Goodbye August, Hello September

Can September really already be here? It's not until I look at the posts and realize how quickly time is passing.

At Dana Point together

Family has always been important to me. I know that it's easy to lose touch when you are out-of-state, going to different colleges, but I have always felt that no matter what, you find a way to reconnect. I have been very lucky to regain connections with both my cousins who are originally from Washington. So, when they were down here for a family reunion on their mom's side, I had to take advantage that they were so close. My mom hadn't seen them in years and we decided to meet in Dana Point for a little play on the beach and then some lunch. I got to meet Andrew, Lisa's son for the first time. What a cutie and such a happy little boy! I also met my cousin Mike's wife, Jennifer for the first time and found out they are expecting a little one of their own. It was so nice to catch up and spend time together, even if it was a short period. I try to make sure that I see them at least once a year, but life dictates whether it will happen or not. Just being able to have them back in our lives, we feel fortunate and hope to keep that connection going.

Cheryl, Riley and Uncle Gary at DLand

At the beginning of August, Bob's sister, Cheryl and her husband Gary, came out and spent the week with us to celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Between a Padres game, Disneyland and the beach our days were full, but really enjoyed having them here. Aunt Cheryl helped Riley make a Flat Stanley and then read him the book and Uncle Gary played in the den room with him. One of Riley's favorites though, was Uncle Gary teaching him "Karate" moves. We love spending time with them when we can and saying goodbye is never our favorite thing. However, having memories and trips like this with them make special memories.

August has brought Riley starting his 2nd year of preschool. It took a while to get adjusted, but he made it after three long weeks! He couldn't understand why he couldn't have his teachers from the previous year. We got through it and now he loves his new teachers and his new friends.

It seems like time goes all too fast as we are the cusp of fall beginning. (At least we can hope in terms of weather) So many things to see and do during the beautiful fall season and let's hope I can stay on top of blogging.

Is July OVER yet?

Yes, I know...for those of you going back to school you want July to stay forever. For us, I am ready to bid adieu to July and bring on August. July began with the sad news of my Grandpa Miller's passing. The focus immediately shifted to supporting my dad and making sure we all once again stuck together to get through such a tough time. Luckily we had some wonderful friends and cousins who supported our family and even though it wasn't the best circumstances to visit under, it meant the world to have their support.

Having lunch during our hike.

On July 14, we took off for a much needed, yearly trip to Sequoia. The welcoming 66 degree weather was a nice change from the hot days we were having in Temecula and you can't beat a place where your cellphone doesn't work (one of the reasons we book every year). The first day there, we took a beautiful 5 mile hike. There was still snow on the ground in parts of the hike and the creeks were now like raging rivers swiftly rushing the water down the mountain. Due to the swiftness of the creek, we couldn't finish the entire hike as we couldn't get the kids across. So, we sat down and had lunch right there near a waterfall. You couldn't beat the serenity that the view brought. Riley was so proud to finish the hike. Relaxing and enjoying the quietness of the nights was priceless.

Snow still on the ground!

Coming back, we took one day to unpack and then Riley went in the hospital to have his adenoids removed and ear tubes put into his ears. Even though he was nervous, he was quite the trooper as he took off with nurse to go back without even a tear in his eye or a worried look. Mommy on the other hand was crying, after all that was my baby going back. Before we knew it, 15 minutes passed and he was out of surgery and in another 20 minutes was in recovery. We went back to find his dosing in and out with his Cars2 blanket covering him and the monkey Auntie Missy made for him sitting next to him. He did great with no side effects or complications and he can HEAR now.

Visiting the General Sherman.

We are hoping to get some more BBQing in and maybe some camping and beach days. Here's to a more peaceful, less emotional month of August.

Life After Tball Season

Yesterday closed Riley's Tball season. We had such a great time participating and watching Riley improve with every game, although, I do have to admit, he ran to the wrong dugout yesterday - always room for improvement. Bob loved coaching and teaching the fundamentals, which sometimes sounded like an Abbott and Costello skit, "Whose on first? I don't know whose on second? Wait, which way is first and where do I find second?" I know that's not the way the skit went, but I tell you that's the way Tball went!

Last night Riley walked at the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium for Little League Night. Just imagine - hundred of little leaguers from the various cities with fans in their hands that make noise, need I say more? Watching him and Bob walk the field together was priceless and they had such an awesome season together.

So, where do we find ourselves on Saturdays - perhaps sleeping in - of course not! Riley has told us he would like to try golf this summer. Therefore, we are looking for somewhere to get golf lessons. If you have seen my previous posts, you already know he plays better than Mommy and Daddy! We are looking forward to some camping, lots of outdoor BBQ's and enjoying our firepit along with friends and family. Here's to the dog days of summer!

Life is Never Dull

Once again, I have fallen behind in blogging. It has seriously been a crazy 2 months. These last few weeks have put some things into perspective for me and I've learned that no matter what my immediate family is what counts in the end and that as long as I have no regrets, than life goes on and it feels good.

