Mountain Highlights 2012

Every year we do this is different. Same place and usually the same people, but as the kids grow I grow too and see everything in a new light. There were some missing adults this time and even though we love it when they are there it was still a good trip.  This is the morning view off the back deck.  You can see the kids walking around the pond looking for frogs and turtles.

turtle!

buddies

He was happy if he was eating and there was no sand on his feet.

There were several serious games of Settlers of Catan.

And Guess Who? was taken seriously too.

Annual wiffle ball

Van up to bat was pure entertainment.

"Stand there and act like you like each other" said I.   Even though I know they do this picture is not very convincing.

Getting ready for their scavenger hunt.

Pointing out frogs.

My man has style.

NYC

(6 years ago at our 10yr reunion)

There are some friends that you can just pick up with after 6 years like it's yesterday. This is one of those friends. She was an exchange student from Norway my senior year and although I remember meeting her I really don't remember what connected us specifically. But we were nearly joined at the hip that year. Since then we've gone on to lead very different lives but the friendship has remained. So when she asked me to meet her in New York for a few days how could I resist?

I was so excited at traveling sans kids I thought I'd try to capture every moment (this did not last) like waiting for the train.

I got there a few hours before her which gave me some alone time in the hotel room. Is it sad that I was giddy to be alone in a hotel room with the remote control all to myself? As you can see we had a nifty view to the left...

and to the right.

The first night we hopped on the subway and headed to Little Italy for dinner.

Yum. Really there are no other words. I am so glad that she loves food as much as me!

Strolled through Time Square on our way back. It was late Tuesday night and there were still a million people out. Crazy.

The next day we walked to and through Central Park. It was so beautiful and the weather was perfect. (For those of you who don't know, she is nearly 6 ft tall which means she is awesome at taking pictures at arms length.)

There were musicians everywhere.

We walked through the park with the intent of arriving at the MET. We picked a few things to see and I was not disappointed.

This is a favorite and I nearly cried. I heart Degas. I also hear Van Gogh.

The rooftop gallery with the park behind.

She had her fancy iPhone for some fun shots.

Because we were exhausted we took a cab back to Time Square at ate at this delicious Asian restaurant. Why didn't I take pictures of the food? I really should have. I don't think we were once disappointed w/ what we ate.

That night we went to see Wicked thanks to little miss generous(she also took care of the hotel). I also heart the theater. Always a treat and the show did not disappoint.

The evening was closed with a drink at the Top of the Strand, including a view of the Empire State Building.

We stayed in the Garment District and I was drooling over these little stores that were overflowing with fabric. I feel like this was quite an educational trip as I kept thinking, "Now that I know this...I can be prepared for next time."

Such a great time and it was just the right amount for this mama of four. Enough to get away and breath by myself, and still want to go home to my precious ones, and my main man. Thank you again Nana for taking a chance and asking me to come! Love you friend!

Mountains 2011

I thought that I better hurry up and post these since it will be almost a month since we went! A great time was had by all and our time consisted mostly of...

Thanks mom mom and pop pop for 11 years of fun!

CA Christmas 2010

We are still here but I thought I'd cover Christmas...these photos are straight from the camera.

We got in super super late Friday night...or really early Saturday morning. When we woke up we loaded up Baby B and headed to the coast to...

see a sweet baby girl,

and her sweet mama (and daddy, not pictured. thanks for a great visit Mckay's!).

Then to the 7th Annual Cousin Christmas party. The first one was at our place when we lived in Monrovia. It involves fabulous food and a serious game of Catchphrase.

Next day was a lunch with Carla, dear old friend.

Then we headed back to the desert to find our kids

riding bikes

and scooters..in December. sigh...

The rest of the time consisted of tasting pomegranates,

playing with cousins,

resting,

finding water in the desert after the rain,

and taking in the view.

We celebrated Den's birthday,

fed sheep,

pet chickens,

ate carne asada from here...it was amazing as always. Don't hate.

Then there was the candlelight Christmas Eve Service,

where everyone sang.

Then it was time for Christmas pj's.

Someone thought he'd try to take a peek before bed.

Christmas morning came fairly early and started w/ baked oatmeal and

stockings, and then opened gifts.

Who looks the most excited in this picture?

The dog was humiliated.

There was plenty of treats.

We ended the day with a Christmas walk,

happy baby,

rare full family shot,

and fabulous sunset.

Goodnight Grandpa.

The rest of the week has been spent playing w/ new toys,

seeing old friends,

playing games,

seeing more old friends,

playing with dogs.

We have a few days left and we plan to just enjoy the weather (although it's raining, it's still warmer here!) and the family. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.