4 Generations

Back in August Adam's sweet Great Aunt Mickey passed away. We were fortunate enough to see her two days before she passed away and say goodbye. While at the hospital Ryan sang some sweet songs to her to make her feel better. There was a beautiful service held at Forest Lawn and afterwards we went to dinner at The Smokehouse. All the family came to celebrate Aunt Mickey and support Adam's sweet Great Uncle Tex. This photo was taken while at the restaurant..it is 4 Generations of Hamilton Men...and these are the only Hamilton's left. In this photo from left to right is Ryan Hamilton, Greg Hamilton, Tex Hamilton, Jeff Hamilton, and Adam Hamilton. I really love Genealogy so it is sweet that we have a great little boy to pass on the Hamilton name. Cant you tell genetics run strong in this family...I think Ryan looks so much like Adam!

Motivation

This is my motivation I have decided to live by. Often times I doubt myself without ever trying for fear of failing...but with that said....drum roll please...I am going back to school. Next week is my last week working--it is going to be so weird not to work but I am excited. I have some prerequisites to finish up before I can apply to nursing school. But I am seriously motivated and ready to go for it. The other great advantage is that I can drop Ryan off at school each day, and pick him up. I get to be home alot more, even though I will have my face in a book. Yes, I am aware of the amount of work that I have ahead BUT I am BEYOND excited. SO with that said--Anatomy---HERE I COME!

San Diego Wild Animal Park!

In July we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park and we had a ton of fun. The day began with us getting free parking because the card reader wasn't working whooo hoo..Ryan told us that we got free parking because Dad is handsome and just gave a wink and a smile....oh if only that worked lol. We loved everything, but our favorite thing was feeding the lorkeets. It costs $2 for a cup of nectar but it is SOOO worth it...Ryan loved it. We saw cheetahs, lions, zebras, giraffes, and a ton of other stuff. It was pretty awesome. Luckily, it wasn't a scorcher so the heat didn't kills us. The whole time it reminded me of Jurassic Park and I kept having the thought---Oh what if all these animals get lose...what would we do? It is very different from the zoo and it is pretty exciting to see these animals in their own environment and running around with other animals.

Farners Market

If you EVER visit the Los Angeles Area the Farmers Market on Fairfax is a must do. It is so cool to walk around and visit the specialty shops and all the yummy places to eat. We always buy fresh fruit and a magazine and have fun people watching, Ryan decided he wanted strawberries--- it was three baskets for two dollars so I thought what the heck! Adam and I always get a few things to sample throughout the day. I find the Farmers Market reminiscent of old LA, although the chic Grove is practically attached to it...go figure. If you go we LOVE breakfast at either Loteria or Charlies yummy. We went on the 3rd of July and it was crowded and all decked out for Americas Birthday. But if you go early on a regular Saturday morning it is fun to have the place to yourself and not have to push your way through crowds.

Beach Camping

We went beach camping back in the Spring with the Brobergs...it was kind of a bust because it was cold and cloudy the whole time. However, we had Adams uncles awesome trailer with every amenity we needed to be comfortable so we watched alot of movies and just hung out. We went down to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and that was very cool!

First Day of School.....

Well I have a first grader ---with lots more pictures to come....the first day of school was a GREAT success. Ryan and his best friend are in the same class, and his teacher seems amazing. I was surprised I didn't cry, but Ryan was so confident and excited. Plus, the teacher cut the cord at the playground...nope we didn't even get to walk into the classroom. Ryan soldier saluted us and walked away. I am very happy that Ryan is comfortable and confident with himself and is turning in to such a nice young man!

But, the second day of school was today ---Ryan came home and said that nobody played with him, and that it was a little rough. It broke my heart. But, what hurts even more is what do you say? "That's life kid" or "People will not always want to hang out with you"....his best buddy decided to play with this 3rd grade kid from his neighborhood. You cant blame him when you are in 1st grade a 3rd grader seems so cool. But what I want to say to this 3rd grade kid is get a life and play with other 3rd graders! LOL..just joking...kinda. The only comfort I could offer is that this is why you have a family that will always love you and be here to love you, and that sometimes people want to hang with other people, and I encouraged him to find more friends and expand his comfort zone. Yet, it still makes me a little sad, but seriously that's life...there are days I eat lunch alone, or feel like saying nobody likes me.

Having kids is such an emotional journey of extreme highs and lows. I wouldn't ask for anything more.

Have you been to.....

Have you been to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles....no?...well go...like now! Really this place is a gem in Los Angeles. When you walk in it is like walking back in time, this place has been around since 1976 it is a LA establishment. You may say...hmm..Chicken and Waffles together..and now I am going to say yes! You see you take some chicken that is lathered in gravy, a little bit of waffles soaked with syrup and put them in your mouth. Its magic. When you go, because you must, you WILL see a line outside. Don't let that scare you off, it moves fast and is sooo worth the few minute wait. Go, relish in the deliciousness, and report back.