New Year's Eve

The library put on a great New Year's Eve party for the kids today. They played games, counted down for the mini ball drop, threw confetti, drank sparkling cider, and ate snacks. The kids had a great time.

We counted down until midnight on the East Coast. Kailani thinks she is going to make it until midnight our time, but I am not sure I will:)

On this last day of 2013, I am happy to cross something off the "wish list" that was put there when we moved in almost three years ago...bar stools!

Beach Day

After stopping at the beach for a few minutes on Sunday, the kids wanted to go back as soon as possible. Although we intended to go to the pool today, we ended up at the beach because the pool was closed. The kids had a blast playing the water.
I didn't realize I had my camera set on black and white until I looked at the pictures later. They turned out nice.

Legos, Legos, and more Legos

This winter break has been consumed with Legos so far! I think we've finally built all of the sets the kids have gotten for Christmas. The Lego Store now has a Disney princess line. Kailani go the Ariel and Rapunzel sets for Christmas. She already has her eyes on the Cinderella and Brave sets.

After building Legos this morning, we went to the library for the Lego club storytime. We ended up being the only ones there (they said usually there are 18-20 kids) so the kids had their own private storytime. They listened to a book about a robot and were challenged to build a robot out of Legos. The kids had a great time and we'll go back for the next one.
At the mall we checked out a new store. Kailani can't wait to take Jason there.

We stopped at Game Stop to see if they had the Just Dance Disney for Wii (they didn't), but the kids wanted to pose for a picture.

Birch Aquarium

Today we decided to go to the Birch Aquarium. We haven't been there in a while and we had free tickets from our donation to AJ's Kids Crane before Christmas. It's a very small aquarium, but the kids enjoyed looking at all of the different fish.

The kids decided to purchase the new Disney Infinity game for the Wii with some of their Christmas money. They each put in half to purchase the starter set. I got them a few accessories to go along with it. They each played for about an hour and when Zachary got frustrated and broke one of the figurines, we turned it off. They really have not played the Wii, so they are learning how to play the game and use the system. I am sure Jason will enjoy playing with them when he gets home.

Zachy continues to build the Lego sets he got for Christmas. I think we have one more small set and then they're all built.

Enjoying the Weather

Today was a great day! We're having a heat wave here in San Diego, so it's a lot warmer than it usually is this time of year. We took advantage and hung out at the park and the pool (kids' choice).

Hogging all the Bones

Bruno and Holiday got some rawhide bones in their stocking from Santa. For some reason, Holiday thinks they are all for her. She won't share with Bruno and he tells her how he feels. This is so funny because anyone who has met Bruno knows that he doesn't bark...ever!

Merry Christmas

Today the kids woke me up bright and early (before 7am) to head downstairs and see what Santa left. They were so excited to see everything under the tree. Kailani got through her gifts much faster than Zachary. They were happy with everything they got and didn't say there was anything they wanted and didn't get. The kids played with their new toys and watched some new movies throughout the day.

Zachary's favorites this year: skateboard, police costume, and Legos
Kailani's favorites this year: American Girl accessories, rubberbands and organizer, mini cabbage patch kid, and Legos

We went outside (it was 80 degrees) so Zachary could try out his skateboard. At first, he wanted to return it to Santa because he couldn't ride it. But, after a few minutes, he changed his attitude:)

They love their Daddy dolls:)

We got a surprise phone call from Jason too!
As we did last year on Christmas, we went to dinner at Fuji. The kids love watching their dinner being cooked in front of them and enjoy the show the chef puts on.

Christmas Eve

This morning the kids were so excited to wake up and find their pajamas. They put them on right away and wore them all day. We hung around the house, cleaned up, and relaxed.

We went to church for the family service at 4pm. We started going to New Hope right after Christmas last year, so I was excited to see what they do for Christmas Eve. At the beginning of the service the kids were called up on stage. Kailani wouldn't go, but Zachary did. The Sunday school director told the kids the story of Christmas as they lit the 4 advent candles. They lit one final candle for Jesus. The kids learned about 5 different ornaments there were to decorate the Christmas tree. Each of the kids got to put an ornament on the tree. Zachary's age level got to decorate with apples (for sin). When he came down from the stage, he was so excited to have decorated the tree.

After the kids portion, Pastor Russ talked for a while and then we got our candles. We stood in a large circle around the outside of the room. Anyone who was new to New Hope this year was invited to come up to the front to light their candles. From there, we lit other candles of those standing next to us. While the candles were lit, everyone sang Silent Night. It was a very nice service; although I still light the Morning Star performance the Edgeboro Moravian Church does every year in Bethlehem.

Poor Zachy...I didn't realize how tired he was. He fell asleep on the couch shortly after 7pm. He didn't get to sprinkle his reindeer food outside, read The Pajama Elves, or leave cookies for Santa.

Jungle Bells

This afternoon we decided to go to Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. We visited with Santa and then walked around the Children's Zoo. We stayed long enough to see the lights go on before we headed home.

Tonight was the Elf's last night in our home. She left the kids a good bye letter, Elf on the Shelf ornament, The Pajama Elves book, and elf pajamas.

Visit with Santa

We went to the mall today to run a few errands and the kids wanted to visit with Santa. They weren't dressed for pictures, so I decided not to purchase any photos. While the kids were sitting on Santa's lap, he told me to mention to the photographers that we are a military family. I did that, but they told me we would get a free photo with the purchase of a package. I think Santa felt bad about mentioning that to me since I wasn't going to buy a package. He said the photo was "on him." We got a free 5x7. Too bad the kids aren't dressed up because the picture is actually pretty good.

I had to snap a picture of Bruno laying in front of the fireplace tonight:)

Colors of Winter 2013

Today I took the day off to finish up Christmas shopping and to be able to watch Kailani's annual Colors of Winter performance. After the performance, I went back to her classroom and watched as the kids exchanged their Secret Santa gifts.

The Elf left the kids a gingerbread house kit last night and they were able to build it tonight.