A Year in Review

A slideshow by Smilebox

Christmas 2012

Things got a little crazy this year, as Lola and I got in the car and embarked upon a very long drive for  a Southern California weekend trip. At the beginning of our drive (through about hour 6), I kept thinking, "hey, this is just like those quick trips to Santa Barbara that I used to do!" But then, during hours 7, 8, and 9, as Lola repeatedly said, "I want to get out of the car! -- At Grandma's house!!" reality was reinstated and I knew then, I was definitely out of my mind.

But, we made it, and as exhausting as the travel was, it was worth it to see (and surprise!) all of our family.

Our first stop was in San Diego to visit my side of the family.

Then, the next day we woke up and drove to Palm Springs.

It was great to get the kids together, even if at times, they were a little rambuctious. (I love that.)

On Christmas Eve, I woke up around 4 AM, packed the sleeping bean in the car, and drove home. 

Between waking up early and the long drive, I was wiped out, and I didn't have the energy to bake cookies for Santa. Instead, I had our grocery store's bakery take care of it for me.  Lola didn't seem to mind.

 On Christmas morning, Lola was stoked to see that Santa had brought the toy she requested. (Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger!)

She also enjoyed playing with other gifts, like these "drinking glasses"
 

 and her dinosaur raincoat.

The highlight of the day for me was an afternoon nap. It was a wonderful day.

Christmas in the Village

Earlier this month, we attended our neighborhood's giant Christmas party. It was held "downtown" which is really just a large park plaza with some old timey shops along Main Street (yes, it is really called Main Street).  Lola's favorite part involves the parade, which really starts the fun. Here is a photo of Lola and I, holding hot cocoa, waiting for the parade to begin.

After the parade, we walked around the plaza, visited a few community booths, and then picked up our candles from the local lions/rotary/kiwanis man. We held our candles, as everyone gathered around the base of the old pine tree and the neighborhood choir (which consists of forty people ages 17 - 80, all of whom play the ukelele) led everyone in a few Christmas carols.

When the sun dropped behind the buildings, we all counted in unison, and then the old pine tree lit up the sky.

As cheesy as this all sounds, community events like this make me happy. Here we are, brought together because we live in this tiny neighborhood, holding our candles and singing Silent Night to the sound of ukeleles. Totally glorious.

Trains, Hot Cocoa, Trains, the North Pole, Trains

Earlier this month, we joined some friends and took a ride on the "Polar Express."

We anxiously awaited to board the train,

then, once on board, we were served hot cocoa from dancing waiters.

The train took us to the North Pole, where we saw Santa and his elves singing songs and wrapping gifts.

On the way back to the station, Santa came onboard and greeted each child. He also gave out the "first gift of Christmas," a silver bell from his sleigh.

To say that Lola was thrilled isn't a proper description of her emotions. Ecstatic.  Elated. Is still talking about it! Every day! Let's go to the North Pole, Mommy! Let's go!!

Let's be Beautiful AND Smart

This morning, as I was putting on mascara, Lola held up a make-up brush and said, "I am a beautiful princess."
Given that princess play isn't something that she typically engages in, I felt compelled to prod.
"What kind of princess are you?"
"A princess-astronaut! I am going to save the kingdom by defeating the evil Emperor Zurg!" (Zurg is a villain from one of the Toy Story movies).
"If you are princess-astronaut, what shall I be?
"Oh, Mommy," she said. "You are a beautiful scientist."

Because This is What You Really Smell Like

A new ULTA catalog means more fragrance samples to play with. According to Lola, the following fragrances smell like the following:

Poppy, Coach, "Rain."
Poppy Flower, Coach, "An elf's back."
Light Blue (for him), Dolce & Gabbana, "Towns."
Light Blue (for her), Dolce & Gabbana, "A hot sunny pool."
Viva La Juicy, Juice Couture, "The ocean."
Acqua di Gio (for him), Georgio Armani: "Houses and worms and games."
Acqua di Gioia (for her), Georgio Armani: "Red Flowers."

Thanksgiving 2012

Our Thanksgiving holiday was so wonderful, I don't even know where to begin. I guess for starters, I should say that I am thankful for family members who don't mind traveling a few hundred miles to visit us.

My nephews, Reese and Elliott, endured an 8-hour car ride, and were total champs about it.

To say Lola was excited about their visit, isn't enough. She was over the moon, and when they arrived, she couldn't wait to show them (and boss them) around.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, everyone went to our local zoo to watch the animals partake in their own feast. I stayed at the house, and worked on, uh, dinner.

 


The day was so beautiful, that we ate Thanksgiving dinner on the patio.

Afterward, Manny put his camera up on the tripod and we took a family portrait. It was a great way to end the night.