Had to do the cheesy beach/cliffs pic for our first family photos here, right?
It was actually pretty fun, though, and we enjoyed working with our photog who moved here from Russia a few years ago. :) It really just felt like a stroll along the cliffs around sunset, which is when we usually go anyway.
A few other takes we really liked:
For the first half of E’s holiday break, we hung around town.
Sat on Santa’s lap @ a library party. Afterwards, he saw Santa getting in a car and asked why he didn’t come in his sleigh. :D
Acai fix. You really can’t beat Everbowl — all you can ask for toppings.
Checked out this neat biker-centric coffee shop before going to an artsy, handmade market in Barrio Logan. Daddy is sold on their coffee.
The skate park under the bridge on our walk there was pretty neat. Lots of cool street art, too.
Went to see lights at the SD California Temple. It’s similar to the one in SLC.
More lights @ Starlight Circle.
Lots of spectacular decorations but this Star Wars one was his fave.
These are the back at Legoland faces. :P
Did a lot of water/boat rides this time.
We had about an hour to check out SeaLife which we also get entrance with our passes.
Not huge but still better than the one in Dallas.
All the Lego ornaments!
Christmas passed quietly but yet meaningfully. We lit a b-day candle for Jesus and had a little devo. Like our new minimal, birch tree? :)
He was def dreaming of a Lego Christmas and that he got! He pretty much built all gifted sets day of. :) Santa brought: The Hulkbuster Smash-up, Tatooine and First Order Specialist Pack, Killow vs. Samurai X and then a few from friends.
Rooftop of The Nat was open post-Christmas.
Some fun and creativity @ Fleet Science Center.
Just enough daylight for a little time by the playground in Balboa.
Went for Jungle Bell festivities at the SD Zoo. Thanks to one of our neighbors for the tix!
And this is how a hippo sleeps. :) Every number of seconds, he goes above water to take a breath. Poor guy, talk about interrupted sleep!
The tree lights show with music was quite good.
Short Torrey Pines sunset hike. Didn’t get to trek down but there’s always another time.
We’ll say it over and over: this.never.gets.old.
It’s off to L.A. for a Lakers game in Daddy’s company suite and then Mammoth Mountain for our first snow tracks of the season. First time Ikon Pass-holders, woohoo! :)
After Disney, the Ong’s came to check out our new ‘hood in SD.
Grandparents stayed w/ us and X spent the night on the weekend when E didn’t have school. We got them all Storm Trooper jammies but didn’t get to catch a pic of the 4 kiddos together.
Serious Lego play deep into the night (and then morn!). :)
Leisurely brunch @ the La Jolla Open Aire Market.
And then of course LJ Shores & Cove/Children’s Beach.
Lovely evening stroll through Balboa Park. (They did some of the museums on another day).
In front of the Old Globe. Found out Dr. Seuss lived most of his life in SD and his wife recently passed away. :(
BIL totally enjoyed a round of golf at the coveted Torrey Pines Golf Course.
It’s next to the Gliderport.
And the stunning cliffs we can fall in love with over and over again. :)
A stop at the SD Central Library (Daddy needed some Wi-Fi for work matters).
We highly recommended the U.S.S. Midway and though we didn’t join, they had a good time exploring. It was nice seeing the ship again dropping grandma and grandpa off for a visit.
They call this the “hot dog”. :P
Dinner at Water Grill. Hehe, they were the only kids in the entire resto.
Bros said farewell as their family left first for the rest of their road trip through Cali.
Took the grandparents to the Little Italy Mercato farmer’s market and finally got to try this place walking back to the car. Grandma loves her sweets!
He called dibs on the “gold flakes”.
Surfin’ Santa (totally Cali style!).
Kringle Mingle in Cardiff.
The cutest Camera Camper!
Then took them to Del Mar for the sunset while waiting for a tree lighting. He wanted to go to his usual playground @ Powerhouse Park.
Reindeer Lego build.
A walk through the La Mesa Holiday Village after dinner.
Christmas in the Valley @ Bate’s Nut Farm on the way to San Bernardino to drop off grandparents at Great Uncle’s house.
The SD Mountain Bike Association set up a really fun bike course for the little humans.
Then someone arrived while they were chomping away. (See background).
An unexpected greeting (and candy cane) from Santa!
He’ll take on any ramp. :)
‘Til next time, Mama & Gong Gong!
Met the Ong family @ Disneyland over Thanksgiving break!
Cousins united.
Got the character dining experience @ Goofy’s Kitchen.
There was a dance party every few minutes.
Minnie just does not age. :)
Oh, the dessert spread!
We celebrated Xander’s 6th birthday!
And our anniversary, kinda. :)
Which one are you: C or D?
Yup, the dab is becoming a common occurrence, egged on by Daddy.
First morning walk through Downtown Disney on the way to the park.
He was super stoked for this ride.
We maxed out our time during the Magic Morning hour and we pretty beat by like 9am? A leisurely ride on the monorail sounded pretty inviting…
Also, we may have scarred him a bit by going on Space Mountain so early in the AM. Mommy felt she was getting a bit too old for these kinds of rides, too, while Daddy was having the time of his life. :D
The decorations for “It’s a Small World” were so intricate and lovely.
YES!
Hey, Walt.
The twins, Alfie and Lexie, had to take naps in the afternoon so Xander hung out with Elias.
All the shows were SO good.
And the parade just really gets you in the holiday spirit…
It was convenient staying @ one of the park resorts and walking right in. The rooms had a lot of neat little Disney touches, too.
His own store. ;)
California Adventure Park — the kiddos may have actually enjoyed it more cuz of the recognizable Pixar characters.
Doing this ride first @ DCA may have been a mistake, hehe.
How in the world did Gong Gong film the whole ride without dropping his phone (@ 80+ yrs old!)??? And we label this photo “The Scarring #2”. :D
Woody, you’ve grown?!
Took Gong-Gong to Radiator Springs. :))
Yo Lightning McQueen.
And Mater!
Girls vs. Boys on Radiator Springs Racers. Ladies were victorious!
When some (ahem, majority) of the parents don’t want to do the going around in circles rides, who steps in? Grandpa!
Toy Story Mania was a fave for all of us. Too bad we didn’t to go on it a 2nd time — 90+ minute wait times rest of the day, ugh!
Took a break for lunch and checked out the Boudin Bakery.
Princess Elena, um, we’ve never heard of you? Haha.
Doc McStuffins and friends dance party.
Spidey!
Ralph, what huge hands you have.
Street show.
Frozen is a must see.
Nice little reminder/mantra.
A welcomed little distraction while we waited forever for Soarin’ Around the World (WITH a MaxPass!).
It was totally worth it, though, and we rounded the night waiting to ride it a second time with everyone together.
A walkway, too?
And sign? Lol.
In our lobby. E ended up not wanting to ride this (the real one) after the Space Mountain scare, hehe. Xander did, though.
Cousin love.
Grandparent spoilage on the last day. “Early Christmas presents”.
All (somewhat tired) smiles before heading to SD…
‘Til next time, Happiest Place on Earth!
