Holiday in Santa Monica

After our quick trip to the Reagan Presidential Library, we spent a little time in beautiful Santa Monica. The drive through Malibu at sunset was lovely. We had dinner at Ocean Avenue Seafood, where I nearly choked to death on an oyster. We also ate breakfast at a British pub (go figure), did a little shopping and visited the pier. Dillon went on her first carousel ride!

You know how slow a toddler walks down a long hallway? Pretty slow.

Definitely roomier than my crib.

Why, no, I won't sit still for a charming holiday portrait.

Newest baby tote at Anthropologie.

We realized at the end it wasn't a horse, but an antelope we were riding.

Aunt Julie teaches Dillon rock "climbing."

Who needs a Ferris wheel when you've got the sand?

Reagan Presidential Library

Over the Christmas holiday (yes, I know it was a month ago!) we took a short trip with Julie to Simi Valley and Santa Monica. We visited the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley and, believe it or not, the place was crawling with tourists! Despite the crowds, we still had a nice time. The library has a decommissioned Air Force One and Marine One and has lovely, sweeping views of the hills nearby.

My sidekick is uncooperative.

Craig and Dillon escape to West Berlin through a secret tunnel.

Nap time for every American!

Hanging out in the Oval Office.

Aunt Julie, Michelle and Dillon.

Talking a walk in the rose garden.

Baby sandwich!

That Was Then / This Is Now (II)

Although I'm not sure I would officially call it a "tradition," for several of the past Christmases Craig and I have gone out for Peking duck at one of the local Chinese restaurants (one year we even went out TWICE!). This held true last year when Dillon slept through the whole dinner and this year when she was a more active participant.

Christmas 2011:

ZZzzz.

Christmas 2012:

Whatdya mean it's called Beijing now?

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

We had a lovely holiday here in Southern California. My sister came to visit and I had the week off from work. We mostly hung around San Diego, but also took a quick trip to Simi Valley and Santa Monica. Here's a glimpse of our Christmas.

O Christmas tree.

Zeus and Dillon open presents.

Aunt Julie gave Dillon a cool shark hat.

She also got lots of clothes.

And she also got this awesome chair from Grammy and Grampy F.

Waiting for the traditional Chinese Christmas dinner.

I want to eat all of it!

Christmas puppy.

Party Time!

Last Christmas Dillon was given a lovely party frock that was too big. Over the course of a year she didn't have much occasion to wear it until Christmas rolled around again. Unfortunately, it was a tad too small, but we made do. Here is the end result:

Can I still get food all over this?

Budding photographer.

Jazz hands.

Hotel del Coronado (2)

As mentioned in the last post, Dillon made a friend when we had lunch at the Hotel Del. A sweet little boy, not much younger than Dillon, sat right behind her. They made eyes at each other and shared toys, while all the adults furiously snapped photos of the exchange.

I bet there is someone behind me!

I hope he likes crab cakes!

Is he looking this way?

Hi, kiddo!

Crab cakes!

Hotel del Coronado

We decided to enjoy a little Christmas cheer at the Hotel del Coronado. We looked at the Christmas trees, ate a nice lunch (where Dillon made a new friend), and strolled along the beach. Winter in SoCal--not too shabby!

They have the same smile!

Dillon's first taste of french fries.

Strutting.

Next year's Christmas card.