Flora Family Happenings

Dos Picos Video

2012-02-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

A recent trip we took to Dos Picos campsite

Pictures

2012-02-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since we posted some photos. Here is a link with all the albums up to date. Enjoy! https://picasaweb.google.com/101800414068183102577?authkey=Gv1sRgCP222KDCsvfisgE

October - December Videos

2012-02-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

August - September Videos

2011-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

September 2011 pics

2011-10-23T08:50:00.002-07:00

August 2011 pics

2011-10-23T08:50:00.001-07:00

July - August videos

2011-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

July 2011

2011-08-09T21:29:00.002-07:00

June 2011 pictures

2011-08-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

May 2011 pictures

2011-08-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

Videos from April and May

2011-06-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

Firewood delivery for camp trips

2011-05-13T12:59:00.001-07:00

emily ran 25 laps - school fundraiser

2011-05-13T11:56:00.001-07:00

K-man from May 2010

2011-05-13T10:55:00.001-07:00

Kyle after a long day

2011-05-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

March and April Pics

2011-04-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

Some good ones of easter. See slide shows below.

Jan-March 2011 videos

2011-03-26T21:23:00.001-07:00

February Pics

2011-03-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

January Pics

2011-03-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

December 2010 pics

2011-01-11T14:44:00.001-08:00

November pics 2010

2011-01-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nov-Dec videos

2011-01-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some videos from November and December. We included some of Kyle's performances, so it's a little on the long side, but thought some of you grandparents may like to see it all:)

Funny holiday card with the Floras

2010-12-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

Sarah made this the other day, really funny.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/pHvNZBqQBL2HK9w1?cmpid=jj_fb_friend_holidays

Videos from Sepember and October

2010-11-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Oma's pumpkin patch and Halloween

2010-11-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Kyle went on a field trip to Oma's pumpkin patch. It's the perfect place for the little guy, tons of tractors and motorized vehicles:) Also a few pics of Halloween, the kids were really into passing out candy this year. There is also a photo of a mini-steamer train that we took a ride on in Chula Vista. They run them once a month and some of the trains actually function as true steam engines with a boiler and everything.

Seeing Pink

2010-11-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

One of Emily's favorite books is Pinkalicious. Sarah, Meredith, Emily and Tamra all went to see the play in Balboa Park and had an excellent time. Of course they dressed up and had all the accessories going. After they got autographs and made pink cupcakes.

Star student of the week

2010-11-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Many weeks ago Emily was selected as the Star Student of the Week in her class. Part of the deal is that she needs to look after Osito, the bear, and take pictures of her adventures with him.

Em's first day of kinder

2010-11-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

A few photos from Em's first day of Kinder. She is doing well in her new class and is learning so much. Homework every night!

Summer and Fall Camping

2010-11-05T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here are a few photos from Summer and Fall camping, including our beach trip to Carlsbad, CA over Labor Day. We had sun about half of the time, which I guess is better than none of the time:)

Em's new school song

2010-09-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

You go girl!

Summer Videos

2010-09-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

Back to school

2010-09-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Emily and Kyle have both started their new classes. Kyle is still at CABC preschool but with a new teacher. Emily has started Kindergarden and is doing well. She is SUPER TIRED at the end of the day and we have been trying to et her down earlier than normal to avoid complete melt downs at night. Today she is reciting a poem that she memorized for the class. We also turned in our first homework packet today! Get ready for about 20 more years of that Emily:)

This summer has been very busy for us. Lots of camping, a wedding, a trip to Disneyland, swimming lessons, etc. Here are a few pics from the past two months, see slideshow below.

Emily the flower girl

2010-08-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

From August 2010

From cousin Anna's wedding a few weeks ago

Some recent photos

2010-08-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

From June 2010

From July 2010

Houseboat trip

2010-07-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Some recent pics from the houseboat trip. Kyle and Emily were afraid of the speedboat at first but warmed up to it. Facebook users be sure to view original post link to see the slideshow.

New company website

2010-07-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

Tim's company recently updated their website, have a look at Multiimage.com

Some recent photos

2010-06-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a slideshow of some pics from the past month. Sarah is out of school for the summer! She and the kids are going back to Kentucky next week to visit her dad.

