Family Reunion - Kaliher style

Last weekend we were able to go to the Kaliher Family reunion held at Starved Rock State park in Utica, IL. We flew in on Thursday and back on Monday. Between those days we had a blast.The first day we landed and headed to Eureka, IL to spent quality time with Aunt Gwen (one of my favorite people in the world) and her family. Carlita loves her cousin, Hannah. She gets all of Hannah's hand-me-downs and almost every outfit Carlita wore was Hannah's at one time. It's amazing being around a small town. Hannah and Carlita just ran off to neighbor's houses for pool time and did their own thing. For that first day I had no clue where my kids were. For one, I had been feeling sick. so the trip which required us to be up at 3:30am to get to the airport didn't help. Once we got to Gwen's I passed out for a few hours. And Karl did so too and Luke. Carlita was off with cousin Hannah (Gwen knew where the kids were at all times though). Once we have recovered, I got busy making the family slideshow which you can see on previous posts - what a blast to go through old pictures and figure who everyone was. Then Friday we were off to Starved Rock. We stayed at the lodge which had a great wilderness feeling to it. Our room was right on the first floor next to the pool, so the kids were in the pool within 10 minutes of arriving. Other cousins were there too. Everyone started to arrive and for our first gathering we met outside (in the heat and humidity), ate pizza, and did a fun ice breaker (led by Dr. Lulu). We had nametags and stickers and the objective was to get as many stickers as possible by going around and meeting each other. Many of us have never met in person (though knew of each other through email/letters/cards).  As the evening went on, the kids got back into the pool and the adults told stories and drank. We planned out our next day's activities and the ones with little kids (that's us) went to bed early.

On Saturday, I was up early to have yoga with Aunt Gwen, led by Aunt Cindy who did a wonderful job. Then my family went to eat with Grandma Joannie. Then Carlita wanted to do the pool but we wanted to o on a hike with the cousins. 
So we split up. Carlita with the swimming cousins and Luke with us in a backpack. We didn't know where the group of hikers went so we took on the St. Louis Canyon trail. That was very hilly with lots of stairs. We saw Aurora Canyon, on the way to St. Louis. The trails here were all accessible for the most part. All groomed with wood panels on the trail and stairs. It wasn't exactly hiking but it worked for us. Very pretty. Then we hiked back in time for lunch. The whole group gathered for that in the Great Hall and wore our bright yellow shirts (see slideshow). Those shirts glow in the dark - they were so bright. So we stood out - not like we wouldn't with this loud group. After lunch it was nap time for the boys. Carlita again was in the pool or hanging out with cousins. We had the LaSalle room reserved for the day where we set up games and remembrance tables for everyone to enjoy. I got to premiere the two slideshow movies I created for the event - one of the Kaliher heritage and one on the next generation of Kalihers. Everyone loved them. they were shown over and over. Of course both were posted online, through this site, Facebook, and our family youtube channel. Dinner was served buffet style and we ate in the LaSalle room. Then the fun Kaliher talent show was put on. What a blast! The patriarch of the family, Don, told jokes and stories. Some "I'm married to a Kaliher "stories were told. We had singing done by Kitty and Dave Reip. Danny Reip played his trumpet. Ally Koehler showed us her balance beam routine. Zack Kaliher sang a Irish pub song. The little kids did a tap routine, and Carlita tried to follow along. It was so much fun. After some cake the kids were yet again back in the pool, but finally off to bed.

On Sunday we were up, ate breakfast, and gathered the little cousins for a hike to Starved Rock. Very pretty and very easy to get to - all the trails were developed with lined wood or cement. We took a walk to the river and then visited the Visitor Center, which had a very nice video on the history of the area. I was very impressed by the center. It was almost a mini museum. We also got fudge for the girls and headed back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon the boys took naps, while us girls and a group of Kalihers took the trolley tour. I was laughing that the local Kalihers who grew up in the area was being given a tour by our Austrian tour guide. Though the tour was nice, it's not something I would even recommend. We went to the Canal visitor center (which was very small), a drive through tour of Utica (a town of 1000 people) and the Visitor Center, which we had just visited in the morning.  It was fun riding in a trolley but not really worth the money. once back, guess where we went - of course back into the pool. Then we got ready to go out to dinner at Duffy's Irish Pub, in downtown Utica, Il. You should have seen the bartender's face when we told him 29 people were coming. They gave us a room in the back - good to keep us contained in one place.  We had a performance by Mark B. of Danny Boy., and toasts all around, especially to Kristi H., Gwen B., and Susan R. who organized the whole weekend. Once back at the lodge we had left-over cake, said alot of good byes for those who were leaving early in the morning, and off to bed we went. 


