Eva Turns the Big 1.0

Our niece Eva was definitely one of the most adorable birthday girls EVER!  Eva turned 1 in late November and we were thrilled to celebrate this fine occasion with her!  Doesn't she have a great smile?? 

Oh the joys of watching a baby dive into their first birthday cake.  Eva was actually very careful when it came to dissecting this pretty cake her grandmother made for her.  ...not sure if she liked it much.?.

It's pretty safe to say that she did love opening gifts, with lots of help from her amazing mama and helpful cousins!

We did our best to capture a family picture with the sweet birthday girl.  Eva was getting pretty tired at this point, and wasn't too happy about facing the sun!  She did a great job of putting up with us at this point :)

Here is pure proof in her daddy's arms that the days events had completely tuckered this girl out, as a first birthday should!

Uncle Dana and Aunt Brooke's backyard is one big photo opportunity waiting to happen.  ...and I happened to come across Rowan taking photos of Kierce, so I offered to capture a picture of the two of them together.

Kierce's Flower Photo Shoot

You never know what you are going to get when Kierce gets a hold of the camera.  I was quite impressed with the beauty she successfully captured!  I thought Uncle Dana would especially like to see these photos taking by our little "blooming" photographer.

No Snow? Christmas is Still on its Way!

All thanks to Ryan driving the car one morning, Merrick and I were lucky enough to catch the crew hoisting the Christmas tree up and into place on our scooters.  It was definitely a neat experience to watch amongst community members.  The following morning, they were busy decorating the tree with lights, beach balls and other blow up toys.  The lady in charge of blowing the toys up insisted on giving Merrick a blow up guitar to take home.  I just love how friendly, social and sharing everyone is around here; what a wonderful community.       

Both of the girls were lucky enough to walk down to the ocean as a class to sit with Santa and also place a handmade ornament on the massive Christmas tree on the beach.  Kierce sure took her visit with Santa very seriously.  She is currently trying to figure out if Santa makes Android Tablets...  

Kierce took her time looking for just the right spot to place her ornament on the tree.

I was feeling for Rowan on this day, because she was not feeling well herself.  She opted out of visiting with Santa and Merrick was lucky enough to help his sister place her handmade ornament on the tree.  This was definitely a neat experience for all of the kids.  Yet another "first" in OB.

A group of our friends including Lon, Cindy, Anna, Abigail and our family all strolled downtown for the Annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade.  We picked a great spot to sit right next to the announcer.  This was definitely the most entertaining parade I have ever experienced.  There were multiple and massive dance parties equipped with DJ's, band, etc. on top of you name it: double decker busses, boats, trolleys and more.  

Once I heard the band come marching toward us, I must say it felt more like home.  What is a parade without a high school marching band, right?  It also made this parade feel a little more "normal" LOL.

Dad, this video is for you!  I have also uploaded a few other fun videos from the parade, including 3rd and 4th graders on unicycles, skateboarder on a float and a few more on our YouTube page.  Just click this link!    

http://www.youtube.com/user/PoeAndRyno?feature=mhee

We also checked out a the Mission Bay Holiday Boat Parade this past weekend.  It was a lot of fun, but apparently the San Diego Holiday Boat Parade at the harbor this next weekend is much bigger and better, so I'll be sure to report back.

Happy Thanksgiving from Merrick!

This little guy experienced the most elaborate Thanksgiving feast I have ever witnessed at 11 o'clock in the morning!  He encountered a beautiful spread of food, complex costume, handmade decorations, drums to play, etc.  ...let me tell you, nothing I have ever seen at preschool before.

The kids had the entire week of Thanksgiving off from school.  We spent a lot of time playing at the ocean, and enjoying all different types of experiences!  Here they are being serenaded by our friend Chaz, who is a wonderful musician.   

On Thanksgiving we enjoyed an amazing day at Uncle Dana, Aunt Brooke, Eva and Rocky's home.  They are such wonderful hosts, we always have a great time at their house!  It was a very casual and laid back gathering, with family and friends and scrumptious food.  We also had the opportunity to Skye with my family as well!

Since I never step foot inside a store on Black Friday, I think the kids were very lucky that I decided to take a little trip with them and our friend Abigail to Target.  Many years ago the kids were very lucky to reap the benefits of a Black Friday find from Aunt Lynn and Aunt Dawnie, when they received razor scooters for Christmas.  Years later they have nearly rode them into the ground, so the kids used some gift money and gift cards they received from Aunt Dawnie and Aunt Lynn to purchase new ones!

Somehow we talked Dad into riding one of their old scooters for a night on the town.  Hey, I am happy to use one of their old razors!  Seriously, its a great workout!

