San Diego Vacation

Last weekend we had a lovely long weekend in San Diego. We left on Thursday and were there in time to enjoy some fun play time on the sand and a few minutes of the hot tub.



We had a rough night our first night as we tried to get the kids to sleep together for the first time. Phoenix missed her nap so she was asleep by 6:45pm. Axel crawled into bed next to her around 7:30pm and then by 10pm everyone was up. We played musical beds most of the night until Phoenix finally fell asleep in my bed and Keith in Axel's bed.

The next morning we headed to Legoland. It was a day full of fun. We arrived just after 10am. We enjoyed almost all of the attractions.

The highlights of the day were making your own Lego car and racing it down the race tracks. Axel designed an awesome car that kept winning. You can see from the pictures below.



The other highlight was Axel and Daddy participating in a 1 hour Lego Robotics class. Phoenix and I were able to sneak in for the first and last 15 minutes of the class. The remaining time while we were waiting Phoenix enjoyed a yummy soft serve ice cream. I got to help only when the ice cream started to drip. I was impressed that she was able to finish it almost entirely by herself!



You can see from the many pictures that it was an awesome day. Axel was in heaven. We were able to make it through until nearly close. Because we stayed so long we had the not so lucky luxury of San Diego rush hour traffic and spent over an hour getting back to our hotel. If you ask Axel he would say it was worth the long car ride home to have 6.5 hours at Legoland!









The next day we spent the morning on the beach. The kids enjoyed playing in the sand, Axel more than Phoenix. Phoenix got wet and cold so we headed in an hour earlier than Daddy and Axel.


After nap time we headed to Sea World. We were able to enjoy their Christmas Village.

Phoenix even got to meet Santa. Axel and Daddy wanted to go to the sea lion show so Phoenix and I rode a few rides and then met with Santa. This is the first year she didn't cry. She also answered all of his questions. She said she wants a doll and bear and was very excited about the candy cane that Santa gave her. We ended the night watching the Christmas Shamu special. It was a very fun afternoon and the kids were ready for bed once we got home. We learned that as long as Phoenix has her own space (like a couch) that the kids sleep well in the same room. She just can't sleep with other people in the same bed because it was too exciting and new for her.




















The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo. It was such a great experience. It is so different than any other zoo that Keith and I have been too. The two highlights for me were seeing the gorilla/ape and the orangutan with their babies. The ape has a new born between her knees and they are sleeping together. The orangutan's baby was 2 years old and awfully cute and playful.











After a lovely day at the zoo we went out for a nice dinner along the boardwalk and saw a beautiful sun set. We absolutely love our little family vacations and hope we can continue doing them.

This week  has been full of Christmas parties and school field trips. Next week is just as busy. We had lovely little get togethers the past couple of days over the weekend and are looking forward to more social fun over the next couple of weeks. Axel developed pink eye Saturday evening and our morning this morning was spent getting him the proper eye drops. His eyes look great now and hopefully school will help assist him with the drops without a doctors note! The good thing about phone appointments are that you don't have to see the doctor. The bad thing is that you don't see the doctor and therefore can't get a note for school! Lets hope an email will suffice! 

Have a great week!

Thanksgiving and more!

Thanksgiving was a wonderfully relaxing and low key day. As I said in the last post the morning was spent playing a little baseball and relaxing as the turkey cooked in the oven. Keith always does the turkey, pumpkin pie, egg nog, cranberry sauce and devilled eggs. I usually do everything else, but Shannon brought the rolls, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes so the only things left were the dressing, green beans and gravy. I was excited to finally have Grandma Sonia around so that I could learn her mom's secret dressing recipe first hand. I think we both decided it really isn't difficult once you know what you are looking for. There is little measurement and most of the recipe is based on smell and looks, although I feel confident I can replicate the delicious side dish now :) I also learned the secret to making the gravy is to mix a little water with the flour as to prevent clumping when adding the flour as a thickening agent. I can't wait to make dressing and gravy again!

After a lovely dinner we were able to play a fun family game of UNO. 

Here is a great shot of Grandma and Grandpa with their three grandchildren!

Story time!

All of our kiddos love books!

Auntie reading to Phoenix.

The girls and Axel.

On Saturday morning we pulled down all of the Christmas decoration and started putting up the Christmas tree.

It was a much quicker process with Grandma and Grandpa helping!

