Anyone in San Clemente Need a Sous Chef?

Following up with the last post, we were happy to meet our friends and their sweet boy in San Clemente for some fun in the sun. There's a short video at the end of Dillon showing off her knife skills.

Running away.

Trying on mommy's hat.

As you can see in the reflection, Dillon snapped this one!

Here's the Swedish Chef in action. Music from "Dennis the Menace."

That Was Then / This Is Now (X)

In the course of two years, there are two noticeable differences to these pictures. 1) Dillon is much bigger. 2) There's another baby in the mix! (Hi, Christopher!) Also my hat makes me look like the Flying Nun. And Stephanie and I are wearing the exact same shorts in both pictures. I love that we're able to meet up in the sweet beach town of San Clemente and catch up with old friends.

Taken: 9/8/2012

Taken: 9/21/2014

Wordless Wednesdays (XLIV)

Taken: 9/13/2014

A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Disney on Ice

Our friends happened to have extra tickets to Disney on Ice and we thought Dillon would enjoy it. We picked up her friend Lucy--our first time on a play date without the friend's parents there--and settled into our seats. Dillon was so excited to see the show...until it actually started. It was too loud and too scary and she would only stop crying when we took her to the lobby. So I would say...fail.

Even the ear plugs didn't help.

Thanksgiving in the Sunshine State (III)

For our last post about Thanksgiving, here are some pix of Ava and Dillon playing together. Even though Ava is twice Dillon's age, they got along great, bonding over their mutual love of clothes, pink things and "Let It Go." Dillon even got to jam on Ava's karaoke machine, which means she has officially karaoked as many times as I have--and more times than Craig I dare say.

Hugs!

Buddies.

Dillon and Grandma at the park.

John and Ana and doggies.

Thanksgiving in the Sunshine State (II)

One of the fun things I got to do with Dillon was visit my alma mater. Pretty as always, but nothing compared to home sweet home San Diego. Dillon had a great time playing with her cousin Ava, although I think her favorite part was sitting in Aunt Ana's VW Bug.

PS--Maybe someday my dad will email the family picture he promised so I can include it here.

Sylvie came with us to Rollins.

Nothing like a grassy knoll for running around.

Twirling and whirling.

I spent A LOT of time in this theater!

Ava driving the Bug.

Dillon's turn.

You need shades too.

Ava drew a cute picture of her and Dillon. They are very bald.

Family puzzle time!

Thanksgiving in the Sunshine State (I)

The holidays may be over, but the holiday photos are just beginning! First up we have Thanksgiving. This year we traveled to Florida to visit my parents, siblings, cousin and also both of Craig's cousins. It was busy, but great to see everyone. Dillon loved playing with all the little cousins too. We even managed an overnight trip to Disney where somehow Dillon bamboozled us into buying her a rather elaborate (read: expensive) Cinderella dress.

Safety first.

Smallest porter ever.

Relaxing at the hotel with some goldfish crackers.

Well this is an interesting outfit.

Hanging with cousin Henry.

Pizzeria Uno dance party with cousins Henry and Robbie.

Then the rain started.

Coldest pool party ever.

This pretty much sums up Disney: rainy.

But chocolate muffins make it all better.

Dillon Museum of Fine Art (VII)

More art! Dillon loves markers, paint, glue and glitter. Our carpet? Not so much.

Mixed media with stickers and glitter.

Dancing turkey?

"It's like fireworks splits like the kind I see in the sky at night."

I love the colors and lines of this one.

Soraya and Dillon channeling Rothko at daycare.