This week in pictures

Whoo boy! I feel like I was on vacation for months! And now I'm back to the teaching/family routine full swing! What a wonderfully delicious vacation. I am so happy everyone is healthy and happy.
In a nutshell: My parents take Kimi to Korea next week to be reunited with her sister and brother; My winter school show is December 18th; a school faculty and family Holiday party is being hosted at my house this Sunday (and the house looks like a hurricane came through); our house was featured in Sunday's newspaper magazine (sorry, no internet link but it's a wonderful article talking a lot about what Alex and I do for a living and Moki the rock star dog); and the holidays are upon us at gaining speed!
So back to my flying Hawaiian airlines story/experience. I was escorted to the head of the line to check my bag; there was not a single person in the security line; and my gate was just 10 steps from the security line (no train, bus, or car to get me to my gate). I board the plane and it's a B-767 (with the middle 3 seats row and 2 seated sides). The flooring of the plane is this trendy corkboard with nicely dimmed lights. The seats have leather tops. I am in front of the big screen and around the corner from a conveniently located bathroom. Half way thru our flight, the funny, friendly, young flight attendants instruct us to put our seats in the upright position. (I was engrossed in my book on loan from my friend Terry so I didn't hear WHY we were putting our seats up, only to ASSUME that we were making an emergency water landing). And instead of a water landing, the attendants are serving DINNER. When I was asked if I wanted the roast chicken and potatos or pesto penne, I couldn't help but STARE at this attendant like he is from MARS. I couldn't physically answer him because since WHEN do they FEED us? I manage to stutter that I've already bought a $30 flippin' airport sandwich for the long flight. As I got off the plane, I told the attendants that Hawaiian airlines feels like European luxury flying. I was blown away. OH! And when it came time to collect my check in bag, it was the first one out of the chute.

Sorry if this entry post is BLAAAG, but I'll amuse you with pictures from Denver and Seattle.

Leaving on a jet plane

I have been so busy in Seattle I haven't blogged in a week. I'm sitting in the seatac airport waiting to board my 10:30 flight to Hawaii! From kissing dad goodbye to sitting at my gate took 30 seconds! I walked in, there was not a single person in the security line, and my gate was. 10 steps from getting thru security! Tomorrow I'll upload pictures from my wonderful trip to Seattle! Bon voyage!

Wordless Wednesday

What are the odds we would stumble across an all you can eat Crab Tuesday Night?! I told the waiter "Don't Judge me!" and when Alex gave me a funny look at the amount of crab I was about to inhale I said "Don't make me Crabby!" Now I'm sweatin' buttah!

It's like riding a bicycle!

Yesterday was the FIRST time I've ridden a bicycle in TWELVE years. As in, it's the first time I've even SAT on a bicycle seat let alone make it move! Alex took me to a wonderful park without any hills or cars so I was safe and sound. Now I'm hooked!

Oh the weather outside is FREEZING

Actually, Denver has been pretty mild. Just freezing in comparison to Hawaii! We arrived in Denver Thursday after a long red eye flight to visit Alex's dear Uncle John. Before departure we did our ritual routine: Meet Alex's parents at the brew pub for dinner, hand over the dog, and have 1 parent take us to the airport. At dinner we got an adorable phone call from our 16 year old host daughter. She said "You guys! I miss my host parents!! I miss Moki!! Last night we were making a great dinner and dancing around the kitchen and now today you guys are gone!!" She is staying at our neighbors house while we are away. I'm shocked at how many people initially thought we would leave her home alone all week! Come on people! I'm not THAT parentally ignorant!
Last night I went to my very first hockey game! How have I gone almost 29 years and never seen a hockey game? Especially with my NHL Hockey star uncle as a relative? My beautiful cousin Kelsey, his daughter, has taken on his love and passion for hockey. Now, after seeing fights on the ice, slamming into the walls, whacking with sticks, I am horridly nervous and worried for my cousin! I had no idea Kelsey. No idea! I would be screaming in a high pitched voice, skating the opposite direction with arms flailing. Not a classy sight.
Today I have some blog time because Alex and Uncle John are at the rental car dealership. I'm still battling what I believe to be an untreated low grade sinus infection. Today I feel worse, but I dressed up to the nines in order to trick myself into feeling better if I feel like I LOOK better than I feel. Old Navy online has adorable sweater knee length dresses. Paired with boots and a hat, I feel eskimo chic! Now we are off to explore downtown Denver!

Our So Called American Life

Update on the Wacky Woodbury Household:
Picture Number 1: Alex levitating off the living room trying to escape the ceiling roof window

Picture Number 2: 2 formal ladies post Jessie's Symphony concert

Video Number 3: Moki's Eggplant: He has somehow learned on his OWN to BOUNCE the eggplant kong ball to get the treats to fly out of the ball. Sometimes he actually takes the Kong up the stairs and bounces it down the stairs; slurping his tongue in the air collecting the flying tid bit treats!

Video Number 4: Alex's Helicopter test run. For his 31's birthday, his parents and I went in on a dingo blade. We both must have felt that maybe we should get one more little thing for him, and didn't feel the need to consult each other on such a matter. So at the table, he opens my extra gift of a helicopter and his parents eyes pop wide. They got him the exact same helicopter toy! Not only that, we both got him PIRATE birthday cards. I guess his parents and his wife just know his THAT well. My parents got him a robot that cleans gutters. He's such a boy!

Happy Birthday Alex!

So I promise I won't be one of those bloggers who can ONLY talk about my brand new week old 16 year old teenage child. haha.
So this blog post is about Alex on his birthday.
Last year was your big 3-0. Wifey Jessie made a boat load of eggplant and chicken parm. Lots of friends. Lots of planning. This year, I love you just as much, and even more. But the next BIG bash will be at the next big milestone. We will enjoy a quiet, family Birthday this year love.
Where do the years go? I just cannot believe when we first started our relationship, you were this young 22 year old college student, and I was just 19!! I have loved watching us grow up Alex. You are a man now! Your mother told me life would never be boring marrying a Woodbury. And I must say! Life certainly is NEVER boring!
So Alex, I wish you a Happy Happy Birthday. May your year bring even more excitement and joy. I am so thankful you were born.