Some video clips from the past month

2010-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

We have been busy the past month. Here are some video clips

Em's B-Day party

2010-05-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Em has a great party a few weeks back. The weather was pretty good, a little windy at the start but then the sun came out. Kyle had a good time as well. he skipped his nap that day and ended up falling asleep on the couch at 6pm.

Being silly

2010-05-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

A few recent pics of the kiddos

From May 2010

Camping Trip

2010-04-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Went on a father daughter camping trip this past weekend to the desert. Emily and I were joined by Mark and Tamra. Overall it was a good time. Emily was tired and a little cranky on the first day but better on the second. Most of the time they got along fine. We visited a slot canyon one the first day and found creature statues the next day on the way out. Also took a short nature walk and had lunch at a restaurant on the way home. We picked up a used tent trailer a few weeks ago. This was the first trip trying it out. Overall I think it's going to be a good thing. Have most of the camp gear loaded into it now so we are ready to roll.

Here is a video of the kids playing in the trailer before we packed it up.

Another school pic for Kyle

2010-04-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is another school pic from Kyle. Don't like this one as much as the fishing scene from a few weeks ago. He's giving it his best. So funny when little kids try and smile on command.

Birch Aquarium

2010-04-05T23:23:00.001-07:00

Kyle and dad attend a field trip to the Birch Aquarium with his preschool class. Pictures below. Had a good time, not sure if he's cut out to be a marine biologist quite yet.

Easter Egg Time

2010-04-05T21:55:00.001-07:00

Mommy and kids love dying the Easter eggs. Here's a small clip.

Camping Trip

2010-04-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

So we took the kids out to Anza Borrego State park this past Thursday for two nights. The weather was looking bad leading up to the trip, but turned out to be pretty good overall once we got there. A little windy on Thursday night, scared Em a bit. We went on hikes in canyons, explored mud caves and checked out the variety of flowers in bloom. Emily was very brave and turned her head lamp off for a second in the pitch black confines. Emily was also into "filming" and wanted me to get her walking. She would say "are you ready?" then walk quickly past me down the trail. I think she saw the movie clip of me walking in the canyons a few months ago and wanted to copy it. Funny stuff. Pictures and videos below. Also notice Emily's new hat, she picked it out at the street fair last week. A little edgy with the graffiti style writing IMHO. What are you going to do.

School pics

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

Here are some recent school pics. Click to enlarge. Kyle is such a ham!

Happy meal

2010-03-27T11:43:00.001-07:00

We won some free Happy Meal coupons at Emily's preschool open house event last night. Here we are redeeming them after gym class today.

emily the conductor

2010-03-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

Emily rode the Balboa Park shuttle Friday. the driver let her pull the rope and sound the bell. She got a "hat" made of cardboard.

Emily and Kyle wait for the bus

2010-03-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

There was no preschool at the church Friday but Kyle had his other preschool class in the morning. Here they are waiting for the bus.

A few pics

2010-02-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Kyle practicing with Emily's hula-hoop. He chose his wardrobe.

From Feb 2010

Emily gets a ladybug on her cheek at Sadie's birthday party.

From Feb 2010

K-mans Bday

2010-02-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

A few pics from his little celebration last month. Three big years

From Jan 2010

Emily sings Taylor Swift

2010-02-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Here is Emily singing a little excerpt of her favorite song. Also notice "stage mom" Sarah cheering her on.

Desert Camping Trip Feb 2010

2010-02-08T20:56:00.001-08:00

This past weekend the four of us went on a family camping trip to Anza Borrego Desert. We knew ahead of time there was the possibility for rain but we took our chances. Yes there was some rain and wind but overall it was a really fun trip. This campground has a couple pools for the kiddos, along with a play area and lots of terrain for exploring. Everyone was wiped out on the drive home and slept the whole way (except for Tim of course). We are planning on going back during spring break for some warmer weather:) Pictures below.

Kyle and dad in the cold

2010-02-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

There have been a few cold weather fronts over the past few weeks. Nothing compared to the east coast but still chilly none the less. Here is K-Man and daddy venturing out for a morning stroll.

