Hey Good Lookin!

The other day I was showing Mason videos of his girlfriend Cameron on her blog, and he was laughing so hard at some of them I decided to try to catch it on video to send to her mom.  With my new iPhone I can flip the camera so we can see ourselves as it's recording...well apparently someone likes looking at himself!  I kept catching him "flirting" at himself in the camera.  What a ham!

Science Museum

On Christmas Eve, since we didn't have plans until BG's party that evening we decided to head down to Balboa Park for a little family time.  We ended up getting down there a little too early before any of the museums opened, so we spent the first little while walking around.

We found a cool tree to play under for a bit.

And found a pinecone to throw around.

Since we only had a few hours we decided to check out the kids Science Museum.  It was a really neat museum but was definitely geared towards kids a bit older than Mason, although he still enjoyed a lot of the exhibits.  However, upstairs they have a toddler center - once we found it, we spent a good hour in there playing.  Mason loved all of it, but was particularly enthralled with the balls. 

We will definitely be coming back here to play! 

Oh and PS - can you tell I'm the photographer in my family?  I think of the 3 (very long) posts I just did, I'm in a total of 4 pictures.  I think next time we leave the house I'm putting daddy in charge of the camera!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Our Chrismukkah week this year was awesomely jam-packed.  With Hanukkah falling only a few days before Christmas, we had to try our hardest to fit it ALL in...which means we've been pretty much non-stop for a week now. 

Mason "lighting" his first menorah.

Our Chrismukkah set up - menorahs & tree (minus topper which we never did get!)

The first official holiday event was hosted by Tristan's mom, a fundraiser for a children's charity in town.  If you were lucky enough to receive our holiday card, you'll recognize my new favorite family picture.

Mason loves his "Gace"

Ava, in the most ridiculous headband I've ever seen.  And yet still looking adorable enough to eat right up!

Tristan's Aunt Maria, who never let go of Ava all night, and Todd's mom Jeanette.

Mason & "Aya" playing.

BG with her grandbabies.  This was as close to "everyone looking" we got.

The week before Christmas we went up to Todd & Laura's for breakfast, where Opa served a traditional Austrian pancake breakfast...YUM. 

For Hanukkah my parents mailed us a bunch of boxes with gifts (mostly for Mason), so we picked a night and Skyped while we opened them all.  Here's Mason showing off his mad puzzle skills with one of his new gifts.

Got every one right on his first try!  Smartypants :)

So many presents, and he wants to play with the box.

Christmas Eve morning daddy put together his awesome new fire engine from my brother Brandon

Helping daddy put on the stickers.

Brandon said he bought this b/c it squirts water...so he can torture his cousins.  Ha!

With his cool new art desk from BG.

The Friday before Christmas, BG's boyfriend Charlie had us all over for drinks/apps, and also put Toy Story 3 on his 3-D TV for the kids.  By the way how cute is Mason's dog with reindeer ears shirt??

 From Charlie's we went to Todd's parents house for the remainder of the night for dinner, and White Elephant exchange, but I left my camera in the car.

On Christmas Eve it was back to BG's house where she hosts every year.

Unfortunately he got his hands on BG's cell phone and spent WAY too much time in this position.  Every time we took it away, we'd find him with it again...apparently this particular grandma doesn't know how to say "no" very well!

Oh look, Aunt Maria's got Ava again...we need to get her a grandbaby :)

The men.

Presents, presents, presents!

Everyone's ready to tear into their presents, and Mason is so busy playing with his puzzles he doesn't even notice.

Mason!  Yoo-hooo!  There are presents for you, just look away from the puzzle!

Watching his new DVD with his buddy, Charlie.

On Christmas, we had a nice quite morning together as a family.  After a yummy home-made breakfast and some presents, we hopped into the car and headed over to Lake Mirimar for a long run and picnic by the water.

Check out those adorable plaid Toms!

Before we ate I was doing some arms on a bench, and Mason decided to join me.  So funny...minus Tristan's finger in the way!

Quiet time with my little man.

After nap time we got ready for the final event of the week, Christmas dinner at Laura's.  I took a total of 2 pictures that night because I felt like I was taking the same pictures over & over all week, but of course had to at least show you Mason's hilarious/adorable outfit!

After dinner, we all played a few games that have become tradition, and then decided to do some impromptu Christmas carolling around the neighborhood.  That was pretty funny, seeing people's faces!

To cap the evening, we decided to bust out some Wii Dance and boxing games.  Got some cute videos!

Had to include this one b/c these men are so funny with their games.  So competitive!

The last picture of the night, and my favorite...Cousin Carrie with miss Ava.  Merry first Christmas, chubby cheeks!

PHEW!  It was all so much fun...but I'm not going to lie I'm glad it's all over.  Back to normal bedtimes and the gym we go...For 2 days at least.  We head to Colorado on Thursday for more fun & shenanegans!

Christmas Lights

It wouldn't be the holidays without lights, right?  Checking out the local neighborhoods that go ALL OUT on lights has become a favorite holiday activity of ours, and this year was no exception. 

First, we headed over to a neighborhood dubbed Christmas Card Lane with our good friends the Cellas and Grundons. 

Mason checking out the trains at my favorite house of the night

Brody Cella checking out the trains

The three daddy-o's...I have no idea why Mason looks so terrible here, I think he was in mid-cough or something.

A little shout out to mommy & daddy's favorite Christmas movie!

Back shot of the clan (you're welcome Jess!).  6 adults, 6 kids, 2 strollers & a double wagon.

There is also another local neighborhood named Candy Cane Lane that we've gone to every year for the past 4 years to with Tristan's sister Laura, brother in law Todd, Opa, and the nieces.  This one is by far my favorite - these houses go all out!!

Baby Ava, all ready to check out her first Christmas lights!

Yes...we always stuff into one van, even though every year we've had one more child.  This year I sat on the floor, and Todd sat in the trunk with the 2 strollers.  Totally safe and legal :)

Here we go!  On a side note, yet again I have no clue why Mason is so straight-faced in all these pictures, I promise he was having so much fun!!

Check out all these lights and cars!



Such a great time with friends & family!