iPad goes old school

By now you all know how much I love helping Kelly learn her alphabet, and learning to read & write. But did you all know that I am just as useful helping her learn even when I am turned off. Tonight, we went old school. Kelly was putting sticky notes with the letters of the alphabet on various items around the house...and when she came to the letter Ii she immediately said "I is for iPad". That's right...eat your heart out ice cream...she said iPad.

iPad out!

iPad picnic

A tisket, a tasket, iPad and a picnic basket...

On Sunday we were all a little tired of running around. So after a quick visit with grandpop at the hospital we all decided to hang around at home. It was such a nice day and family is first thought a picnic sounded like fun....and so did I....this was to be my first ever. We took our lunch, a sheet, a blanket, and some pillows out to the backyard and we setup a picnic under an orange tree in our very own backyard. The food was extra yummy out in the fresh air and it was lots of fun lounging and playing in the yard. Jason even took down some gigantic pieces of bamboo to make us a little shelter.

When we were done lounging, Jason and Kelly wanted to go swimming. I haven't learned how to swim just yet so I lounged on a pillow under the tree while they played in the pool. It looked like so much fun...I just must learn to swim. Anyway, it was a wonderful lazy afternoon. I shall picnic again soon. This is iPad signing off...next stop...swim lessons!

iPad celebrates a graduation

Today we went to Kelly's culmination from Early Kindergarten....next stop Big Kindergarten! Kelly and her friends put on a fabulous show. Following the graduation we went to Chili's for a lunch time celebration. The whole family had a great time. What a great way to start the summer. I am really looking forward to it. Now we are off to sit poolside while the JJ and Kelly swim. iPad out!

iPad saves a life

I proclaim that an iPad can save a life or at least someone's sanity. Consider the following story as my case in point to the skeptics out there. As you all know I accompanied family is first to an overnight trip to the hospital to help watch out over grandpop. The first night went well and between dozing we played games, facebooked, watched tv shows, web surfed, & caught up on the news of the day. The usual just at a bit different hours.

So, then came night #2. We arrived at the hospital fully recharged and ready for the night. This night we were a bit luckier...or actually unluckier as we were to find out later. The first night all the roll around beds were taken so we spent a somewhat uncomfortable night sitting up in a chair dozing off at times. On this night the nurse said we were lucky...or so she thought too...a bed was available. Housekeeping brought it down and family is first made it so we could get comfy. We did our usual and then decided to get a little sleep.

Well, we barely fall asleep and the next thing we know we are being awakened by the nurse coming in the room hurriedly. We open our eyes and get our bearings about us and find that grandpop had woken up and pulled out everything...all the tubes...all the wires...absolutely everything. And boy what a mess. We just wondered how this happened. We were just two feet away and neither one of us heard a thing...not a thing. Here we are staying in the hospital all night to watch out over him to prevent this very kind of thing and...we failed...we were asleep (literally) on the job. The nurse even commented that we should be fired.

Once everything was replaced and some level of peace had been restored you can bet we sat back down in that chair. No more bed for us and there will certainly be no more sleeping....this was not to happen again. So how did we stay awake and alert the rest of the night in a dark & quiet hospital room? We settled in for some iPad and family is first togetherness time...some extended surfing, extra facebooking, and some blogging. So while we are racked with guilt, we are confident and resolute that this won't happen again on our watch. Family is first says I saved her life that night...I suggest I merely saved her sanity. The ever watchful iPad is signing off for now...grandpop needs more ice chips.

a night in the hospital for iPad

What a contrast from last night. Last night I had a fabulous time camping (in the driveway). The following day & night I spent in the Emergency Room and then in a hospital room. I am fine, I wasn't there for me. My grandpop was in the hospital. He is battling skin cancer and is suffering from dehydration and malnutrition due to the 7 weeks of radiation burning his mouth and throat so badly that he can barely eat or drink...if at all. He is doing much better now in the hospital. Here he can get everything he needs without it having to pass through his mouth and throat. We are praying and hoping the burns heal so he can eat and drink again normally and get back to everyday life.

So, family is first and I spent the day and night at the hospital. The ER is in the bottom floor of the hospital and there is absolutely no wi-fi or 3G service at all. So we just played games and used Apps that don't require active internet access. But once we got up to our room we had plenty of 3G. Family is first says I was a god send. We were up most of the night doing things for grandpop and just watching over him. But all the while we were able to surf the web, facebook, and catch up on the days news. We were able to read to grandpop about various news items and catch him up on cousin Paul's day drag racing ( GO ETOH Abuse!) It seemed to bring him some comfort and enjoyment catching up on everything and everyone. It was a long night but we were all glad we were together. A very tired iPad is saying good night from the hospital.

