Ronald Reagan Library

I'm back!!!!

I'll bet you thought I had fallen off the face of the earth.

But I haven't.

Just been lazy. I haven't felt like posting in a long time. But I thought I better get back up on the proverbial horse and take a ride.

A week ago today was my hubby Mike's birthday. He's been wanting to visit the Reagan library in Simi Valley ever since it opened. He is the hugest Ronald Reagan fan. Every year I tell him I will take him. And every year I forget. I really don't forget, we usually just don't have the money.


Well, this year I didn't forget and I had the money. So we (Mike, Brandon & I) made the 2 hour trek to Simi Valley last Saturday, for his birthday. Even though it was really the day after his birthday. In my family, we milk birthdays for as long as we can. At least for a week. Jesse didn't want to go as he isn't into politics at all. Plus Ronald Regan was before he was born (his words).

We left home around 8:45am and got into Simi Valley around 10:30 or so. We first stopped by Aunt Joni's house to see if she might want to come with us. But did I tell her in advance that we were coming to Simi?

Why the answer would be NO. Why should I? Aunt Joni had just told me in January when I saw her in Palm Desert that she never goes anywhere. She is always home. To stop by anytime.

Why would I doubt her? But home she was not.

So we found a Jack in the Box to eat a little breakfast before heading to the Reagan Library.

We got to the library around 11am.

The library was BUSY!!! Lots of people visiting. I didn't expect it to be so crowded.

The guys had fun standing at the presidential podium. Got a chance to try out the teleprompters. That is why Mike isn't looking at the camera when I took this picture.

Before we knew it, we were at the Berlin wall. I can't imagine living on one side of this wall and having my friends and family living on the other side and not being able to see them. They have an actual piece of the Berlin wall outside. This one inside is just a replica.

I think Brandon's favorite part of the library was Air Force One Pavilion. That plane is huge. I could never get the entire plane in one shot. And we never did find out how they got that huge plane in the building. Maybe they built the building around the plane?

They let you go through Air Force One. But they don't allow any photos inside. That is why they take your photo just prior to entering the plane, so they can sell it to you when you get out (see first photo on this post to see who was suckered into buying one).

This photo was taken after we exited the rear of the airplane. They let you take photos everywhere except inside Air Force One, you just can't use your flash when taking photos.

Both boys loved Air Force One.

Brandon in front of the presidential seal. Brandon took one of Mike & I, but he has it on his cell phone. So I haven't seen it.


This was President Reagan's limo from when he was shot.

Brandon standing in front of a mural that depicts all the different Air Force One airplanes there has been over the years.

The library was setting up for a dinner/event they were having that night. It was going to be for medal of honor recipients.

We were told they have lots of events in the Air Force One pavilion. Even school proms.

They had a jet engine on display. Mike is trying to show me the parts that he used to make being an Aerospace machinist back in the olden days. He machined parts for jet engines.


Here is the Marine One presidential helicopter they had on display. They don't let you go inside. They also have one at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda that they do let you go inside. But they don't let you take photos inside that either.

Outside you can visit the grave of Ronald Reagan.

The Regan Library costs $15.00 a person, but we thought it was worth it. Parking is free. We did not pay the extra $7.00 for the guidecam. But now I wish we had. It's a cool device that looks like an Ipod with earphones. It tells you about stuff you are seeing, plus its a still and a video camera. It lets you take photos and/or video and sends them to your email. How cool is that?

They also had a special George Washington exhibit that we visited. I just didn't post any photos.

It took us about 4 hours to see everything. We really enjoyed our trip to the Reagan library. I highly recommend it.

After we were done, we drive back to Aunt Joni's house. Surely now she would be home. But NO. She was still gone. I called Mom to get her cell phone number. Tried calling Joni's cell phone but no answer.

Next I called my sister Andrea to get our cousin Emily's phone number. I had driven all the way to Simi Valley and wanted to see someone in our family. But Emily didn't answer her phone either. Drats!

