Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Our After Christmas Fun

After Christmas we went on a little trip to "Seascape." It is a resort on the coast between Monterey and Santa Cruz. It was the perfect get away after a crazy December. Well except Nicholas wasn't there. He had his own fun and went on a cruise with Uncle John, Aunt Ann, their kids and Grandma and Grandpa Call to Mexico. We played on the beach, swam in the heated pools, hiked around the hills, and played in Carmel. Oh and lets not forget the afternoon spent at Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. Little Ella playing on the beach

I mean this kid is hilarious. He actually got in the water. I am still stunned--it is ice water. Nobody goes in the pacific without a wet suit in January. I mean in the dead of summer it is cold but in the winter I can't even put my toes in. But not for Benjamin who must be part walrus--he just goes running across the sand with strangers cheering him on and barrels full speed into the waves. It is something to behold and it makes me laugh my head off. Big Ben is simply the best!

Charlie however is not our "beach boy." He basically just sits on the blanket and watches. He is what you would say opposite of Benjamin. He won't even venture down to the water. I don't think he likes the feel of the sand let alone the freezing water. How different from those big brothers. Proof they come out with their own little personalities.

Charlie in the spa. So funny he wouldn't even get in the pool. I think he thought it would be cold like ours and he wanted nothing to do with it. I finally just stuck him in kicking and screaming and then I could never get him out.
The hooties in the pool at seascape

This place is a bit of blast from the past. It really cracks me up but we all love it. Not sure if I would want to go all the time but once a year is just about perfect.

OK this place is ridiculously good. We had been driving around looking for a place to eat in Santa Cruz and Charlie had to go to the bathroom sooo bad. Tom hurried and pulled over to use the bathroom in this here "Betties." Well Tom pulls out his trusty iphone because that is what he does and looks up the reviews on the place . Turns out it was a real winner and we thought we would give it a try. They even had a veggie burger for me that was out of this world and sweet potatoe french fries on the side. It was a hit and if you are ever in Santa Cruz I highly recommend it. I am a "Betties" fan for sure.

I am grateful to live less than 2 hours away from all this fun but who is kidding who I love, love Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just look at this place-- it is like we are in a little village in England. I walk down the sidewalks squealing with delight. I mean there are moss covered thatched roofs and little tudor cottages. All of this with white, sandy beaches. It really kills me. Just the name makes me happy. Happy January!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The children were about to be nestled all snug in their beds...

Christmas Eve and Ella is starting it out right by getting herself a nice cup of hot wassail. We had an amazing treat this year because Carol Gibson (Dan's Mom) was in town visiting them. She happens to be the world's best violin player and I mean that! Since Julie is the world's best piano player we had the makings of a Christmas Eve to remember. It was so fun to have those Christmas carols echoing in our house. I want to fly Carol and pay her handsomely for her to join our party every year.

Lucy and Charlie in matching antlers..it made me laugh. Lucy looks like the make shift reindeer in "How the Grinch stole Christmas."


Benjamin was so tired by now he was pleading with me to let him go to bed. I am not sure what Nicholas's excuse was.


John Doxey and Ella

The Christmas nativity. Eliza and John Doxey and Ella

Me and my sweet Ella
Christmas Morning
I am pretty sure this picture says it all!!

That's right its an electric shaver


My sweet boy

Charlie got from Julie and Dan all these little trains. Charlie just sat and played with them for hours he didn't even care what else he got.

I love all things Christmas and I am grateful beyond words for all my family and friends that make every day special.

A December to Remember...

Tom celebrates his birthday on December 22
In this picture Tom is holding the greatest invention ever invented. Dan made it for Tom's birthday and it is called "The stadium Pal." I've even included for your reading pleasure its many, many advantages for making life easier. Basically, Tom has the bladder the size a pea and we are on the constant look out for bathrooms. It is always an inconvenience but when we are traveling it is an all out nightmare! Well now with Dan's invention going to the bathroom is as convenient as holding your stadium pal. It is seriously the hardest we have all laughed in a long time. Truly genius Dan!





It snowed at our house and actually stuck to the ground. Now I really will forever dream of a white Christmas. I just didn't think it was possible.


I am pretty sure that this is the last year you will see Nicholas on Santa's lap. He was laughing so hard and was just sure he was too old for this kind of thing. I think you are never too old for this kind of thing but I am pretty sure this is one of the 1,000 arguments I continue to loose.





Tom's parents came in town and we had a great time going to "Wicked"

I officially gained probably 10 lbs. off of egg nog cookies alone. I can't help it and should probably post this recipe but it is Jan. and we should all be loosing our Dec. weight gain so I will post it next year. They are so good that they are my favorite treat hands down and it is a super good thing that Christmas comes around only once a year.

I hope your December was filled with nothing but love and laughter as we reflect on what we are most grateful for.

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