We headed to Sacramento to see some of the Burgess side of the family after lunch. There were a lot of accidents so we went the long way via 580 and 99. We got a slow start as Axel was throwing up his lunch before we headed out and once we hit Hwy 99 Phoenix said she was going to throw up. Luckily, Grandma Susan was home and we were able to stop by her house on the way to my cousin Jill's. The funny thing was when we arrived Braylin was there with Auntie and Uncle Ryan as they all needed a break from the long car ride as well. Here is a cute picture of the three grandkids.

We had a lovely time visiting my cousin Jill and her family, My Aunt Cindie and Uncle Terry, Uncle Steve and great Grandma/pa Burgess. I did not capture any pictures because of all of the great conversations I was having. Hopefully, more of the Burgess side of the family will be able to get together over Christmas.

After the get together we met Grandma Susan and Grandpa Brian, along with the Jolleys at BJ's for dinner to celebrate Grandpa Brian's birthday. Here is a memorable moment as Uncle Keith was able to comfort Braylin for the first time. It made the long trip to Sacramento that much more worth it to be able to see many of my relatives and celebrate with Grandpa Brian.

On Saturday morning we enjoyed our last few hours with Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce. Daddy found a dead squirrel in the back yard and had fun teasing us with it.

The kids also wanted to finish decorating the Christmas tree. Here is Phoenix and Axel putting ornaments on the tree.

The picture quality is not very good, but here is one last picture of Grandma and Grandpa with Axel and Phoenix before they had to head out to the airport. On their way out they were able to stop by Axel's swim lesson and see him do free style and back stroke which was very exciting for Axel. We had a great visit and can't wait for them to return again for the Super bowl in a couple of months.

Today we are trying to clean up and catch up on all that needs to be done for another short work week as we gear up for our San Diego family trip this coming weekend!

November Fun and Pre-Thanksgiving

 We have had such a busy 2 weeks since I last posted. I will start this post off with Axel's 1st Grade fall photo. Keith and I think he looks much more mature than just last year. He is more independent with all aspects of his life and our little boy is growing up into quite a good soul.

 Two weeks ago we headed to Walnut Creek to meet Grandpa Brian and Grandma Susan along with the Jolleys for dinner. Grandpa brought us our annual lamb that we purchase from a local farm in Grass Valley where he lives. Here is a really cute picture of Axel and Braylin.

 

And Phoenix and Daddy in the picture too.

 We tried to capture a family photo, but Daddy took the picture and not everyone was looking. It was worth a shot!

We had a really nice warm week so we were able to get out and enjoy the weather. Axel has really improved his skills in baseball along with his attitude and determination. I love the look of his face in the photo. 

 I wanted to show you a picture of Phoenix, who is our little fire ball, and always has a face of determination no matter what she is doing. It is great to see both kids having fun!

 Last weekend we had our annual pre- Thanksgiving dinner. It was a nice evening of visiting and food with our close friends. We don't get to quite socialize like we use to as the number of kids continues to grow.

 Luckily, I was able to come up with a few activities that helped settle the kids down. It was really fun seeing them all gathered and focused on their art projects.

 Late, late Saturday night Grandma Sonia and Grandpa Bruce arrived. Here they are on Sunday during nap time reading with Axel.

After nap time was Axel's baseball party at Golf Land. It was Pheeny's first time playing mini golf. I think she did great as the game was quite long with all of the birthday parties that were there playing and celebrating. 

Grandpa and Phoenix patiently waiting!

 Axel and his team.

Axel taking a shot.

Grandma giving Pheeny her first putting lesson.

 Coach Keith/ Daddy!

 Phoenix trying her best do implement what Grandma taught her. After several holes she figured out kicking and throwing the ball were more effective :)

Monday through Wednesday Keith and I had to work. Phoenix went to daycare, but Axel had the privilege of hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa. They went shopping, went to the movies and played, played, played. On Tuesday, Axel went to a camp so Grandma and Grandpa could get some Christmas shopping in, but otherwise it was hours of playtime for everyone. 

Here is a cute picture of Axel and Grandma during battleship.

And Phoenix and Grandma playing after I got home from work. 

 Grandpa and Phoenix....

 and Axel and Grandpa building with his new mixels (sp?) they bought him.

 On Thanksgiving day Grandma, Axel and daddy got out side for some fun baseball time. Grandma had a blast pitching and throwing to Axel and Axel had a blast hitting for Grandma.

 Here if you zoom in you can see Axel's great expression.

 Look at that determination!

I will continue on the next blog Thanksgiving dinner and the rest of Grandma/pa's trip!