Since it was now 4pm, we decided to get something to eat. We saw a taco shop down the street and decided to stop. It was pretty good food. And the prices were cheaper than the taco shop we normally go to in our town. But they were sooooooooooooooooooo slow.

By the time we were done eating, it was 4:45. I tried calling Aunt Joni one last time. And this time she answered! Halafreakingluyah. She said she was in Camarillo at a friends birthday party. She was just leaving and would take her 1/2 hour to get home. Would we wait?

I told her since I like her so much, she was worth waiting for. So we drove around Simi a bit to kill some time and then drove to Aunt Joni's house to wait.

She finally got home a half hour later and we went inside to visit. It was fun getting to visit with Aunt Joni. I think she loved having us there too since it gave her someone to talk politics with that had the same views as her. Mike and Brandon both love talking politics. We also got to see inside her cute little vintage trailer. Now I want one.

Sorry that I didn't get any photos while at Aunt Joni's. I was too busy talking to remember to take pics.

We left Aunt Joni's a little before 9pm and got home around 10:40pm. Got home a little faster than the ride to Simi. Luckily we didn't have much traffic coming or going.

Wish I could have seen the cousins, but I have no clue where anyone actually lives in Simi. Only Aunt Joni. Plus it was a Saturday and I'm sure all the cousin's kids were playing sports. So I'm sure no one was home on Saturday. Next time I guess I better tell everyone I'm coming in advance. Then maybe we could have a get together.

We really need to have a family reunion. Who's game? And where should we have it?

Zak's Homecoming

ZAK'S HOMECOMING

Today Zak came home from his mission in Detroit Michigan.
Here are some pictures from the airport this afternoon.

Coming down the stairs!!! Yeah!!!!

Sign Jamey made!!!

First hug from Mom!!! (Andrea)

Hugs from Grandma!!!!

Happy return missionary!!!

Grandma and Zak

Proud DAD!!!
Proud parents

Brothers together again!!!

After we left the airport, Andrea and Jamey took Zak to the Stake Center to be released as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Talking in the back yard with friends.
Zak eating a sandwich at home (first meal at home)

Thanksgiving dinner

Can you believe how fast the fall in whizzing by? I can't believe that Christmas is 3 weeks from Sunday. THREE WEEKS!

And I haven't even started Christmas shopping. Well, I have, but just for me. That's because I know what I want. The rest of my family, not so much.

Since Christmas will be here before we know it, I thought I better post about Thanksgiving. However, there really isn't much to post. Well, I could write a book, just wouldn't have many pictures to go with it.

Thanksgiving was held at my house this year. I invited everyone in my family.

Todd's family couldn't come as they live in Utah. Plus Todd works at Walmart and had to work on Black Friday. So his family had a legit excuse.

Andrea's family couldn't come as Jamey had just got back in town from being away for a month. He wasn't up to driving anywhere and wanted to stay home. A pretty legit excuse.

My step son Brandan's family couldn't come as my daughter in law Crystal had to work. Again, a legit excuse.

Eric's family came. Every last one of them. YAY!!! Finally someone was coming.

Jodi, Mom & Dad said they were coming. I even gave them a food assignment, but I did ask her if I should buy backups. She said NO, they would be there. Then the day before, Jodi calls saying they won't be coming. Mom wasn't feeling well & didn't want to drive an hour and fifteen minutes. It's a good thing I bought back up food.

Then on Thanksgiving morning, Jodi calls and wants to know if we still have enough food for 3 more. Mom was feeling better, and Jodi really wanted to come. I told her "of course we still have enough food". I really wanted to say "NO, we gave your share away". But I was nice. As I am always the nice sister (Jodi is trying not to gag as she reads this. Ha, ha!).

So Mom, Dad & Jodi ended up coming to Thanksgiving dinner afterall. And all was good in the Chalfant household.

We ended up with 14 people at our dinner. So I set up 3 different tables for eating.


This is the table in my family room/kitchen. Mom, Dad, Jodi, Brandon, Mike & I all sat at this table. I guess I should have asked everyone to look at me when I was taking the pic.

