I took a lot of pictures in California, and they all make me happy, cause it was a great time. So I'm going to indulge myself, cause that's what blogs are all about. Here, then, is our 18 hour trip to San Diego. (Not included are pictures of fab cousins Scott and Jaclyn, who let us crash at their fab apartment. Also not included are the sights, smells, tastes of the sublime strip mall Mexican food that they served us upon our arrival. That meal alone atoned for the hellish experience of packing for a week long trip.)
We rose at dawn, more or less, cause that's what Memphians do when they're two time zones to the left. We were the lone diners at the breakfast place (almond pastries, carne asada eggs benedict). Then we walked to the corner of Dolphin and Bird Rock, and to other euphonious destinations.
Bird Rock. Site of Chris' last surfing expedition as a Californian, many moons ago. I don't think he or his buddy Brian would attest that it was a wildly successful venture, but since it's known to be somewhat dangerous and "locals only," we'll give credit where it's due.
The wealthy beach dwellers around Bird Rock are kind enough to offer amenities to the surfers.
20 years later, Chris and Brian are still brave (or dumb). In this picture, they're deciding whether or not to body surf in the 60 degree water. They did. I'll spare you those pictures.
What's better than ocean-view swinging?
Luckily, Brian and Kim's kids share Meredith's love of sea gull chasing. They were able to bond over this activity.
They also bonded over the building of a "drain." Not visible here: their florescently purple lips.
It was a very good day.
Christmas tea.
Christmas Texas Sux Beer. (Very funny Aunt D and Uncle S.)
We will NOT sit still for a matching jammies picture. You can't hold us down!
We've managed to maintain some sanity this month, despite the constant activity.
Parents got to go observe a ballet class. Video at the end. Mer's school does creative movement stuff until they're five or so. This year they danced to Wild Things music, did ribbon dances, and did lot of nursery rhymes with coordinating movements. They also skipped, which apparently is a big development step, because they've worked hard on it. You can see their minds working to move the right muscles. Needless to say: adorable.
Also on the ballet front, we went and saw The Nutcracker at The Orpheum. Gorgeous. (Picture stolen from Ballet Memphis).
We also had an ornament and cookie exchange party. There were LOTS of people in the house and it was definitely controlled chaos. But so much fun.
We rose at dawn, more or less, cause that's what Memphians do when they're two time zones to the left. We were the lone diners at the breakfast place (almond pastries, carne asada eggs benedict). Then we walked to the corner of Dolphin and Bird Rock, and to other euphonious destinations.
Bird Rock. Site of Chris' last surfing expedition as a Californian, many moons ago. I don't think he or his buddy Brian would attest that it was a wildly successful venture, but since it's known to be somewhat dangerous and "locals only," we'll give credit where it's due.
The wealthy beach dwellers around Bird Rock are kind enough to offer amenities to the surfers.
20 years later, Chris and Brian are still brave (or dumb). In this picture, they're deciding whether or not to body surf in the 60 degree water. They did. I'll spare you those pictures.
What's better than ocean-view swinging?
Luckily, Brian and Kim's kids share Meredith's love of sea gull chasing. They were able to bond over this activity.
They also bonded over the building of a "drain." Not visible here: their florescently purple lips.
It was a very good day.
Me: Mer, go downstairs. I'll be there in a minute. OR
They plotted.
And performed.
They did not plot.
Grownups plotted to read. They did very little of that.
Grownups plotted to eat. They did quite a lot of that.
She was heartbroken when Walt decided a hike didn't sound like fun.
She recovered and played in the creek.
She fell in the creek.
You may not have ever heard this before, but things get a little busier when you double the number of children you have. Weirdest thing. So here's some pics, cause it's been awhile, and the girls aren't gettin' any younger.
