our 2 weeks with Nanna & Granddad

We just spent New Years with Mark's parents and WOW did we pack a lot into those 2 weeks! We had such a great time with them whether it be our several trips to the beach, painting the girls' room pink, cleaning out our garage, or Disneyland!  But this was our nightly routine... 

Nanna played hide and seek

And, Granddad read stories with all the funny voices.  Every night was a bedtime party.

So first, we spent a VERY cold New Year's Day at the beach... it was merely 52 degrees and so cold we didn't stay any longer than an hour... but Geoff & Suzette managed to brave some wading... brrrr!

We built a sand castle... until some waves caught up with us and got everyone wet!

So, we retreated away from the water and Rowan & Granddad watched Nanna brave some more wading... but Rowan was scared (for Nanna) and kept screaming for her to come back

She came back... unharmed, whew.  But then Granddad had a turn...

So they kept a careful watch.

Yep, he's ok!  

Now, let's get out of this freezing cold!

So, we escaped to the park near our house where the sun was out and the weather was at least 12 degrees warmer to eat our lunch and enjoy the day.

And, Rowan (my little cautious boy) learned to go down the BIG slide all by himself... I know, most kids master this by 18 mos, but like I said... Rowan is my cautious boy and likes to be very careful ;)

Wow!  Go again, brave boy!

Now, Sarah slept right through the cold beach hour cozied up in her thick blanket and winter hat... so when she woke refreshed, she enjoyed her own little park time filling her diaper because I'm pretty sure that's what she's doing in this picture.

Our next outing was to Disneyland!!  When we got to Disney, I realized the big bag of camera equipment was there... but the batteries in everything were dead... my camera, video camera... So, this was the only picture!  Geoff took tons with his camera, but of course, I forgot to copy them before they left!  But this was Geoff's FIRST time ever and we got to meet Mickey, so I was so excited!!  And, I know... I look hideous.  It was an action-packed week, so washing my hair wasn't a top priority, sorry.  I did, however, get very prettied up for church on Sunday so I was pretty excited about that.  I put eyeliner and BASE on for the first time in what felt like years.  Having 2 extra adults to help get kids ready for 1:00 church was heaven... I even curled my gastly hair... made me so happy.  Now if only I could get around to that mani/pedi I'm 2 years overdue for.  (I'm not joking, it's really been that long)

So then... we went to the San Diego Zoo!  It was a little dark outside and another COLD day so I didn't get too many pix, but we had a BLAST.  I love that place.  I love riding around in the bus and watching Rowan's face with every animal.  He really is so much like me in that way, I loved animals as a kid.  I wanted to be a vet.

As the Santa Anas picked up (and I mean really picked up! Who goes to the beach and SITS on the grass???  Well, you do when it's a sandstorm near the water and your child is eating a sandy PB&J in one hand, with his eyes closed, shielding his face with his other hand... and you feel like you're lost in the Mojave Desert).  Needless to say, aside from the wind, it was beautiful!

And, Geoff & Suzi got their winter swim!

While we ran around

Collected rocks, and danced.

Shared Daddy 

(a little hard for an 8 month old Daddy's Girl, and a possessive jealous toddler)

And ate grass.

What a wonderful 2 weeks we had!!  Thank you for coming, Nanna & Granddad.  Thank you for working so hard while you were here to help our little home be more organized, cozy, and pink.

Can't wait to see you again!