Rockstars

Levi and Penelope rocking out during their play date. Best of Friends.

Sleepover at Sea World

As part of the Indian Guides program with the YMCA, Levi & I were able to hav a sleep over at Seaworld. We slept in the...wait for it...wait for it...Penguin Exhibit!! It. Was. Awesome.

  

Because Levi & I are the only two people in our tribe, b/c he is by far the youngest child in the program, we're heavily recruiting new members. For this event, we were able to harness in Sean & Penelope. Levi loves Penelope. I am in heavy like with Sean. We had a blast.

The night began with a class about penguins. Who do you think passed the test?



We then visited and fed the Sting Rays followed by a visit with and lesson about Walruses. Then, the big moment...

Both Levi & Penelope stayed up until 11:30. At that point, we laid out our sleeping bags on the other side of the glass that separated us from the penguins, changed into our PJs in the bathroom and slept with those magnificent animals staring at us. Both generations agreed, it was magnificent. 

The next day, we visited the shark exhibit, fed the seals, and visited the whales. The kids were overjoyed and, alas, over-exhausted. But, it was well worth it. 

Levi did it!

I'm so proud of Levi; he's been practicing and practicing the monkey bars on his own, and he surprised me the other day and went all the way across!

And, on the accomplishment front, over the holiday break, Levi mentioned how some of his friends at school could write their names, but that he couldn't. I've caught him practicing several times and just this week he showed me the above. WOW! Proud Mama bear & Dada bear.

Felix, Our Gentle Giant

Felix can be quite serious, but when he's in the comforts of our home, he lets his guard down.  I caught a few precious moments of Felix when it was just he and I the other day.

Improv drumming session

Felix and his fury BFF

A Happy Day

The Holidays are over and school is back in session. We're all thankful! :)

Levi's 1st day of school in 2013

Levi requested we paint a new bird feeder for our house since we left the old one at the Yellow Sub!

Gus Gus, 4 weeks old!

Our little Gus Gus is 4 weeks old. He weighs 10 lbs, 8 oz, and is 22 1/8" long! He's starting to bat and kick his feet and is cuddly as ever.  Like his brothers, he's a chow hound.

Big Brother Felix showing Gus how to clap his hands!

A Very Special Christmas!

We spent Christmas Eve and Day at our home It was chaotic and lovely all at the same time. Our cousins came over for Xmas Eve brunch. We hung out, ate yummy food, and watched the children be...well...children!

The older ones helping the little ones open their gifts!

Auntie Nancy meeting Gus Gus for the 1st time!

Our boys always take to MK immediately, and Gus Gus is no different!

The famous, SoCal Holmes Thanksgiving Robot made a special Christmas appearance!

Just the 5 of us!

Levi was so excited to see Santa had left him and his brothers a note!

My most treasured Christmas gift!

The boys received a ton of new fabulous books, including Levi's favorite, 'Bernstein Bears.'

Gus Gus received this gorgeous hand knit romper from our dear friend Melissa! It's incredible and even has his name on the back.

Santa brought the boys each a super 'L' and 'F' cape!

We took the boys for morning and afternoon walks to the park!

We also had the incredible gift of seeing Jamaica over the holidays. She's off to Paris in Jan to work on her PHD! All in all, it was a peaceful Christmas, and both John and I were reminded of just how blessed we are!