Monterey Bay Aquarium

Thanks to free guest passes to the Aquarium - we enjoyed a visit to see the otters, jellyfish, sharks & manta rays in Monterey, along with Jamma-banana! The girls ran to each exhibit, asking questions and thrilled with each new discovery. Asia loved the huge Sunfish & the Hammerhead Sharks, while Eden loved the Otters and the "Nemo" Clown Fish. Sydney enjoyed the slides and holding a crab - she was so brave!!

Here, the girls are watching the otters be fed, and share their skills!

Gazing at Dory, Gil and Nemo.

Three generations of girls...having fun in Monterey!

a professional haircut!!

Asia got her hairs cut today! She had never really gone to a salon before, so this was a big deal for her! We decided to go short - since she is not fond of brushing nor putting it back. I think this new style will help!! Isn't she a beauty??

BEFORE:
sitting in the big salon chair...a bit nervous

AFTER:

feeling like a big girl!

animal love

A friend I have known since kindergarten invited us over to her home in the mountains. She has a little 2 year old, a miniature pony and two friendly goats. Sydney was the brave one - she had fun hugging the goats: enjoy the cute pictures of her animal-love.

Thanks Amy & Brooke for the fun-filled day!

our happy little tree....

Today we chose a beautiful Noble Fir, and supported people in recovery at the same time. That makes us feel better, knowing this tree is dying in our living room now (don't tell the kids). Someday, I would love to buy a living tree, and a nice big pot. Until then, I will always have a real tree with amazing pine smell and full branches.

The girls did all the decorating this year (all I did was the lights, and unwrapping the fragile ornaments)! They loved looking at each ornament, and asking where it came from. I think we have ornaments from 13 different countries! Then we basked in the glow & felt all warm+fuzzy.

Not pictured: Sydney running around pulling ornaments off tree, and stashing them in unknown locations.

Their new favorite activity is rearranging the nativity set and hearing the story too.

parade DAY.

Parade #1 began @ 10am with a loud marching band along Pacific Avenue, and the girls staring in wonder. You'd think they never saw this sort of thing before. Oh wait, they haven't.

The Downtown Holiday Parade was the place to be!! There were amazing tumblers, acrobats & dancers....of all ages. Colorful floats & Clydesdale horses, classic cars & too many Santa's to count. I was amazed by the kid-unicyclers & children on stilts. That was circus-talent-in-the-making.

gotta love free fun!!

Parade #2 began at the Santa Cruz Harbor with crowds gathering to watch the annual Boat Light Parade on water! As the sunset behind us, we ate our dinner/snacks and huddled close to keep warm as the boats paraded thru the Harbor in all their razzle-dazzle glory. Again, too many Santa's to count. We did manage to get an amazing family photo.

gotta love beautiful (winter!) days in Santa Cruz!

build-a-bear mania

Has anyone heard of Build-A-Bear? I am sure this phenomenon has been around for years, but for some odd (foreign) reason - its new to me! We were invited to join our neighbors/friends and make the trip over to San Jose. At the store the girls chose their own animal, stuffed them & chose outfits too. They even put a tiny heart inside before it gets sewn up. It's quite the ordeal - yet SO amazing that this business thrives off children's love for stuffed animals (and parents too).

This was Sydney's actual day of birth - so it was a nice celebratory event! I think Asia enjoyed it the most, as she thrives off furry animals + frilly ballerina dresses. Thank you friends for the generous gift to our girls! I hope this can all fit in our suitcases!!

Later...we had cupcakes again. Happy Birthday sweet Sydney! You are such a beautiful & insightful little girl. We love your spunk, your joy, your outgoing personality and all the crazy comments & expressions we see every day. You have graced our lives!! We love you Squid!

how to get kids to pose for a picture

1. gather kids by a large beautiful object: tree
2. have the taller kids naturally stand in the back
3. ask them to make silly faces at the camera!

mom & me out on the town

Mom knows just how to spoil me: a visit to Goodwill & hot chocolate downtown (not to mention the burritos for dinner)! I love you mom, and I think you are beautiful inside & out!!