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!