On Monday we all got up at 7am, had breakfast, and went for a hike. Luke in the backpack and Carlita on her little feet (though she wanted to be carried). We went to see all the wood carvings around the lodge grounds and went for a hike to Wildcat Canyon. We saw French and Pontiac Canyon, and Lover's Leap on the hike. Wished we had more time or were able to have done more hiking (the kids are still too young to really enjoy it). Back to the lodge we packed up, said more goodbyes, and headed to Henry, Il for lunch with Grandma Joannie. We love comign to her house and visiting. Henry is a VERY small town but it has a great coffee house which we always go to when in town. After lunch we headed back to Aunt Gwen's house in Eureka to re-gather and prep for our trip to the Bloomington airport. And after a lay over in Atlanta, GA we were back in Philly by 1am and home by 2am. Luckily Karl took the week off and slept in with the kids, because they DID not sleep on the plane until we landed in Philly. Poor kids - they were so tired. Traveling is very rough on them.

All in all we had a blast with the Illinois Kalihers. Carlita was in her element following the older cousins. She was given alot of freedom which she loved. Luke was always running around, climbing stairs and getting lost. Karl got to hear lots of family stories, especially about his dad. We got to honor those who have passed away, Carol Kaliher, Chip Kaliher, and Steve Koehler. What a great memory and experience. I only wished I had that opportunity with my Cuba family but hopefully soon one day we'll all be together. and hopefully Karl and I can have these similar experiences with our kids as we plan family reunions with our grown-up kids and their families.

Kaliher reunionpics

Kaliher Reunion Picture Slideshow - enjoy!

New Generation of Kalihers slideshow

Click below to see the slideshow I created for the Kaliher Family Reunion showing off the next generation of kalihers.

Kaliher Family Reunion Slideshow

Click on to play

No time for sickness

For the past 24 hours I have been not feeling great. I think it's a stomach virus or something. I don't have the luxury to be sick as a mother and a professional. We're going off to Illinois in one day for a family union. A plane ride with kids - I need all the energy I can have. So I'm resting up and pumping in as much medicine as I can. I don't usually get sick or talk about it but I hate feeling low and out of it. i reflect on how other mothers handle this while working or staying at home. How do we manage to take care of ourselves when there's so much riding on us? Somehow we get up in the morning, make ourselves presentable, get kids up and ready for school, go to work, get home with kids in hand, manage to pull together a meal, do evening activities, and get everyone in bed. Then you work the "second shift" of cleaning up the house, doing the bills, maybe get a TV show in, and take care of your partner. I wonder how we don't get sick more often. It's amazing our bodies abilities to handle stress and everything we do to it. So today I'm going to take it easy (at least in the morning). Then off I go in the afternoon to meetings, working out, and getting my family ready for the trip. Take it easy today Mothers of the world - others depend on us.

Water Water water

The best thing about summer I think is water. Water that falls from the sky, water in a pool, water off the beach. Water. It has been much needed the past few days. All the plants have been drying out and the humidity almost unbearable (though I enjoy the heat others don't). So it was great when we received much thunderstorms over the weekend and yesterday. But with water comes choices. Choices on what to do with the kids. Summer is wonderful to be outside, moving, and discovering new things. Hardly any clothing is required and you can just spontaneous go for a bike ride or a walk. But on those days that rain you have to be more creative as a parent. So on Saturday we took the kids to the Delaware Children Museum. We really enjoy this place. Then off to Champps for a free meal, and afternoon naps. Karl took Carlita to go see Toy Story 3 in 3D which they told me was awesome. I can't wait to go.

On Sunday we traveled to Killen's Pond State Park in Felton, DE. Roughly over a hour from our place, this state park has a water park. It was so neat! What a hidden treasure right in middle Delaware. The water park had two main sections with several components: the toddler area and the big pool. For the toddler area there was two pools for little ones to slide and play in water. Luke was really enjoying himself on the slides, doing it over and over. Carlita has become quite a fish in water, jumping around and working hard to learn how to swim. My favorite was two frog slides. The big pool had several components. First it's handicap accessible and has a beach-entry (which means you walk into it). There were water umbella and spinning devices shooting out water. That whole section is under three feet which allowed Carlita to splash all around. The next section was a deeper section for us adults. We went in there once with the kids but with me being short and the kids hanging on to me we left quickly. The next section was so cool - 6 "lily pads" that kids can walk around while holding onto a rope. I didn't think that Carlita could do this but she did (see the video). I am always amazed by her abilities. The last section was two BIG slides that anyone over 48 inches could go on. So that meant Dad and Mom took turns going down them which was so much fun. We did a little picnic outside the park and then played more in the water. Luke fell off the picnic table and got a bad bruise on the back of his head. These kids I tell you. Luke after a while was getting cranky so we left and he passed out in the carseat in two seconds. We know how to wear these kids down. Then we drove back home, but did a ice cream stop n Dover at Vitelli's shaved ice. Google maps on mobile devices is great but sometimes directions can be challenging. We got a bit lost but we found it evidently which was worth it.

