California Dreams, Part 5

Christmas Morning: finally added baby Jesus to our nativity. 

 Funny family Christmas day pic (kids plus Auntie Yumi).

 Abby finally got the coveted Ariel doll.

 And "The Uncles" got Isaac a dart board!!!

Look at the shock/awe on his face.

Uncle Allen helping Isaac build his new Batman set.

San Francisco Tour: we started at Ghirardelli Square.

Lunch at a diner. 

Cupcake shop!

Golden Gate Bridge in the background while waiting for the trolly. 

Walking down Lombard Street. 

Walking on Fisherman's Wharf...Bay Bridge in the Background.

Alcatraz in the background.

Golden Gate Bridge.

Abby Quote of the Day: 

After dinner I said: "Abby, did you eat silly beans?  Did they turn you silly?"  

Abby: "No, they turned me blonde."

Scandia with the family: Mini Golf.

Isaac had a great time; Abby opted out.

Pouty face.

Go carts.

This was Isaac's favorite thing from the day.

(Abby's was "eating.")

The ladies watching the boys on the go carts.

Uncle Allen won the race.

Ending the day with a game of laser tag.

Sharp shooter.

And that was our final fling here in California.  We have had an awesome time.  Ready to be home, but what an awesome trip.

California Dreams, Part 4: Snow Day!

Our trip to the snow, which took us almost completely to Lake Tahoe, was so fun and with so many pictures, that I need to make a separate post out of it!  This was Abby's first-ever experience with real snow (real = not manufactured or imported).  Isaac had one previous snow day when it freakishly snowed at our house when he was three, but he doesn't remember it.

Our "snow clothes" were just layers of normal clothes and regular shoes...Abby is in her Mary Jane's...so we knew it was only a matter of time before the kids got too cold.

 Isaac and Uncle Allen got started right away with a snowball fight.

Abby chose to stand around and eat snow.

She let me try to help her make a snow angel until I accidentally got snow down her neck.

And then went back to snow-eating.

Meanwhile, Isaac and Uncle Allen were at it big time!

Abby covered in snow.

Isaac scouting his next shot.

Isaac covered in snow...

...couldn't resist a taste.

We finally got our hands on a sled so the kids could try it out for the first time.

They started out cautiously...

 ...gained enthusiasm and confidence...

Should be a link to a video Allen posted on Facebook if you click here.

And finally gained enough confidence to go on the big hill with Uncle Allen.

With one break in the middle of the fun to warm up, the kids lasted a little bit longer than I thought...but were thankful for the warm car and some dry clothes after it was all over.  So glad we were able to do this!  Thanks for being so fun, Uncle Allen!