It was such a treat to leave the Utah snow behind and arrive in the California sunshine. It had been over a year since we had been to San Diego and over a year since we had seen some of our cousins. Way too long!!! So happy to be close enough to see them all a little more often! A fabulous week was planned, the weather was our best friend and we couldn't wait to get all the fun started!
Cousin time!
These kids were all over joyed to see each other. They spent most of the first day, and many others after that bonding inside and outside Mimi and Papa's house. We feel so lucky that their house is so awesome we rarely need to go anywhere!
These two totally crack me up. I think I have a million pictures of them just like this, still wearing the same dress ups they wore when they were 4!
The first night we were there was our "Christmas Eve." Mimi loves beautiful things...tablescapes included and this one was gorgeous this year. We had a wonderful compromise and ate off paper plates on top of chargers and real plates :).
The kids also put on the Christmas play. It is actually a huge crack up as we watch some do their very best to take it seriously and others who cannot help themselves. Casting Chaz as Mary this year made it a little hard for all of us. That being said, it is still such a fun memory to make!
Check out the cutest wise man ever on the horse!
Everyone got new Christmas jammies!! Nothing we love more!
Pierce felt especially happy about snuggling in Mimi and Papa's bed watching a show with his binky. His favorite!
How spoiled to get a second Christmas morning!! Lucky kids!
Pierce got the marble apparatus that he loves. It kept lots of the kids busy all morning.
Some new, fun Chima lego sets.
Mimi and Papa opening the book we gave them. Not really a surprise, but when you find something people love, why rock the boat?
Watching the cousins playing together was such a treat. These 4 love playing games together!
One morning we took the kids to the park and to explore the trails and open areas in Mimi and Papa's neighborhood. The boys love a little adventure and the little ones had a great time at the park and on our own little walk!
The outside temps were incredibly warm, but the pool was still frigid, so the kids spent most of their time in the hot tub. Parker took the empty pool as an invitation to work on his surfing skills!
We have had a standing tradition when we visit to take one night and make it an adult evening. We love heading to Coronado Island to watch the Lamb's Player's Theater's Christmas production. This year was the best one we have ever seen and we were sad when it ended. After the play we headed to dinner at a French restaurant in downtown San Diego. Hanging with the adults is really one of our favorite moments of being together.
When we asked our kids what some of their favorite parts of the trip were, they all commented about the amazing time we had on the Torrey Pines Hike. What a great one! I cannot believe we have never taken it before. It is so beautiful and not too hard for the little ones at all. Next time, we will plan for a little more time there.
We only ended up at the beach once, but it was such a perfect day! Sunny and warm! It wasn't too crowded and we all had such a blast playing in the sand, sticking our toes in the water, building castles and tunnels, running races, playing football, and watching the crazy boys actually boogie board in the FREEZING ocean. What a day!!
Since we were all together for the first time in a long time, we took the opportunity to take a few group photos. Lexi looked to die for in her little red dress, so I asked if she wanted to model for me. She was such a willing subject! She is a gorgeous little girl! Here are a few of my favorites!
For Christmas Mimi and Papa bought all the kids minion shirts! We snapped a few pictures of the group before we headed out to our New Year's Eve celebrations. They turned out pretty cute for our anti-photo bunch!
Mimi wanted all the kids to coordinate on Sunday, so she made sure they all had something in black, white, grey or red. They all looked so darling! I can't believe we are missing Weston and Papa from these photos! They turned out so cute. It's amazing to see them all growing up so much!!
For New Year's Eve we headed to a trampoline park where the kids and adults had a great time bouncing together!
Later that evening, we did a murder mystery party. The best part, by far, was seeing Mimi in all her glory and then watching her acting during the dinner. HILARIOUS! We had all forgotten that she is so fantastic on stage. The kids tried to participate, but it was a little over their heads. Still a festive way to ring in the New Year, and memories of Mimi we will never forget!
A few of us made it to the new year sipping on sparkling cider and Italian sodas!
So rude! No one wanted to give me a New Year's Kiss!
Such a fantastic week with so many of the people we love! Can't wait to get back there again!
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