I love weekends with my family and the little adventures we take. It's hard to believe summer is almost over for us. The next weekends will be spent with family and then August training begins which means no life for me until after opening.

Tribute to Carol

Too many and too fast we lose a loved one. Today we received news that Karl's great aunt, Carol, has passed away from a mean fight with stomach cancer. She was a wonderful woman. Many in the family say Lulu reminds them of her. Carol always had a smile on her face. We were lucky enough to visit her and Jiggs three times, which was never enough time. Every visit she engaged us in laughter, sharing great stories of the past, and took care of us. She and Jiggs introduced us to Tripology, adding to our gaming addiction. She ignited our interest in genealogy, always bringing out her and Jiggs family tree project (which was several pages long). She gave Lulu an aloe plant and a "corn" plant owned by Grandma Kaliher, as well as a jean skirt. Those plants love on through generations due to love and care. She loved our children and she loved cheese and chocolate. She would always comment about the "Kalihers of Virginia" and "us Kaliher women". Once every tw-three months we would receive a "love" note from Carol and Jiggs, passing on some recipes, stories, or a memory. We treasure her humor and take on life. We never saw a time when she wasn't smiling. Even when Jiggs and her were arguing there was always a smile on her face. We are completely heart-broken she is gone. We hope you enjoy the video tribute below for her as we remember a wonderful woman, mother, and friend.

Click here to see the video. The music represented just how joyful she was. Carol, you live on in our hearts forever:
Tribute to Carol

The funny things Kids say

I have been meaning to write down daily what the kids say. With Carlita I barely remember all her anedotes the past four years so hopefully I can do this in this space.

Carlita: we were driving on a road and came to a part when you had to choose left or right to do. Karl said " O we're at a fork in the road". Carlita responded: "where's the fork?" Priceless.

Other Carlita sayings:

• Can I ask you something? (and she goes on telling you a story and not a question)
• Mommy you know what......
• Mommy when are we going to....
• What the heck-e?
• Mommy, when we get home can I watch a show (we do almost everyday)
• I'm thirsty

Luke's vocabulary has been increasing too. Anything with a "ch" or "sh" sound he emphasizes. Too cute! He says the following:

• Cheese
• Flower
• Blanket
• Momma
• Ba ba (for his pacificer)
• Dadda
• Titi 
• Ita (for Carlita)
• Food
• Juice
• Shoes
• Thank you

Anedotes are hiilarious too.
Carlita:

• She likes to watch TV upside down. 
• She likes to dance and hit her "buttie"
• She's flapping and flipping everywhere. Most of the time her legs are moving up and down in the air.
• the kids were taking a bath yesterday together. As they are playing Carlita says "Mommy there's play-doh in the tub". Honey that's not play-doh.  You've never seen a kid move so fast out of the tub. Parents spent the next ten minutes cleaning and sanitizing the tub of the "play-doh"

Luke:

• He loves his baba and pillie (this small pillow I made in graduate school). Every morning he gives me his items and at night he runs to his crib and points at them with gruntling sounds
• He spins himself around to dance
• He picks up his shirt to show off his belly when he thinks we're going for a bath
• He loves shoes and runs to the entrance door to get his and everyone else's.
• When he comes home he runs to the refrigerator and begs for "CHEESE". 

I'll keep these coming as they happen. Here's a movie of the kids with their cousin showing off their moves.

 

Technology tools - my addiction increases

As many of you know I love technology tools. I can spend all day playing with new tools that people have shown me. I will try to share these with anyone who will listen. So today I found new tools to make your life easy with my reviews on them.

lastpass.com : Do you hate remembering every password to the different sites you subscribe to? No more. lastpass.com will remember for you. all you have to do is install it on your computer and everytime you open a browser log into the account. It remembers all your logins and passwords so if you visit multiple sites like I do, it will auto fill in your information. You can set the settings to do so or for you to be prompted. and this is not only on your computer. Go to any computer. log in and puff you have all your passwords/logins. Just remember to log off if you're not at your own computer.

xmarks.com: a bookmark management system. Delicious is great as a resource sharing application for items /sites you want to tag. But if you want to remember all your bookmarks and are nervous of losing them or you are changing computers, anything xmarks.com will forever store your bookmarks. So if you are at another computer you log into your xmarks.com account and there's your bookmarks. I love this one!

tungle.me: an easy way to schedule your life with others. Similar to meetingwizard.com but more fun. Can't wait to start using this.

thinkfinity.com: A great resource for teachers and those who just love learning. I'm looking forward to using some of the Pre-K and k programs with Carlita.

Any favorite tools you use - share here!

