Noon years eve

A friend in our MOMS club hosted a Noon Years Eve party for the kids and adults.  We showed up at 10, ate brucnh and then celebrated New Years at 12 noon.  It was perfect for those of us who like to be in bed by 8:30 :) and such a fun day!

Almost New Years Eve

Fun glasses

Mr. Serious

Sydney with her friend Elsie (and Elsa and Anna) :) 

Some of the party!  Not a bad backdrop either!!

Parade

On December 30th we took the ferry across to downtown San Diego to watch the Holiday Bowl balloon parade.

Kiddos on the ferry.  It was in the 40's that morning when we biked to the ferry so we had to bundle up!

Who doesn't love the weinerschnitzel hot dog???

Nani & Poppa and Lisa and her kiddos met us at the parade.  Sydney and Cole were excited to see them since it had been a few weeks!

The balloons didn't disappoint!

She wanted a picture of her doing her 'sad' face

Checking out the water below on the ride back to Coronado

We were able to spot a dolphin in the bay on our ride home - not a bad commute :) 

Holiday Half Marathon

I (Laura) completed my first half marathon since having kids 2 days after Christmas.  I signed up for this race almost a year ago when we were still living in Rancho Penasquitos since the start was less than a mile from our house and it ended at Torrey Pines Beach!  It was colder than expected (37 degrees at the start!!!) and my wake up came a bit earlier since we moved, but the overall race was great!

It's a small race (about 3,000 runners) since this was only it's 4th year and it was only 2 days after Christmas.  My amazing parents braved the early morning and cold weather to meet me at the start and cheer for me and knowing that my favorite people were going to be at the end waiting for me, helped me through many of those cold miles!

I finished in 1:44:49 which exceeded my goal so I was happy!  I was SORE for the following few days but I think the fact that I normally run on really flat ground and this course had a lot of rolling hills combined with the cold weather, my muscles were shocked!

I am truly so thankful for Dave who allows me to have "me" time to get out and run and never once complaining about my time away.  It's always so wonderful to come home to a happy house with the kids welcoming me, no matter how sweaty, with big hugs and smiles (and normally a comment such as, "well that wasn't too long mom").

364 days until next Christmas

A few days after Christmas, I was ready to put away everything.  Thankfully Dave and the kids were motivated and helped. 

Taking down the tree requires tights, mis-matched socks, safety goggles and a staple gun!

Oh, this girl. 

As well as a screwdriver and a batman band-aid (the screwdriver did not make him get a band-aid :) )

Walking with wrapping paper 'crutches'

These three were amazing helpers!!

Sydney kept saying, "I'm so sad Christmas is over!!!"

Christmas Day Part 2

After a fun-filled Christmas morning openening presents, brunch, bike rides and no naps, we headed up to Nani & Poppa's house for dinner. 

The kids quickly saw there were presents underneath their tree and realized they were for them!

Setting up their new marble game. 

Mr. George came to Christmas dinner as well which is always a treat to be able to spend time with him.  The kids adore him. 

Poppa opening up a present he wrapped to himself :) 

A new hat from his friend in the Sheriff's department

What a feast!

Merry Christmas!

We spent the night at Nani & Poppa's house and woke everyone up bright and early.  Poppa was on his 3rd book by 7 a.m. :) 

And Nani was sucked into go-fish card games

We had a wonderful Christmas and are already looking forward to next year!

Christmas morning!

We woke up Christmas morning to some excited kids!

Santa came

They plowed through their stockings...

...and then their gifts.  

They were great helpers assisting others to open their gifts too :) 

Hollie was a great sport and started playing with Sydney immediately after all of the opening was complete

And Cole promptly put Poppa to work!  I don't think Poppa even got to have his cup of coffee!!

Singing with her new Elsa doll and microphone :) 

Playing with his remote control car

We had such a wonderful morning.  It was a bit crazy with all of the wrapping paper and presents flying around but we all enjoyed the gifts and each other.  We had a big brunch at our house before Hollie, Brian, Nani & Poppa took off (to get some sleep!!!) and we headed out for a bike ride.