Santa Barbara Quick Getaway

Messie and Pop Pop spoiled us with a night in Santa Barbara, and it was heavenly -- even with all the boys! We stayed in a very cool, kid-friendly hotel along the beach, played at the big park, caught the trolley to dinner, and hung out at the pool. Even though it was only 24 hours, it was super fun and relaxing.

I could have stayed a whole week! Levi checked out the skate board park on his scooter. Nothing phases him.  

The Week In-between Christmas & New Years!

The week after Christmas has become of my most favorite weeks of the year and now that I've surrendered to the idea of 'staycation,' I'm enjoying it even more. By looking at these picture you never would have guessed that it was middle of Winter!

We celebrated Boxing Day at our English friends house in Venice beach and the boys couldn't resist going for a dip

We decided the boys needed to experience ice skating, so we caught the bus to Santa Monica and taught Levi and Felix how to skate. It was a bit of a back breaker, but they springily loved it.

We took in the National Geographic Photography exhibit at the Annenbergy Photography center, and Levi (wearing my cardi) drew pictures when he felt inspired. I should have taken a picture of them b/c they were quite fun to see what caught his eye. One was of a photograph that showed a shark caught in a net.

We also showed Messie and Pop Pop Johns office and had lunch outside in Culver City

We logged in a lot of time at the park with the brothers

My gorgeous friend Amy (who was my 1st friend in London and who we later visited in Dubai) was in town with her husband and two girls, so we spent lots of time visiting, swimming, and eating out!

Baby Gus pool side at the Lowes

We also caught up with the gorgeous Jamaica and her boyfriend Duvet who is darling! We approve!

My birthday was lovely. I had lunch with my parents and John, and we caught an afternoon movie 'The Wolf of Wall Street," which we all loved (until you realize it's a true story!). Above is the sign I came home to in the afternoon. Clever boys!

The boys made me a birthday cake that was delicious!

Levi made me my very 1st pinata! It was full of candy, oranges, misc toys, and even a new toothbrush head!

Birthday snuggle!

We closed the year out with dinner with Amy and Hussain, which was just brilliant to be reunited with old, dear friends who make us laugh AND who knew us pre-kid AND abroad. It was such a treat to ring in the new year with them.

All in all, it was so relaxing, fun and nice to sleep in our own bed (well most of the time...see next post for 1night get away with boys and Messie and Pop Pop)

Christmas Day!

Christmas Day was as relaxing as it could get with 3 boys, 5 year and under. It was so nice to be in our own home and celebrate with family and dear friends. This was one of my top 5 favorite Christmas Days!

Levi woke up 1st and was so delighted with his teddy bear Santa left him. He actually was very patient since his brothers chose to sleep in until 7am (which never happens)!

Felix opening gifts with me (this one's a nose picker)

My newest piece of art John gave me which I'm in love with!

Gus got right in the mix helping everyone open this pressies

I made the boys Santa pancakes for breakfast

We took a late morning walk to the bluffs and tried to snap a family photo. By now, the boys were exhausted from the Christmas hype. These pictures tell it all...

Everyone took a nap including John

I can't get enough of Baby Gus Gus!

The boys at their special Christmas dinner table

Steve made his amazing homemade french onion soup for appetizer

Pop Pop enjoying a rest

We loved having Abbi join us too!

Slicing up the Pork Belly, which always reminds me of London because I learned how to cook it at an amazing place in Notting Hill

   The boys chatting up Steve during dinner 2.0. We finished the night off with a viewing of 'The Way Way Back' which was a cute, indie film. It was the end to a super relaxing, genuinely fun-filled day.