and that during the mummification process the Egyptians pulled the brain out of the nose after smushing it up before we came here!

We were not allowed to photograph inside the pyramid, but we were in there. At first it was just a teenee bit claustrophobic, but an amazing experience. Not only are these edifices over 4000 years old, they were built only as a burial site for one king and all his favorite things to use in the afterlife. Every single pyramid, with the exception of Tutankhamun's tomb, had been robbed! Nothing left, even the gold cap at the top of the pyramids was stolen.

We saw the Solar Barque (boat) , built for Cheops treasure. This boat was buried un-assembled. Once excavated it took a crew 6 months to put it together.

AMAZING! Cheops wanted his afterlife slaves to put this together so he could sail his soul into eternity.

This is a statue of Ramsees II ( Sorry about the spelling, I can't figure out the spell check on this computer!!) This is the Ramasees thought to be from Moses time. He was one of the longest ruling Pharaogh's.

Jet lag.....what jet lag!.... It's been a Great first day!

Escalator Miracle!

2010-03-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Mary Poppins tonight, Abby's ring fell off her finger. "Oh NO, that's the 2nd thing I've lost on our trip!.." Bob and I heard it drop, so we knew the general area where it fell. We looked and looked and looked but we couldn't find it. Bob decided to go up to our room with the boys while Abby and I looked a little longer, but Bob yelled from on top of the escalator, "Here's the ring!" It seems the ring fell and rolled onto the escalator and beat us to the top! Escalator Miracle!

Where's Percy Jackson?

2010-03-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Did you see "The Lightning Thief" or read the series by Rick Riordan. Well.......our kids have read this series many times. (Recommended by Chandler, THANKS CHANDLER!!!) Anyway, first stop in New York, besides FOOD..... Empire State Building, up to floor 600 to Mount Olympus. We got to the 86th floor and decided it was WAY to windy to venture up to the 600th floor, much to Abby's dismay we descended back to reality only to discover that Elf's dad worked in the Empire State building. In tribute, we all did the splits on every escalator in New York. Looking for Macy's to use the actual stairs that Elf did the split's on..... How's that for reality!

New York Food...... R U KIDDING!

2010-03-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

New York tourists!

2010-03-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

They see us coming! The California Tourists! Every single street vendor, whoever has a card or pamplet to pass out.....we're mobbed! Is it that obvious that we are tourist? I'm sure it's not the death grip that Bob and I have on our 2 youngest or the purse slung over my shoulder with camera in extra hand or the map clutched in the other free hand "Asking which subway to the Empire State Building?" Without all the blearing signs of tourist, New York has been Great! Food is amazing! There will be no fast food for us here in the Big Apple!!

2010-03-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

We leave in less than 24 hours! I'm not ready!!

Michael's BD #11

2010-03-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

Look at the cutest Birthday presents EVER!

Wicked! AGAIN!!

2010-03-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bob's mom was with us for 5 weeks, so we went to San Francisco. And what do you know Wicked was still at the Orpheum! Bob's mom has never seen a Broadway show and what better show to see than Wicked! "No one mourns the WICKED!" I love that show!!!! We also checked out the Tactile dome at the Exploratorium, a MUST for children of all ages. However not for the those who suffer "darknaphobia" (I'm sure that's a real word!) or claustrophobia! Also our families first visit to Alcatraz. Tempting but all of us were on the boat ride home!

2010-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

2010-03-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Every family needs a room like this in their home! I think the food storage room would be perfect, no wait the Team Gender room would be even better. It's our Harry Potter room!

2010-03-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, Abby...... the elusive Abby. Yea,..... that's why I'm dreaming about her disappearing! This will be a great trip for her. She is fascinated with Greek mythology and is really looking forward to Athens. Let's hope that Athens will have the public transportation situation figured out before we get there or else there will be no Zeus!

2010-03-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Michael, age 11 (JUST!) I don't give him much room on birthday, because he didn't give me any when he was born! It'll be great on the trip, because as you can see by this picture that my kids follow the rules, they don't climb and stay off the cue handles! It'll be GREAT!!!!

2010-03-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Chris, age 12, but the size of a 20 year old! Here we're in the dining hall at Alcatraz! He really enjoyed the tour and the audio. Perfect for a 12 year old boy, but I'm not sure it made a lasting impression. I'm afraid he thought the little cells were cool or is it "sick".

2010-03-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Dad, Bob, Stud muffin #1

This is all his great idea! And just to let you know we will not be resting! So that means I will need a vacation when we get back. If anyone needs a rest, it's DAD! This is a picture of Bob and his mom Gisele

2010-03-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on! We are leaving on Monday!

You know that time when your just about to drift off into peaceful sleep at night, but your mind is wandering...... Well these last few nights my mind has been wandering with my daughter disappearing in Cairo and I'm seriously thinking about getting her a leash. I'm having anxiety even now in the broad day light about missing one of my children. I think a really strong leash for like a German Shepherd or Doberman pincher would make me feel secure! Arrrrgh! I hate anxiety about my kids!

For those of you who know about my sleep walking and dreams this should not come as a surprise! You may be thinking that Bob should put a leash on me at night!

Just bought helmets

2010-01-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone out to dinner with your kids and had a great meal and a huge dessert? Mom and Dad are ready for bed and the kids start to spin in circles out of control from all the sugar. Yea, well that happened tonight. But instead of going home to settle them down with the nice routine of bedtime, we decide to go helmet shopping..... for all of us. At one point I go into the changing room and my oldest is climbing the wall on the inside of the changing room. They are out of control. We have a five foot rule while shopping and I can assure you that there was NO WHERE near 5 feet between us. How could there be when the kids are playing hide and seek under the ski clothes, wrestling on the bench while Mom and Dad are getting our head straps adjusted. Those college kids running the store think that Bob and I are loooooser parents and this is great birth control. As we were checking out and trying desperately not to lose it in public, all three of my kids simultaneously climb on exercise equipment and start going for it, while knocking down a display. We waited until we got outside to lose it! Maybe a huge dessert before shopping wasn't such a good idea!