Ski Family!

I grew up skiing, and we decided we would invest in Levi learning how to ski. John and I dragged all the little boys up to the mountain this past weekend, so Levi could take an all day class. He LOVED it. The babies actually loved hanging out in the lodge, climbing the side of the mountain, and watching Levi.

The next weekend, I decided to take Levi up for a day by himself. The two of us skied and raced down the hill. He's hooked, and it's such a treat to be able to ski together. It's the beginning of a whole new world for us.

Hanging out with JWG

The boys go nuts when John walks in the door at the end of the day. I remember feeling the same way when my Dad came home. This moment made me laugh and also reminded me how thankful my children are to have such an engaged dad who adores them all.

Farewell to Messie and Pop Pop

They stayed w/ us for 2 1/2 weeks, and it really was lovely. We tried to get a family pic w/ the boys, and this was the best we could do!

The outtake 

Levi and Pop Pop out on another photo shoot

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)