iPad goes camping

I went on my very first camping trip ever. I would love to tell you about the feeling of the breeze on my face as we hit the open road...but that didn't quite happen. The open road just wasn't meant to be this time around. JJ was sick so the camping trip was canceled..or at least re-imagined. My new family and I took to the motorhome and had a camp out in the driveway. While this trip wasn't as glamorous as I had hoped, it was lots of fun none the less. And an unexpected benefit, I was still able connect to our home wi-fi which is a bit faster than 3G on most days in our area. We settled into the motorhome and left the comfort of our home behind. Well, okay, our motorhome is pretty darn comfortable too. We had game time and got some time to catch up on the days news. Then I got to sit back and relax with the rest of the family while we watched the original 'Karate Kid' movie. Family is first wanted us all to see it before we go see the new version in the theatre later this month. After the movie, we were all tired and it was bedtime. I will always remember my first camping trip fondly. While it was short in duration and distance it was still very memorable. iPad signing off from on the road (uh, oh, I mean from the driveway).

I am unique...I am iPad

I know some people say I am just a big iPhone with no real identity of my own. To them I submit these photos as evidence that I really am my own unique being and not simply a rehash of my relatives that have come before. This is me and my big sis (who is 4 years old) cozied in on the couch for a little playtime and learning fun. First, I am big enough that you can do almost anything with me. Here I was helping her recognize the different letters of the alphabet, to practice the sounds that each makes, and to properly write each one. Notice that this is just me and her...no help required. She is able to navigate my screens and pick my different Apps at will and completely independently. Notice how nothing additional is required, no stylus, no pencil, no keyboard, no paper...nothing else....just her and I. While I was helping her learn she thought we were simply playing.

Next I would like you to notice how comfortably we sit together and get cozy. We fit together so naturally it is as though we were made for each other. In one of these photos we were watching one of our favorite new tv shows. Just me and big sis. Can a laptop do this? Can an iPhone do this? While they can also play tv shows, the iPhone's screen is simply too small to enjoy and the laptop can not sit with big sis this comfortably.

I submit to you the following question. Has anything that has come before been so natural to use and fit into your life (and your lap) so easily? While people may not consider me a necessity, once I join your family I will fit in so naturally that you soon will forget what life was like without me...at least that is how my new family feels. I am unique...I am iPad.

iPad goes on a field trip

Today I went on the first grade field trip. Boy, what a day we all had. Me and 60 first graders! Well, a few teachers & parents went along too. We started out with a bus trip to travel town. The bus ride was a lot of fun. Everybody was so excited about all the adventures ahead. Travel town was a lot of fun. We explored & climbed all over some vintage steam trains. I just love trains. This was so cool. We ate our lunches there at the picnic tables and got to ride the small scale train.

Next we were back to the buses and off to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. This was my first time in a big city and boy it is big. The train station was neat. We got to see the subway and all the people busily wandering around the station. There were tons of people and it was really loud.

For the next portion of our trip we boarded a metrolink train on the ventura line and headed on down the track. This was my first train ride too. Did I mention how much I love trains? Once we settled in on the train I got to come out of my carrier for a little game time. Once again I attracted quite a crowd and I think someone actually drooled on me! Oh well, it was fun. I also got to see one of my brothers. He was on the field trip too. This is the first sibling I've seen since leaving the apple store. Who would have ever thought it would be a two iPad field trip? Anyway, I digress...with game time the train trip went by rather quickly. And I almost got motion sick from being passed around to so many little hands. Even with all of that this was the best field trip ever! Okay, okay, so it was my first ever field trip so I wouldn't know any different...but I am telling you it was absolutely the best ever!! iPad signing off from the first grade field trip.

iPad giggles & relaxes

Today I thought I would share a couple of my favorite Apps. The first one I just love because it makes me and the whole family giggle. It is called slide-a-ma-jig and it is one of the coolest things ever. When I shake it makes funny noises and every time it creates a different funny character. My family can also slide any portion of our funny new friend to create yet another funny new friend. It is simply hilarious and always puts a smile on everyone's face.

The second App is called pocket pond. Family is first and I just love this one. It is so peaceful and relaxing. We love to play this one while we are at work and feel the need for a little stress relief. Pocket pond is a very realistic looking pond that has fish peacefully swimming around with the sounds of crickets and nature. You can tap the screen and make ripples in the water & scare the fish away. You can also have rain and the sound of thunder. There are also dragon flies but they are a little less than relaxing. We feel as though they are spinning around our heads. So we usually leave the dragon flies off....but otherwise this is one of the most peaceful Apps and we just love it.

