Let the Craziness Begin

We had a very nice, low-key Thanksgiving. We woke up early and headed down the road a couple miles to the San Diego Turkey Trot. Jip went all out when the kids said they wanted to do the run in the stroller. 

 

Jip received lots and lots of compliments. I think it was completely worth the effort!

The kids had a good time burning energy off after being in the stroller for a bit.

Friday was the official kick-off to our holiday season. We got out all of the Christmas decorations and completed my latest Pinterest-inspired project. Presenting Frosty Mosman (plus 2):

And how he looks at night:

I bought the tree used. Thankfully, it was pre-lit and in good shape. My Mom sent the top hat. The head (which is hollow) and nose are Styrofoam. The mouth is made up of buttons. The eyes are balled up pieces of felt hardened by Mod Podge to look like coal. His buttons are just spray painted plastic Christmas balls. His scarf is obviously a scarf--no creative work required for that one. And his arms are wrapping paper tubes painted black with "hands" made by RJ out of black card stock.

The inside turned out lovely as well.

The kids had haircuts on Saturday. Ry is so lucky because she can get cute braids each time. RJ gets spiky hair. At least he likes spiky hair. And I'm glad he only asks for it after a haircut and not every day.

Saturday night, RJ participated in the Otay Ranch Tree Lighting Parade with his schoolmates. It was a lot warmer this year as compared to last. But, the parade organizers were about as far from organized as you can get. The kids were super hungry and super-duper restless because the parade started 38 minutes late. Ry and I were restless, too, waiting on the route. We were wondering if it was a car show instead of a Christmas parade. But, the BCDS kids finally appeared and they looked great!

This week, the holiday busy-ness continues. Jip's Command's Xmas party is Friday night. The kids have their own Christmas party put on by some of the enlisted sailors on Saturday. On Sunday, I have a cookie exchange with a dozen or so other military spouses. The following week will probably be just as crazy with another party, hitting some Xmas lights displays, and getting ready for our trip to Colorado.

I'm not complaining--I love this time of year! But, I'm sure we'll all be tired when it is over.

We hope your preparations for your holiday season are coming along and that you are enjoying it all as much as we are!

Ryleigh's Third Birthday Pics

We received our pics from Jiza of Jiza Zito Photography from our early morning birthday shoot.  They turned out just great!  I'm going to let them speak for themselves...

Another Season Done

Soccer has ended. We're so very glad. We have a couple months before winter t-ball starts. We may need that long to psych ourselves up. Ry says she wants to play, too. 3 hours every Saturday night. The wagon won't have to haul the umbrella anymore, but snacks will surely fill up the space left by the umbrella. At least with it being winter, it should be laid back and fun.

Anyway, back to soccer. RJ's team had to make up a game because of a muddy field. So, after much negotiation with the city, the coordinators were able to get the kids a chance to play under the lights. The kids got to have their names announced over the loudspeaker. It was a treat!

By playing at night, the kids got to experience a desert chill. Ryleigh prepared earlier in the day, wearing her Anna hat.

The kids stayed warm by running around before practice started.

And a couple pics from the game.

Saturday was the last game of the season. RJ's team ended up finishing the season 6-1-1. Not too shabby.

Ry got to go to her first birthday party without RJ on Saturday. It was for our friend Sydney at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Ry had a total blast making "Joey Girl Bear." We have shortened it to Joey G. around the house.

We are enjoying Thanksgiving week, with our weirdly warm weather again and putting some finishing touches on a Christmas decoration craft.

We hope your week is great!!

Another Good Week

It was another good week for us. Jip actually had a shorter week thanks to the Veterans' Day holiday falling on a Tuesday. And, RJ had Monday off in observance of the holiday, so he enjoyed a shorter week, too.

On Monday, we decided to try out a recently remodeled theater in Chula Vista. They turned an old, run-down theater into a luxury theater with recliners. They serve more hot foods and even serve beer (to grown-ups). We saw Big Hero 6. The movie and the theater were great!

Wednesday was our roughest day. Jip had overnight duty. I took the kids to a dining-out fundraiser for RJ's school. It was at a restaurant that also boasted of an arcade. The arcade games were inappropriate for kids, in my opinion. But, the kids didn't think so, of course. So, we indulged in a few shoot-'em-up games.

Ryleigh had a collision with another child that resulted in a huge black eye. She looked cute in the outfit she picked out before that happened, though.

Saturday entailed the usual soccer. RJ's interest in soccer has waned considerably.

Tonight it was "cold" enough to build a fire. We enjoyed our dinner outside, jackets and all.

We hope your week was great. We're sending everyone outside SoCal warm thoughts!!

Getting Back to Normal

Jip was back at work. RJ was back at school. Ry and I were back to our usual. It was a good week after the household bout with HFM.

When it comes to pictures from our week, Ryleigh is the name of the game. She had her birthday pictures and she stood still long enough for a couple others through the week. Enjoy!

We made homemade silly putty with some other moms this week. The feel of it wasn't exactly Ry's cup of tea.

Ry's birthday pictures were at sunrise at the Coronado Ferry Landing. It was an awesome morning!

We tried to play miniature golf this morning at a Navy recreation facility. Ry had her own technique for using the club.

Thanks for stopping by this week! I hope this week is great for you!!