Whirlwind of A November : Updates

Actually, it's been a whirlwind of Sept and October and November. I have done 4 trips in the past 3 months to the Bay, while the kiddos & Ryan have done 2 trips in 1 month. Throw on a slew of various events between work, school, and misc personal schedules, we have been non-stop juggling the busy-ness. Hope December is not as hectic! Here are some highlights recap.

Halloween

We kept Halloween simple this year since there was so much pre-Halloween stuff already (Liam's birthday to LegoLand Brick Or Treat and Halloween fun at school and at Jiujitsu). Kiddos Trick-Or-Treated for an hour in the neighborhood and got just enough candy. A few pieces for themselves, and the rest filled up a large ziplock bag that was brought to work.

Mesa Rim Mission Valley Grand Opening

Another new local gym opened up, so we had to check it out. Especially the training area. Ryan is getting ideas to develop our own training area at home.

Kiddos testing out the training wall.



Notice Liam's cast is off. Arm is weaker, but he is all good for climbing around.

Chris and Nancy's Wedding

We did a quick trip to celebrate the wedding of my cousin. The trip was short but memorable and fun for the kids. From first airplane flight (for Liam) to the first wedding that the kids have attended. They enjoyed all the new experiences. In fact, the names "Chris and Nancy" are now synonymous with "celebration" in the kids' view. In fact, Emilia would ask Liam if he wants to play "Chris and Nancy".. which actually means "let's dance and twirl with glowsticks".

Kiddos wanted a clear view of the wedding ceremony, so out in the aisle they sat.

One of the rare occasions that all of us are dressed up! Liam and Ryan have matching ties.. and we didn't even plan it.

I take credit for bringing over 50 glowsticks to create a kiddie rave at the wedding. I give credit to Emilia though, for being the dancing queen of the night!



This is what happens when sugar runs out and dancing adrenaline is gone. Less than 5 minutes into the car ride back to the hotel.

Ryan researched these great travel booster seat / Ride Safer vest which we got that provide carseat safety for the kids, but still convenient enough than lugging two gigantic carseats around for our travels.

The day after the wedding, our flight was delayed leaving SFO and we spent most of the day waiting around at the airport. Luckily we kept some creative crafts handy to keep the kiddos entertained.

Playing monster make believe doesn't really work well without a mask...

That's better.

We're going to have to work on that mask. The scare factor is just missing. =)

That brings us up to date on highlights through mid-November. Next up, Thanksgiving holiday fun. To be continued....

Anniversary Fun: Part II - The Ocean

hand and feets

Daddy burying Em's feet.

Ocean water just a tad bit too cold for Em's liking.

In fact, she lifted her legs up so they wouldn't touch the water!

Loving the warm sand!

... the ground feels weird.. or is it just me?

All safe and comfy with Dadda.

Focus young padawan.

With Dadda.

With Momma.

Happy happy joy joy!

One outing closer to being a surf baby.

Anniversary Fun: Part I - The Pool

As of lates, I've been slowly prepping for Em to be a well-equipped water baby. Swim nappies, inflatable baby float, and looking into baby swim lessons. Infant swim lessons will hopefully be something we start her on soon.

This past Sunday, Ryan, Em, and I had a short family "stay-cation" at a hotel by the beach for a little bit of water activities and fun on our 1 year wedding anniversary.


Em really is a water baby. She loves baths and playing with running water from the faucet. Of course, all her experience has been with warm water. Her first intro to the swimming pool took a little assessing...


Such a little trooper! While the water temperature was okay, the air temperature was breezy. Not the warmest of conditions that she is used to.


It didn't take took long for her assessment before she started having fun, especially in her baby float.








All the water adventures of the day wiped her (and us) out.


We had a relaxing evening in the hotel, played with Em and toys, dinner, movie in bed, and all of us soon fell smugly asleep.