The entire family, what a great thing to have.

The women of our family all together.

April - We surprised my family and on the day we celebrated Dad's 60th Birthday and three years being cancer free, Brooke and Cory answered the door. It had been 11 years since the entire family had been together and boy did we make it up for it. Between bonfires in the backyard, "uncle pat" (Brooke and Cory you know what I mean), Disneyland, the beach, birthday parties, the San Diego Zoo and In-N-Out almost everyday (it was a goal of Cory's during the visit), it was truly a trip to remember. I think the ultimate would be to have them living here, because it felt so natural for them to be here and like no time had passed in between our visits. Brooke and I have a bond that no one can ever take from us and despite miles and years, it was just AMAZING to have them here with the kids. If I had one wish, it would be to be living closer. So, now my goal is to make sure we see each other at least once a year and I'm shooting for more.

While Brooke and Cory were here they were able to attend Riley's Easter performance at his preschool. It was so cute. The kids dressed up as bunnies and had ears and my favorite part, cotton tails taped to their backsides. They sang several songs and then had an Easter Egg hunt out in the play yard. As his school year is coming to a close, I wish I could keep him this age forever. He is such a loving kid and has a heart of gold.

For Mother's Day, he told me the Thursday before I had to take him to school. So, as I walked in, there were muffins, juice and fruit for Riley and I to have at the table in his classroom. Then, he gave me my Mother's Day gift - a terra cotta pot decorated with a flower in the pot and on the foam flower was a picture of him! Then, to top it off he handed me poem with handprint for me. I love it! Every year reminds me of how big he is getting. With each stage comes something fun, but I must admit I do miss the days of the rocking chair, even though he is an independent little boy now. He reminds me of the reason I do what I do to make sure my family is cared for in every way possible. So, enough of the mushy stuff.

We end Riley's T-ball season this Saturday, seems to have flown by and we won't know what do with our Saturdays...maybe sleep in. Only time will tell!

Golf Pro? Maybe...

This was Riley's first time at the golf range. No comment or explanation needed, except that he golfs better than me! Go figure!! Maybe he can take care of us when we are old!

A Boy and His Dog

A typical day at the Kronenfeld household consists of Riley playing with our Labrador Retriever, Tres. Now, let me explain. Tres was acquired through a friend of ours, hence her name Tres. Our friend, has triplets and we couldn't name her Triplet, so we named her the Spanish version, Tres for three.

Riley adores her and I have to say despite her chewiness and psychotic ways, I love her too. She is a true "Marley" dog, for those of you who have read or watched "Marley and Me." Riley and her have the relationship that she waits for him on his bed and sleeps with him during nap time. They play and truly are friends.

Below you will find a video of Tres and Riley playing. She is chasing shadows that he creates. Enjoy!!

The Minnesota Cold

Last Tuesday, Riley and I got back from a wonderful trip to Minnesota. The biggest response I get is "Minnesota...now? Why?" My best friend and someone I consider my other sister lives in Minnesota with her wonderful hubby and kids. For my birthday, Bob gave me a ticket to go see her in Minnesota because it had been 8 years since the last time we saw each other. Besides the fact that she had never met Riley and I had never met her daughter, who is the same age as Riley, the trip in itself was all about catching up.

Getting there was the quite chore as our plane in Ontario was delayed many hours because of mechanical issues. Because of the delay I was going to miss my connection in Denver, so therefore, we ended up being shuttled into LAX and not arriving in Minnesota until 10:30 that night, when we actually should have been there by 4 p.m. We made it!

Kayla, Jake & Riley walking together.

The minute we walked in it was like we hadn't skipped a beat in all the years missed. The kids, Jake, Kayla and Riley all got along and Brooke and I entered into the same routine as well. We woke up the first morning to a blanket of snow on the street, it was beautiful for us because we don't live in it, but Brooke's true response was, "UGH, more of the ugly stuff!" We visited the Mall of America our first day there where we took the kids on rides and spent many hours at the mall. I loved it because the kids got along so well. They were all buddies from the get go the day we arrived.

The next day we went to Benihana for dinner. Talk about awesome food, and yes, Brooke and Cory were right, the shrimp sauce was to die for putting it on EVERYTHING!

The following day, Cory was a sweetheart and watched all three of the kids for us, while Brooke and I spent some quality "sister" time together, getting pedicures, taking in a Starbucks and of course shopping at Super Target. While Brooke and I were enjoying some peace and quiet, Cory took the kids sledding on the three feet plus of snow that coated their backyard. Riley LOVED it! Cory sent a video to my phone of him and Jake taking Riley sledding.

It was truly amazing to catch up and just enjoy being with Brooke and of course Cory and the kids too. I didn't realize how much I truly missed by best friend, sister, until we were together again. Riley loved playing with Uncle Cory and the kids and he cried when we left as I did too. Even though distance exists between us, it's definitely only a distance in miles not in our hearts. I can't wait until our families can spend more time together again. Miss you guys and love you tons!!!