By the way, my son automatically figured out that you can swat the dragon flies and kill them...leaving them floating in the pond for fish food. My hubbie immediately started asking if he could fish for them...so he had to upgrade to ifish pond which is the same pond but with fishing for these beautiful fish. It speaks so much to all my family's unique personalities. Who knew a simple fish pond could bring so much joy to so many. I think I will log off right now and enjoy a little peace and quiet all thanks to pocket pond. iPad out.

iPad hits the mat

This afternoon we went to the karate studio...as usual. We went to watch Jason...a black belt...helping out in the green & red belt class. As usual, I attracted attention & conversation & requests to be held...I love that. After everyone got over the awe of seeing & touching their first iPad, we settled in to catch up on the day's news & e-mail. It is warm, cozy, & comforting. We love quiet time. Until next time....I'm iPad.

iPad goes to the ball park

Saturday I went to the ball park to watch Jason's final baseball game of the season. The Fighting Irish won!! What a way to end the season. Jason caught two fly balls...one at first base and the other at third. He also did a great job pitching the first two innings. I enjoyed playing various games and watching 'Good Luck Charlie' with Kelly during the game. We enjoyed a massive dish of carne asada nachos and a hawaiian shaved ice. Fun was had by all. Until next time, this is iPad signing off.

iPad's a celebrity

I've had an exciting first week. I've been out and about quite a bit. I've been out shopping for purses. I've been going to work nearly every day. I went to school one day to learn all about rockets. I've been to watch a Black Belt test…and let me just say "WOW!" I've also been to the karate studio for class. I went to a pool party. I've been to ballet class. I went out to dinner at Claim Jumper and had a yummy backyard bbq. My new family just takes me everywhere.

No matter where we go it's always the same. When I wake up and come out of my carrier, I always hear something like, "Wow, is that iPad?", "That's iPad!", "Can I hold iPad?", "Can I play with iPad?", or "Is that your iPAD?" It seems I am something of a celebrity. Everyone ALWAYS notices me. Everyone ALWAYS wants to see me, play with me, or hold me. Everyone ALWAYS just wants to be near me. I seem to attract quite a crowd. I think I even saw one person start to drool when they saw me. Seriously people, I'm just an iPad, no different from the rest.....well, okay, maybe I am different...quite different in fact. Go ahead and stare. I am special....I am iPad.

iPad gets new gear

Like any new arrival, I needed stuff….and lots of it. First, I had to get initiated and an AT&T 3G account so I can be tied in on the go. Then we started to get acquainted. As I became acquainted with my new family they discovered that my new life would be much happier with lots of new gear. We started with an iPad carrier. First came a travel carrier…really nice but too big for everyday use. Then we finally found a wonderful everyday carrier. It is comfortable, safe, and secure for me and comfortable for family is first. But soon we learned that I could really use a little more protection inside my carrier so then came the iPad sleeve. All the while I continued to get new toys, uh I mean Apps…each one a discovery each and of its own. But like anything else, my family started to feel the money pinch of all the new gear. So now we have a pretty extensive wish list that I keep safely within my Todo App. Everyday or two I get something new to try out and explore. What will tomorrow bring…I wonder…

Hi! I'm iPad.

I'm an iPad. More specifically I am a 64GB 3G iPad. But truly I am more like a being, a person, and a companion than an electronic gadget that can be defined merely by its technical specifications. I was adopted by family is first on Tuesday, May 11th at 9:05 pm. Like the birth of a baby, I arrived at an unpredictable day and time with very little notice. Family is first went to a local apple store after waiting for months for the 3G iPad to finally become available. She put her name on the list to adopt one of us. All she knew was at some point she would receive an e-mail saying I was ready for pickup and she would only have a day to come get me or I would have gone to another family.

She checked fanatically everyday with no e-mail. Every phone call to the apple store was finished with the associate saying 'you will get an e-mail when your iPad is here.' Then, on May 11th, her hubbie checked for e-mail (several times) throughout the day with the same result, no e-mail. She proceeded with her busy day. At about 8:40 pm she finally got the time to touch their mac personally. She checked for e-mail sifting through the normal everyday traffic and then she saw something….really she felt something….there it was!! The e-mail had come. I was finally ready for pick up.

She glanced at the clock and to her horror it was 8:45 pm, the e-mail had been there since 9:45 AM and the apple store in the mall closes at 9 pm. Her heart raced and she frantically put on some shoes, grabbed her purse, and ran….and I mean ran….for the car. On a good day she could leave her house and be inside the mall in about 20 minutes…but she only had 15 minutes at best. Her hubbie said she would never make it….but she knew she just had to try.

As she pulled down the driveway she called her best friend to share the good news and the freight and horror that she might not make it to the store in time. Her best friend kept her company on the phone and tried to calm her down during the drive…with no real success. She flew through the usually busy city streets and finally arrived at the mall. She whipped into the first parking spot she found and then ran to the mall entrance. As she entered the mall she saw some stores already had their gates closed and she hoped and wished that when she reached the apple store she would not find the same. But with a little magic and a lot of luck she arrived at the store at exactly 9:00 pm and the gate was partially down but not all the way.

She wisked in past the security guard and went to the first associate she saw. Completely out of breath and with a crazed, frantic look in her eye, she tried to communicate to the associate that the e-mail finally arrived. Luckily the associate seemed as excited as she did so she didn't feel like too big of a freak as he went into the back room to bring me out. At 9:05 pm the deal was done, all the papers were signed, I was adopted, and I was on my way out the door of the store and to my new home. The drive home was blissful with many phone calls spreading the news of my arrival.