From Jan 2010

Froggie of the week

2010-02-08T20:46:00.000-08:00

Last week, Emily was "Froggy of the Week" at preschool. Mom helped her make a poster of her favorite things which then hung in the classroom. She was also able to share something of her choosing each day with the class and be the line leader at recess.

From Jan 2010

Uncle Brian visits

2010-01-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

Well, these are a little late getting up, but Uncle Brian came out early in January to see the kiddos and Grandparents. Here are a few shots with the kids. Good to see you Uncle Brian and thanks for our special movie night, I will never forget it.

From Jan 2010

Emily gets a haircut

2010-01-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

Mommy gave Emily a healthy chop last night. First reaction was oh my gosh, but then I really liked it. Em was pround to show it off to me when I got home. Gave me five hugs when I told her it looked pretty. So cute she is.

Mud Caves Video

2010-01-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a short little clip Sarah took while we were in the mud caves.

Sarah and Tim go to the desert

2010-01-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I took a trip out to Anza Borrego desert last weekend. G-Moo and Grandpa Dave were nice enough to watch the kiddos. We did a short hike to a Palm tree grove, then headed out to the Mud Caves. There is a canyon that contains numerous caves and above ground canyons. We only explored four but there are about twenty back there. Here are a few photos from the day. In some of the photos it looks like there's dust particles in the air. Those photos were taken in a PITCH BLACK cave, no light anywhere. The Flash was bouncing off the dust particles I guess. Some of the passages were around 6 inches in width:)

Emily and Kyle's Christmas Pageant

2009-12-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here are a few video shots from Emily and Kyle's Christmas pageant. Emily was really into "performing" and was excited to have us there. Kyle on the other hand was on stage but that was about it. You will see him "exiting" the stage in the video.

Disneyland Trip

2009-12-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here is some video from our recent (and first) Disneyland trip. We took Emily, Kyle stayed home with the Grandparents. We arrived around 8am and left about 8pm. They had a big Christmas parade, which Emily was really into. She also enjoyed many of the rides and characters. Will post some photos soon.

Singing and signing Silent Night

2009-12-15T11:16:00.001-08:00

Emily and her friend Ester from preschool are seen here practicing their "Silent Night" song, complete with sign language. This is one of the songs they will be doing for their Christmas pageant this Friday. Not quite in sync with the signs but they are making a good effort:) May need to turn up the sound as they are whispering a bit.

Emily makes an Advent Wreath

2009-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Our church had an Advent wreath making party. We have used this wreath the past couple of weeks at our house. Emily likes to pray after lighting the candle "dear Jesus, thank you for this food and bless our bodies, amen." We are not eating during the ceremony so it's kind of funny.

The video below is of her making the wreath as well as stuffing stockings for families in need. Emily was really excited to help out those in need.

Holiday nights at Sea World

2009-12-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Sea World has a Christmas celebration each year. Emily is really into listening to the carolers. Here is a little video of her, also notice the Shamu whale tail Christmas hat.

Christmas on the Prado

2009-12-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we went to the Christmas on the Prado in Balboa Park. Many of the museums are free and there are a ton of ethnic eateries to choose from. This year they had a carnival section with rides. The kids got to choose one to go on and decided to do this car.

From Dec 09

Camping in the backyard

2009-12-14T22:30:00.001-08:00

Hanging out and roasting marshmallows with Olivia and Tamra.

From Nov 09

Getting ready for the holidays

2009-12-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

From Nov 09

Guess who's potty training!

2009-12-14T22:26:00.000-08:00

We are just starting but he's doing great. He's sporting a decorate head dress that he made in preschool.

From Nov 09

Kyle's school picture

2009-12-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

He pulled out all the stops for this one! 2.5 years old

Setting up the tree

2009-11-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the Christmas season. Emily was a big helper this year.

Bacon and Chocolate cake

2009-11-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Those were the two items that were the biggest hit at Thanksgiving for the kids. For the second year in a row we did Thanksgiving at the Bahia hotel on Mission Bay. After a buffet upstairs we all took a steamboat ride around the bay. It was the same boat where Sarah and I had our wedding reception. A good time was had by all. The weather was like a summer day.