This table is in my living room. Jeannette, Jesse, Eric, Jase & Cade ate in here.

Danica, Taylor and her husband Michael sat at the kid's table in my family room.

And that my family, are the only photos I have to share. I thought I took a bunch more. In fact, I thought I took photos of each table before people and food took them over. But there were no pre food photos on either of my cameras. I must have dreamed it.

For dinner we had turkey and cornbread stuffing that Mike cooked. I cooked the mashed pototatos and gravy, green bean casserole, corn, and candied yams. This is the first year I cooked the yams in the slow cooker. They turned out so yummy. Everyone commented they were the best yams they have ever had. I also made Grandma Manning's green jello Thanksgiving salad. We have it every year. And I bought rolls from Sam's Club. I'm not patient enough for making my own rolls. Jodi was suppose to bring jello salad and rolls, but luckily I had the items on hand for making the jello salad and Sam's Club had rolls at the last minute. Jeannette brought Martinelli's sparkling cider and a couple of pumpkin chiffon pies she made. Taylor brought green lettuce salad. Oh, I did make homemade ranch dressing for the lettuce salad.

Dinner was as yummy as ever. I just love Thanksgiving dinner. We had enough leftovers to have Thanksgiving dinner for a couple of nights after as well. I did cook 20lbs of mashed potatoes. A little overkill since I had about 1/2 left after dinner. But I got to make Shepard's Pie this week with the left over mashed potatoes. So a win/win.

I just love getting together with family. I wish I had a big enough house to invite all my extended family, including aunts, uncles, cousins and children and grandchildren of the cousins. Wouldn't that be so much fun? We really need to have a Manning family reunion. Who's up for it?

The only down side of having so many people to dinner, is the dishes. Luckily Jeannette and Eric helped. OK, they did most of the dishes. I did have to run my dishwasher two times to accommodate all the dishes. Thank goodness for dishwashers. See, I am thankful for something.

The best part of the day was seeing Mom with our dog Cookie. She just loved her. Mom loved Cookie so much that we had her convinced to take Cookie's brother (who is looking for a home). But Dad the Grinch, talked her out of it by the time they got back home. Or maybe it was Jodi. They gave some lame excuse about having to open 2 doors to let the dog in and out. Whatever!

Speaking of our dog cookie. She is the best dog in the whole world. You couldn't ask for a better dog. She is perfect. Even my husband Mike who doesn't like dogs, just loves her. And you know she is perfect if Mom wanted a dog just like her. My neighbor (who has worked in vets office for 20 years) says that almost all Golden Retriever's are just like Cookie. Very loving and gentle.

Enough about Cookie and Thanksgiving. Time to journey on to Christmas. What are your plans for Christmas? We are going down to Mom and Dad's house. Plus we will be able to see my Grandson Gunner.

And then on New Years Day, we will be back down in San Diego to attend Zak's homecoming. Zak is Andrea's oldest son. He gets home from his 2 year mission to Detroit on the 20th of this month. Everyone in our family is so excited. Andrea is beyond excited. It will be so good to see him.

And now, you are pretty much caught up on what is happening on the Langston side of the family. At least the stuff that I know about.

Take care & have a Merry Christmas! Just covering my bases in case I don't post again before Christmas.

Love,

Kim

P.S. Happy 21st birthday to my stepson Jesse. And Happy birthday to Andrea's son Simon. I think he turns 18 years old today. Yikes! Our kids are getting old. How can they be when we are not?

Our first ever Halloween party

Well look who has decided to finally post something. Sorry that I have been away so long. I just haven't been feeling it.

But since we had our first ever Halloween party last Saturday night, I decided I should come out of blog retirement aka: laziness, and tell you all about it.

In case you were not there, you missed a fun time. It was small, but lots of fun. And no alcohol was involved. See you can still have fun without booze.

The secret is to have ice shaped like a skull in your blood aka: Shasta Tiki Punch.

