California Christmas

Although several new games were received for Christmas, the old standby was enjoyed also.

What a treat!  Christmas meant my mom; Anthony, Jana, and Zoe; and Aimee and Nate were coming to celebrate with us this year.  I don't think it could get any better than that, having all of them here.

Our home was full; every bedroom was used and even the living room became a temporary bedroom for Aimee and Nate.  We had days were the dishwasher ran 3 times with FULL loads each time.  A few people may have had a COLD shower (maybe partly because Zoe discovered where the temperature dial was) or two (or maybe because 8 baths in a hour will really over tax our water heater).  Even the recycle can, the garbage can and our mulch bin were all flowing over.  Lots and lots of food was cooked and consumed; thankful everyone took turns in making meals or helping prepare meals and the cleanup afterwards. Pippin met Aspen and preceded to spend the next 7 days under my bed.  And there was tons of Internet usage, so much that Nate and Aimee bought us a wireless router for the home - welcome to the nineties.

But there was so much fun and chatting and playing games and visiting San Diego sites and chocolate overload.  And plenty of hugs and kisses galore, especially from a sweet 2 year old - who was delighted to take each of our hands ("han, han") to lead us to play with her.  Books were read, family pictures were taken and family prayers were given. Zoe's 2 year birthday was celebrated with chocolate cake. Every park within a 15 minute drive was visited; where ducks were fed, swings were swung, and slides were slid on.   FHE consisted of singing "itsy, bitsy spider", "popcorn", "wheels on the bus", "head, shoulders, knees and toes" and "snowman" - 7 adults and 1 two year clapping with joy.  We borrowed a van and traveled everywhere together, laughing all the way.  In and Out was visited a couple of times; along with La Casita but we missed out on Jack in the Box.  A girls shopping trip minus the Zoe but even she got a new outfit or two.  New sites were visited - Del Mar dog beach, Boomers and Scripps Birch Aquarium; old standbys pleased - Oceanside Pier, La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, and Sea Port Village.  Who knew you could get my 83 year old mother on go carts! And Zoe enjoyed her first kiddie ride and even asked for "more, more". All knowing how much we loved each other.  Oh, and Christmas was celebrated too.

Zoe had her birthday on the day they flew here, so we celebrate with cake a day later.

Santa was very generous in visiting our home.

Zoe was thrilled with her Elmo doll for Christmas

Sliding at the Fallbrook Community Center Toddler Park

Blowing bubbles with her Grandpa

Anthony is looking for a few crabs or sea anemones for Zoe to discover.

 

 

 

My beautiful Jana, Zoe and Anthony.

With our new wireless we could have 3 or more computers going at the same time.

Dad and Zoe playing with her new farm.

Zoe loved the dogs.

Thanks to Shelby, all 8 of us could ride together.

Craig and Nate love taking their own pictures.

Zoe is discovering what it is like to be a helicopter pilot.

A first visit to Balboa Park for Zoe, with plenty of room to run.

Nate and Aimee cooked turkey enchiladas.

Grandpa and Zoe enjoying a little applesauce together.

New shoes and top for Zoe.

Water was a strong attraction for our 2 year old.

Too bad the shark destroyed Nate.

8 people playing miniature golf is hilarious.

Look at that grin, Zoe loved the Flintstone kiddie car ride.

We took Aspen and Natasha to the dog beach, they were in heaven.

The beach can be fun anytime of the year.

The Pacific Ocean is cold but that did not deter these 2 adventurous souls.

Daddy/daughter hug - although Craig might be squeezing Aimee a bit too hard.

Love bugs

A seashell makes a great shovel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandpa and Zoe splashing in the fountain at Sea Port Village.

My favorite smile in the whole world.

What a treat is an understatement.  Heaven is family and we were pretty much there.