Happy 4th of July

Happy Birthday! Yes' America it's your birthday and how do we celebrate it? By the pool, eating, and giving you the biggest candle ever (aka fireworks). So how did the Luka family celebrated your birthday? By going to Dutch Wonderland and visiting family.

Dutch Wonderland is a amusement park just for kids. Almost all the rides every kid can go on and did we. We got up to the park by opening and were there all day long. Luke and Carlita really enjoyed themselves (and the parents too). Though the theme was a bit much for me (all about princesses and princes), it was a great park that we'll go back again. When it was time to leave, the Rosa car wasn't doing so well. It was shaking and couldn't accelerate. We called our handy man, Mike (my B-I-L)  who directed us to the closest Pep Boys off his satellite program. Three hours later, and more in debt, our car was fixed and we had tired children on hand. We spent that time at 5 Guys (a burger joint) and K-Mart (not the most happening place to be at).

After that adventure, we were up for another - to go see my sister's in Maryland. We were in for a big surprise when we got there. A boat fairy had delivered a beautiful Sea-doo speedster just in time for the holidays. On the 4th we went riding on the Potomac River, and the kids couldn't get enough of it. We were so exhausted! the kids at night had a hard time going down and I fell asleep with them at 9pm, missing out on any fireworks :(

The rest of the weekend was spent recovering from our trips, and playing with the kids. Happy Birthday America! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

A start of a new addiction - Baseball

It's baseball season in case you didn't know. Yes it starts in April and ends in October but it's really a summer sport. If I don't get a response from Karl after calling his name several times, it's usually because he's keeping up on all the drama with the Chicago Cubs on his blackberry or online. Poor Cubs - this season isn't turning out to be a good one for them. I didn't really grow up as a sports fan but I have no problem cheering on the Cubs. In May I took Karl to a game in Philly. They lost but it was fun but nothing I could do all the time. I have no patience for the slowness of the game and to understand everything that is going on. That's why I like my swimming/diving/running and drum corps. But I do get excited when the playoffs comes, and I'm enjoying all the drama with the World Cup.

So it's not too surprising that we went to a Blue Rocks game on Wednesday, July 1st with a group of ResLifers from UD. First we went out to dinner at Champps (staying with the sports theme for the night) and then off to the game. The last time we went to a game was when Carlita was roughly 2 years old, and now I remember why we haven't gone back. Did we see the game? No. Did we bother other people? Yes. Did we have fun? Yes. My friend, Gina, and I chatted as we kept the kids from running onto the field. Carlita got a chance to jump on an inflatable and Luke ate food. We lasted a hour and half at the game which was good with kids. No clue what the score was or how the players were doing. On the drive home, Karl informed me that two men behind us were commenting underneath their breath at how rude our kids were and how they couldn't enjoy the game. It's a division I team!!!! There was hardly anyone at the game. Empty seats were all around us. You could have moved. I wished I had heard them because there would have been some fireworks going off at the game. So needless to say, going to another game in the near future won't be happening for the Luka family for a few years.

But still we want the kids to have that baseball fever so Carlita is doing t-ball at the Y on Thursday and Karl is coaching her team (if you can call it coaching). The kids are hilarious - they can't catch a ball, their attention span is VERY short but they are so cute in their hats and gloves and running around the field. But these are great memories that Carlita will have with her father.

 

Weekends of Adventures

Summer time which means trips trips and more trips. We've been having lots of adventures the past two weeks. First over the June 25th weekend my sister and her family came for a visit. They wanted to go to Chesapeake City Canal Days. Off we went to this new adventure. I'm always amazed at how close to the Chesapeake Bay. Only 30 minutes away was this fun town. Now one of the things of this day is that it's rally mardi gras on water. That being said.. .there were beads and flashing and drinking on water vehicles all over the place but there was a small block of crafts/arts, and some fun. Oo.. yes I did get flashed but my brother-in-law missed it.

We did a half hour ferry ride on the water which was nice and some arts/crafts for the kids. But then the truth came out why my sister came.. they were looking for a boat. Yes a boat for the family. How exciting! they've been looking high and low for one that would be perfect for our family but no luck. However we did stop at a marina and found one that was put up on sale that same day. What the luck! So now it's a waiting game to hear back from the seller.

After the day at canal day, we relaxed at home and blew up the pool and had a pool party in the back of our home. The kids had a blast and the moms watched on. We also went blue berry picking around the UD campus. 

On Sunday we woke up and discovered that our pool was stolen - :( . We were so upset. How can people be like that to steal little kids' pools? Must be desperate. Anyways we took the kids to the Delaware Children Museum and then to Joe's Crab House for lunch. That was a blast as you can see from this video. And then the fun was over and Sandra, Mike, and Sofia left with no boat in tow but great memories.