The Thrill of the Hike

This morning we decided to go for a little hike at our favorite spot, Torrey Pines State Reserve. It was a beautiful day and the kids had fun running the entire 2/3 mile loop. They stopped often to look for dinosaur bones, stare at the cactus, and spot whale out in the water. Their joy for nature brings out the enthusiasm in all of us and reminds us that we should go hiking more often.

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The kids must have been on Santa's nice list because they both got gifts from him. Paige received her KaiLan doll and Princess Jasmine costume and Nick got a big Tonka dump truck and a Buzz Lightyear. We enjoyed spending time with both sides of the family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We have also been hanging out at home playing with our new toys and games. There's nothing like sitting in your pajamas all day with a cup of coffee and a fire roaring in the background.

My Somewhat Successful Holiday Photo Shoot

I had the brilliant idea to do the holiday photos myself this year. We picked a fine Saturday morning, dressed the kids up in their Christmas outfits, and took them down to Balboa Park. Little did I know there would be several other families taking their annual photos there, and with their professional photographers in tow making me question my choice. Paige was willing and ready to pose for me. She'd smile, play around, and do whatever I asked from her. Nick, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the entire situation. So, about two-thirds of my photos are of just Paige which made it tough to find a shot for the Christmas card; however I'm happy the picture I did pick for the card displays Nick's poutiness which will forever remind me of that day.

Pancake Breakfast

December has been flying by, but all for good reason. Last week all of us came down with colds, except for Brian (lucky guy) and the weekend was jam-packed with activities. A holiday party for Brian's work, pancake breakfast at Brian's work, Christmas tree decorating, and lots of rain to boot. The pancake breakfast that Brian's work puts on is a highlight of our holidays. They have an awesome Santa there, so you don't have to fight the crowds at the mall, cookie decorating, craft tables, face painting, and not to mention the mouth-watering pancakes, eggs, bacon, and my morning must-have...coffee. The key to entry is to bring an unwrapped toy per guest that go to needy kids in our area. Perfect. Paige is super into getting her face painted these days and was very happy to show it off for the camera.

Pillow Talk

For years, Nemo has been taking off the decorative pillows from the family room couch when we are not home. I'm always scolding him as soon as I walk in the door because, most certainly, he'll be cozied up to it, snoring away. It didn't dawn on me until recently that maybe I should buy him his own (tacky, inexpensive) decorative pillow. But, I wasn't sure, would he destroy it? Would he continue to steal the pillows from the couch? Looks like it's not going to be a problem. Here he is, cozied up to it, snoring away.

Tree Lighting

Legoland had a nice little ceremony for the lighting of their giant Lego Christmas tree. I thought it'd be fun to check it out since they were also going to have some entertainment, fireworks, and fake snow. And, I really wanted to see Tori Spelling who was supposed to flip the switch. Unfortunately Tori Spelling cancelled due to illness, so when they announced that an actor from Mad Men was coming out, I just about wanted to faint thinking Jon Hamm was going to strut on stage. Instead, it was Rich Sommer who plays Harry Crane, and seems like a nice enough man. Ali Landry was there as well. The best part of all was seeing Paige light up when the big jolly man himself came out to greet us. As he was leaving, she ran up and gave him a huge hug. Now, all she can talk about is how she wants to ride in his sleigh. Try making excuses on why that will never happen.