Thanksgiving

We got to spend this year's Thanksgiving break at home, which was nice since we spend most breaks traveling and on the go. We had the whole week off together, and Grammy and Mandy were able to come down and spend some time with us which was great! 

One of the first days that Grammy was here, we took her to Point Loma to the Cabrillo Monument since the weather was so beautiful. First we stopped for lunch, and like always, it was a struggle for Grady to find something that he would eat (our picky boy doesn't like sandwiches, soup, salads, etc). He finally decided (much to our surprise) on something- can you figure out what it was? 

Octopus tentacles! We always tease him that we're making him fish eyeballs, frogs legs, octopus tentacles, etc. for dinner. This time they really had grilled octopus at the restaurant, and he really wanted it! We all had to try, and I was impressed- they both ate much more than I expected! They loved being silly. 

Like I said, the weather was beautiful at Cabrillo, and we got a few good pics! I was trying to capture a family photo for our Christmas card, and after many, many attempts, I chose the one below.

We played down at the tidepools and the kids frolicked in the water a bit. 

       Precious time with their Grammy! 

We made little turkey cinnamon rolls for Thanksgivig morning.

We also made and decorated turkey cookies. 

And Derek slaved away all day and cooked us a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. He's really got the whole BBQing a turkey down. Yum! 

Since Thanksgiving was late this year and we were all excited to decorate for Christmas, we put the tree up before Grammy left and enjoyed decorating together.  We had a really nice week! So glad that Grammy and Mandy could come stay with us! 

 

November- New Orleans Trip!

Last year for my mom's birthday Derek and I made a promise. A promise to take her to New Orleans for her 60th birthday. For awhile it seemed that the trip wasn't going to happen- who would watch the kids? How would we work out all the logistics of school and work? I felt horrible because I really wanted to do this for my mom. After some time, it looked like at least the 2 of us (my mom and I) could go. Relief! Then we thought, well maybe we could invite my mom's sisters and my cousins, and maybe make a girls trip out of it. It seemed like a shot in the dark knowing people have work, families, etc. BUT somehow we had takers! And sooner then we knew it, we had a solid 6 that said they would come! A little planning and calling around, and voila! We were set for a 5 day adventure in New Orleans! 

What a fun-filled time we had! My favorite thing we did (and I think the others agree), was go on an air boat through  the bayou. It was so awesome to be out there and see the beauty of the bayou! Although it was pretty chilly (unusually for Nov), we did manage to spot a couple if alligators. They typically stay hidden when it's cold out. Our tour guide also had a surprise baby alligator for us to enjoy! 

This guy was grunting at us from his hidden spot. 

Mom was the first to hold baby "Dolla Bill!" 

We also had a great time just wandering around the French Quarter. Parts were so pretty (and others were not), and the people watching was phenomenal!

We had to check out Bourbon Street, of course, and we did many times. If it was nightime, then it was crowded. Lots of drinking, bead-throwing, and street performances. A lot to take in. Us "younger" ladies had to try some hurricanes (pic below) and take in the true New Orleans experience!  

We got the "mature" ladies to wander down Bourbon St a few times too. They even got some beads (although they were given, not earned). 

Another must-do was having coffee and beignets at Cafe Monde. Luckily, it was only a few blocks from our hotel, and we got to frequent the joint a few times! 

The whole group! Susie, Lainie, Becky, Melissa, Sarah, and Betty! Who knew it would be so fun and easy to travel with this pack! Here we are at our hotel and out to dinner.

We took 2 walking tours while we were there. One tour of the French Quarter, and one voodoo-cemetery tour. Both were very informative and interesting, but I really enjoyed our second tourguide in tho picture, "Naw' Lins Nate." He was interesting and really entertaining! We're in one of the cemeteries here. 

The last day we ventured to the Garden District. After figuring out the street cars, we made it to the Commanders Palace, an awesome restaurant that Betty had made a reservation for us at. It had fabulous food, and $.25 martinis for lunch! 

We had one last birthday celebration and took a self-guided walking tour of the garden district historic mansions. It was a lovely last day. We had a fantastic trip to New Orleans, and I am soooo grateful that we got to experience this trip together. 

   Happy 60th Mama! I love you so much! 

October Fun

Tara and the kids came down one weekend in October, and we took the kids trick or treating at Sea World. I've always thought this was such a fun event, and every year it seems to be a little better. We had a great trip with them and had a nice time visiting. I love that even though there's quite an age difference, they can all have fun together. 

The next week we took a trip to the pumpkin patch near our school, and Dani joined in on the fun! 

We also went up north one weekend to Derek's cousin's wedding (Melissa and Lach). It was a beautiful wedding and was fun to get away for a weekend in napa without the kids. They stayed with my mom, and she took them up to Laguna for a day at the beach with the extended fam! 

October also marked Grady's first field trip(s). First up was the SD Zoo. I couldn't make it on that one, but G had a great time with his new BFF Evan and the rest of his class. 

Later on in the month they took a trip to the pumpkin patch, and I was able to attend that one! It was so fun to go and watch him with his new friends. 

    With his teacher, Mrs. Ayer, and Evan! 

Every kid got to pick a pumpkin to take home! 

A few days later we painted and carved and got ready for Halloween.

We had the Literature Parade at school, and Kendall got to come too! Her buddy Landon the police officer was there too. 

We had a fun time trick or treating in the neighborhood on Halloween. I'm pretty sure that our kiddos had the two most popular costumes of 2014- Elsa and a ninja turtle... But ours were the cutest out there! 

Fall Break (part 2)

In October, Grady and Kendall started soccer through a program called Soccer Shots. There are no "teams" or "games" at their level, but rather a workshop type practice every Saturday morning. I thought this would be good for them since Grady always enjoyed tball practice, but not the games. I also thought soccer might be a little more interactive and less boring than tball! And so far, so good. They both enjoy it and they like being out there together (K especially loves having her big bro with her on the field). Grady did a great job of listening and practicing, and Kendall... Well she's getting there (just like the other 3 year olds)! The most important part to me was that they enjoyed it. Their coaches were awesome and so patient- I would definitely recommend this program to others! 

We also took a trip to Bates Nut Farm to visit the pumpkin patch and all the other fun Fall things there. I think this has officially been added to our Fall break traditions list. We had a great time with Ronna and her boys! 

On one of the last days of break I took the kids to a new park near the airport. They had a lot of fun playing in the fountains and playing on the new playground. It's a really fun park! 

        We had an awesome fall break!