And you must have nachos. No party at Kim's house is complete without nachos. I decided to be a little healthy by adding a spinach dip to the mix.


And I had lots of fun putting together this graveyard 7 layer bean dip. The graveyard decorations are made from flour tortillas that I cut out using cookie cutters and a knife, then baked them in the oven until crisp. I should have used some food coloring to paint some color. Maybe next time.

We had lots of food. Mike made riblets, Danica made funeral potatoes. Jeannette and Eric put together the mummy dogs, I made the garlic bread bones and my neighbor Roxanne brought the KFC chicken and the ants/spiders on the log (celery sticks with peanut butter and bugs painted on).

I had a couple of more Halloweeny dishes I was going to make, just ran out of time. There is always next year. I even made cupcakes, but never got them frosted. Luckily Jeannette brought hers that were. I still haven't frosted my cupcakes.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I did make fossil cookies, but they all disappeared before I could take any photos. And what are fossil cookies? They are snickerdoodles that I imprinted with a plastic spider right away they came out of the oven. So it made an imprint of the spider. Looked like a fossil.

After dinner we all went outside to watch a Nightmare Before Christmas movie at the "Dive In Theater" over our pool. Mike was mad I didn't take a photo of the movie. I told him it never shows up if I don't use flash and if I use flash, you can't see the movie. So why bother.

Here is Michael (Taylor's husband), Taylor and Danica. Taylor is dressed up as a pregnant woman. Oh wait, that is her normal self.


Eric sat in the jacuzzi for awhile, while Jeannette sat on the edge. When the movie was playing the jacuzzi was full.

We were going to pop popcorn for the movie, but everyone was so full from dinner. And we never did make our s'mores. But no one noticed.

After the movie it was time to take photos. Everyone was suppose to dress up in costume. But it was mostly the kids that did so. But a few of the adults did as well.

I set up an area complete with ripped cheesecloth and lights for taking the photos.

Eric used part of one of his boys costume for his photo with his daughter Danica.


And who is Danica dressed up as? Why Danica Patrick the race car driver. And that is a wig Danica is wearing. She used to have long black hair, but right now it is short & bleached blond.

Taylor didn't dress up. So for those who didn't wear a costume, I had some funny glasses and other masks they could wear for photos. All my props came from Dollar Tree. The funny glasses and noses were the biggest hit.


Taylor and her hubby Michael dressed as a pregnant man.

Jase and Cade. Loved their costumes.

I didn't get to dress up as my costume needed to be altered and I never got it done in time. So I put on a pair of funny glasses and nose and a couple of dollar boas. Mike was a cowboy.

Since this is a family blog, I'm not posting the photos of my neighbors and other friends since you won't know any of them. But you can see their photos on my facebook if you are really interested. My neighbor Kenny made a real scary "Pinhead".

I had plans to make some other photo props, but never got them done. Being a procrastinator does that. But no one cared. They loved the props I did have and had fun taking photos.

All in all we had a good time. It was just my family, Eric's family, the next door neighbors and some friends. Taylor and Michael brought some of their friends as well.

We will definitely have to do this again next year. Maybe we will even invite you.

Kim

Utah Vacation 2011

We have been vacationing at Snowbird Utah since Saturday Aug 20 to Saturday Aug. 27.
We have been having fun. Todd and Julianna stayed with us from Sunday till Tuesday. We played a lot of Dominios with Todd and Julianna. We went on walks to the Snowbird Center and walks to the Pond. On Tuesday we rode the Tram to the top of the summit at Snowbird. It was fun. Tuesday evening we drove to Murray and ate dinner at Rubio's.

Julianna trying on Mom's hearing aids

Taking a walk to the Snowbird Center to get soda's.

Todd

Julianna

Walking over to the Pond to feed the fishes.

Julianna & Dad

Julianna, Dad, Todd & Brandon at Pond

Julianna, Dad, Todd & Jodi at Pond

Todd feeding bread to fish at Pond

Julianna in flowers