Parade in San Diego

2009-11-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a few video shots from the Mother Goose Parade in San Diego. We took the kids this past Sunday. It was really warm. Everyone took naps after the fun was over.

Emily Plays Soccer

2009-11-20T12:53:00.001-08:00

Video taken by mom from her first soccer practice last week at the YMCA. You go girl! After it starts playing be sure you click the little "HD" button on the right corner to watch it in high quality.

Coronado Ferry Ride

2009-11-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to take the kids on the Coronado ferry for quite some time. A few weekends ago the weather was nice so we went for it. Kids had a good time. Went from Coronado over to the sea port village area, walked around then rode it back. Emily was up on the bow most of the time with the wind in her hair. Kyle was climbing up and down the stairs (of course).

Halloween 09

2009-11-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

Our neighbors Mark and Amber had a really fun party for the kids (and adults). We all went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, went fairly well. Em tripped towards the end and had a mini breakdown. The best part of the night was watching the kids pass out candy after they got back to the house. They called out "come over, we have candy," then got all excited after offering the goods. Pictures below.

Dad and Kyle go for a hike

2009-11-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

took kyle out last weekend for a short hike. he walked holding my hand for about 10 minutes. we then stopped at this creek and he threw rocks into the water for a while. then he was over walking so i carried him to the car. thanks k-man for the little outing. next up, mount everest.

Harvest Festival

2009-11-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Emily and Kyle's preschool had a harvest festival the day before Halloween. There were crafts and games, face painting and cookie decorating. I helped out in Emily's class, she was so excited that I could come. She kept talking about it all week. The classes rotated through the stations. I peaked in on Kyle's class. He was more into the trucks than the games - but he gave it his best shot:)

Boo Parade

2009-10-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

For the past three years our neighborhood has hosted the Boo Parade down El Cajon blvd. This year Emily was really into it. Front row the entire time, didn't even cover her ears when the firetrucks went by. Kyle was a little uneasy about the whole thing. He was a trooper though. After the carnival I took Kyle back home for a nap. Emily, Tamra, her dad Mark, and the moms went to a post-parade carnival for a few hours. They stood in line for 20 minutes to get these fancy balloon animals. Emily was playing with hers outside our house and the ear was punctured on the grass. It took her about 10 seconds to digest what occurred, then a little grieving.

Pumpkin Patch trip

2009-10-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Kyle's preschool class went to the pumpkin patch a few weeks back. G-moo and Grandpa Dave were in town so they went along for the ride. Lots of games + a hay ride. Kids went on the hay ride twice. It was a working dairy farm so there were plenty of cows everywhere. Emily also picked out a pumpkin at the end and we carved it that night.

Picture Day

2009-10-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Here are the proofs from the kids' photo shoot. Click on them for larger size. We ordered some for Kyle, we are going to hold out for Emily:) Bless her heart for trying. She was really excited to pose for the camera. Kyle was having a good day. We got the one on the far right.

Emily and Halloween

2009-10-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor across the street has an inflatable Halloween castle-looking setup that Emily really likes walking through. There are also a variety of other "scary" things on the lawn including skeleton bones, tombstones, etc. For the past couple of years she has really looked forward to going over there almost every night and walking around for a few minutes. The past couple of nights our neighbor was away and did not turn on the pump / lights. Emily kept going to the window and checking, then asking why it wasn't working and everything was dark.

This morning the garage door was open and we were getting in the car. Emily was looking across the street, then as I was putting Kyle in I look over and see Emily with her hands folded and her head bowed. Then I hear "Jesus....(5 second pause) please let the lights be on tonight so I can go walk through the castle.... amen." It was so cute. Then she just got in the car and away we went.

Of course, the lights were on tonight and we all went over after getting home from school.

Emily carves a pumpkin

2009-10-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

Went to the pumpkin patch today, she got excited and wanted to carve it right away! Kind of a weird smile?

em helps wash windows

2009-10-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

sunday after church. not sure why it is open.

Sea World Halloween

2009-10-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Slide show of pictures from Sea World Halloween outing. Ran into Em's friend from preschool. May go back once more before Halloween day.