One of these things is not like the other...  Yes, I am having a difficult time letting go of the pumpkins since it barely feels like fall!!!  Well, this Michigan girl is a little confused with these 60-80 degree days, and Christmas music and decorations being thrown around town!  It doesn't compute for this girl!  They say it will take a few years to adjust, but man my brain must be pretty hard wired.  We did have fun decorating for Christmas though, and with a tiny three foot tree it only took like 30 minutes!  ...major time saver! 

Merrick's Training Wheels have Vanished!

Thank you Kierce for taping Merrick's second time riding with no training wheels! One thing is for sure, this kid is fearless! ...may I have some of that my son??? On this kids first try he began turning corners, then riding on pavement and riding around the block. He insisted on riding his bike home from the beach with no training wheels, and he did! Anyone who lives here, knows how insane that bike ride is with the cars and all of the people on the sidewalks. It was interesting ride home, and I very much appreciated Rowan and Kierce's help on the way home. Way to go Merrick, that was easy for this Mom! :)

Pacific Adventures

Shouldn't we all be this free?

The kids caught dinner, and yes, I took one (or nine) for the team ;)

Kierce usually finds a perch to sit and enjoy some peace each trip to the ocean.

Merrick found a cranny.

...never know what you will discover at the tide pools.

Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk. - Susan Scarf Merrell

This particular day the tide was VERY low, Kierce loved this (seemingly new) beach and especially the neat  pattern in the sand.

Rowan will always find some-thing ;)

The most beautiful sunset I have ever experienced.  The sky continued to change over the course of an hour, growing more beautiful by the moment.  Earlier in the evening the sky was painted with the most delicate white feather looking pattern.  We had a blast chasing the reflection on the shore together.  Gods paint brush and talent was and is amazing to experience.  ...a night to remember forever.

We were blessed to have Eva and Aunt Brooke visit us at the beach hang out two days in a row!  This particular day, Rowan was coming home from her birthday sleepover which she thoroughly enjoyed!  Aunt Brooke was so thoughtful to offer each of the kids a special birthday sleepover and shopping trip!  

More pacific adventure to come :) 

Silly Kids

...very creative way to carry your lunch bag Merrick. 

Yes, we were greeted by a pet parrot just chillin' as we entered the local grocery store.  As he was waiting for his owner to get done with her shopping, he surprised us by hopping on our cart ready to go for a ride :)

...and an hour or so later were amazed by a very large boa while pumping gas!  Oh, but the best was a lady walking downtown wearing a birdcage necklace with a real bird inside!  ...only in Ocean Beach. 

...be nice Row

Too much fun at the science center!

Can you find a bigger chair Kierce??

Hmmmm, nice shirt Merrick.

Do you believe they all fit in this tiny box???  This was the best and silliest playdate EVER! 

Silly-ness to be continued :) 

Visitors Falling from the Sky

We were so very blessed this fall with many visitors!  Our first guests were Grandma Texas, Aunt Lynn and Jessie!  The kids and I enjoyed taking the crew to Cabrillo National Park!

I am pretty sure everyone would agree that the zoo was an ultimate blast!

Priceless

I think we had too much fun when Gamma came into town :)  

Gamma definitely had too much fun, especially catching this crab at Cabrillo National tidepools!

We drove all around San Diego showing her the best of the best, so of course we landed at Coronado Island!

The kids and I came up with the idea to celebrate Grammy Kathy's Birthday early when she came into town!  The kids were able to capture some cuddle time after the candles were blown out ;)   

Of course we just had to share our favorite place in Ocean Beach with her, the beach!  A gorgeous sunset was the cherry on top.  We are always sad to say goodbye when visitors leave, but cherish the time we have with them while they are here.  Thank you all for gracing up with your presence!

1,2,3 Kids Birthdays

Ryan's mother Colleen came to visit us during the middle of October, so I decided to celebrate all of the kids birthdays together while she was in town.  The kids chose to celebrate with a spooky Halloween theme.  Uncle Dana, Aunt Brooke, Eva, Auntie Abs, Aunt Paulette, Uncle Bo and Gamma all graced us with their presence on this fine day. 

Me and my very own smiling, purple vampire :)

The blue wizard with her coordinating assistant ;)

Merrick (a.k.a. dark spiderman) popping in on his friend Caden's Birthday party which was held in the community room downstairs on the same day.

A little fun with Uncle Dana!

Although the plan for the day had to be altered due to a mishap with the car keys, we had a lot of fun.  By the end of the day, I was glad things worked out the way they did.