I Heart California

I never reported on our fabulous vacation to California in October. I took about 700 pictures (yikes!). What a joy it was to go with Ben and Shannon and their li'l ones. While more children may cause more frequent travel stops, it is so fun to share great times with friends (and also laugh together—or cry—at the kids' scattered meltdowns!). We spent some time in Newport Beach and a couple days in San Diego. So much I could say, but let's let a few of the many photos do the talking.

Thanksgiving

We had an amazing Thanksgiving meal and a great day with friends and family. We had 10 guests, including my sibs, Trav's dad, Sarajane, and Eleanor. We've been keeping some old traditions and adding in a few of our own. Chef Trav did some fun new things, including homemade cranberry sauce and potatoes that had simmered for hours in cream and other deliciousness before later getting mashed to perfection. Bridget provided 6 fabuolous desserts. After dinner, the 4 a.m. Black Friday planning was underway. (Needless to say, this morning's shopping excursions were lengthy and exciting. T loves the thrill of the hunt.)

It really wasn't until the quiet of the evening today that I got to thinking about everything I have to be thankful for. I feel pretty undeserving sometimes of all that I've been given. . .

Granny Annie: Grillz Just Wanna Have Fun

When we were in Cali, "Grandma From the Beach" (as they call my mom) gave each kid a dynamo pack of goodies: Halloween straws, their Halloween light-up shirts, insanely messy sparkle play-dough, books, and candy bracelets. The favorite items, however, were the sweet, jacked-up grill teeth. Upon returning home, my dad came for a visit and announced that he'd always wanted some of these faux fangs. Boston had fun modeling them with Grandpa.

At one point on the drive home, I turned around to find that the kids had put their teeth on. Bad pic, but this adequately captures the snot and drool. Love her!

Random Thoughts on a Tuesday

I have a few random thoughts for now.

#1 Happy Veterans Day. Seriously, I love this country and I so appreciate those who are serving and have served our country. All you army wives, bless you.

#2 Think I'm bitter at my doctor for talking me into the flu-mist for Boston. I was in the doc's office last Friday because he's been sick with a myriad of little bugs, but I'm feeling the sting of not trusting my motherly instincts on the mist because now he has a new set of lovely symptoms. We've all been on and off sick since our return from the Sunshine State. Yuck.

#3 I'm hungry...again.

#4 Last night we ran into lots of friends at Target. Am I lame for having so much fun there?

#5 I think Travis needs more hats. This is only part of his ample supply.

We Won!

Can't believe we actually won our soccer game this week! Love playing with all the great guys and the pro girls, Stacie and Harmony.

There are always interesting characters on each team...some hard core, some super slow, some prone to falling. For example, look at this chick. She's definitely sending out the vibe Don't mess with me! Interesting scare tactics, eh?!

Boston's Art

My son gets some of his artistic abilities from his dad. You never know what treasures you'd find on any given day on Trav's side of the bed. I once likened these 'findings' to a snake's skin. As the snake no longer requires the skin, he sheds it and leaves it behind.

Tacky Prom

Our friends, Ginny and Wally, throw a Halloween party every year. This year's theme was 'Tacky Prom'. After much deliberation, I thought going as a pregnant teen really was the only way to go. I didn't get photos of everyone, but here are a few.

Ginny and Wally in their gothic glory:


Western duo, Melanie and Dave


Biker hotties, Kelly and Jason


Ximena and "urban businessman" Craig


JoAnn and Todd in their duct tape creations. . .so crafty!


Something tells me Michelle and Derek may have worn similar getups in their dating days!

What I love so much lately about my neighborhood is that I can be my crazy self, and, in fact, am often outdone in the crazy department! Yessss!

Hilarious London native, Graham, whose wife dressed as his mom. Sweet.

What's in Your Fridge?

My cute hubby is the main grocery shopper in our family. He searches the ads and shamelessly barters with the Wal-Mart cashiers to match prices so that he gets good deals. It has become a weekly ritual to go out with Ben in the late evenin' hours to get every last item on my random list.

I'm grateful that he's found joy in this mundane task, and I'm sure fortunate that he works so hard to put food in our fridge!

Merry CassMouse and a BosMan New Year

This has been my favorite Halloween since my childhood! The weather the week of Halloween was so gorgeous. We spent hours at the park each day. When Halloween finally arrived, I figured we'd get the season's first snowfall. Instead we got warm temps and a light drizzle. It really felt like Halloween and I reflected fondly on my many years of trick-or-treatin' in good ol' Glendale.

We of course hit Bridget's church trunk-or-treat (now a family tradition!). We then walked the neighborhood collecting mad stashes of loot and even enjoyed hot dogs and chili at a neighbor's driveway party.


Cassidy picked up quickly on the whole concept of trick-or-treating. She politely told neighbors "Gracias!" and hoarded her favorite candies in her li'l mousey paws. I loved that her costume was round and tumbly, like the Cinderella mouse, Gus. Beyond precious.

Boston has energy that won't quit. He's such a big boy now and could have gone until midnight. He's very sneaky when trying to get his hands on more candy. My little Batman will not soon be retiring this cape!

14 and Counting

We had a playdate at the park a couple weeks ago. Can't believe that about 8 years ago, 4 of Trav's childhood buddies all got hitched within approximately a year. Things sure have changed! I feel blessed. . .

Just the girls, minus the new arrival, Tessa, who must have been snoozing.