Em's picture day

2009-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is the outfit Emily wore on picture day this year. She picked it out. This year they let the kids bring a stuffed animal of their choice. Enter pink dolphin.

Tim at St Louis arch

2009-10-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

from my work trip last month. went to the top as well. kind of scarey.

Tim has a hiking blog

2009-09-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a site that I've been slowly working on for a while. It has videos of some of the hikes I've done the past year along with some blog posts, etc. Now you can "follow along" on some of the adventures at www.videowaypoint.com

In other news Emily is home sick today with a fever. I think she has what Kyle had over the weekend. She has a bit of a headache as well. She is excited about going with daddy to pick up Kyle after school. She keeps talking about that.

Coronado Vintage Car Race

2009-09-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

For the past four years we have attended the Coronado Vintage Car Race on the Navy base. Our Uncle Jon races his car and we were there once again to cheer him on. Emily was really into it this year, in fact she didn't even cover her ears during the race. Kyle wasn't feeling the best today so daddy held him quite a bit. Hence no pictures of the actual race. The slide show is below.

Disney Live show

2009-09-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Emily, Tamra, Sarah and Meredith all went to the Disney Live show last Saturday. The older girls thought is was going to be on ice but discovered that it was not upon walking into the arena:) The show was a musical involving Disney characters. The girls loved it. After they went back to Tamra's for the much anticipated sleep over and swim party. Again a good time. Here are a few pictures of the event. Notice the matching outfits, necklaces and bracelets c/o Meredith:)

Em watching cartoons in the morning

2009-09-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

When Emily doesn't quite understand what's going on, or is concerned with the cartoon she will watch it sideways. This behavior is exhibited below.

From September 09

Em gets a new hat

2009-09-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

This one was from Sarah's friend at school. And yes, she likes tacos.

From September 09

Blowing in the wind

2009-09-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Emily, high-powered fashion model.

From September 09

Tim hikes Mount Whitney

2009-09-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

I hiked Mount Whitney on Friday. It's the tallest mountain in the 48 states at 14,496 feet. I did not get altitude sickness, which is a good thing. We started from base camp at 3am to make it to the summit early. I ended up getting home at 1:45am. It was a long day.

Take me out to the ball game

2009-08-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sarah and the kids did a summer reading program at the library. One of the prizes included 4 tickets to a Padres game. Kyle's nap was late today so Em and daddy decided to go. It was a good time. We arrived in the fourth inning, which worked out good b/c she was ready to go after the game was done. There's a park within the park and Emily had a great time running the bases. Here are the pictures. By the way, the cute Padres outfit is care of uncle Mike for her birthday.

sea world

2009-08-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

playing with light sabres. going to see the night dolphin show. it has fireworks and the kids are going to freak out

Family Videos

2009-08-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Some home videos from earlier this year. Take notice of Emily at the swim lessons. She did not know the instructor was going to put her face in the water. I think it kind of throws her for a loop. Then of course she does not want to jump in the pool at the end. All the other kids do it but she is the last one.

Kyle man posing

2009-08-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Cute one of Kyle from the other day. he is 2.5 yrs old

Kyle's eyelashes

2009-08-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Mommy wanted to take pictures of Kyle's eyelashes. They are really long, just like daddy's.

Kyle steals Emily's PJs

2009-08-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

You go boy!

Sarah's ear

2009-08-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

So the past 10 days have not been the greatest for Sarah. Last Wednesday she started feeling discomfort in her right ear. By midnight she was in tremendous pain as the pressure started to build from behind her eardrum. While sleeping on the couch the ear drum ruptured and started leaking fluid. She was also feeling really sick at this point. After a few doctor visits and a CT scan to rule out spinal/brain fluid leakage the diagnosis was a 60% rupture of her eardrum and a bad ear infection most likely caused by the flu/cold she had earlier in the week.

So 10 days after this wonderful event and a course of antibiotics later she is doing much better, although there is still a tiny bit of leakage. This is getting less and less each day. Her hearing is still poor in that ear and the doctor thinks it will take 4-6 weeks for it to repair itself. If it does not heal then they will do a small repair using her own skin.