Whirlwind SoCal Trip

A few months ago, we booked a week at Marriott's Newport Coast Villas the week before Christmas.  We thought it would be a perfect time to visit Disneyland during their holiday set,  not too crowded, not too hot. Unfortunately, Daddy J's work schedule changed and could not go on the trip.  We were ready to eat the cost because we were not having any luck renting the unit out.

The week before the trip, I had this "brilliant" idea that I would just go with the girls alone and arranged to meet my sister, KL there for some extra hands...plus hang out with her since we never get to hang (she lives in a different state).  She was flying into Vegas the same day with my mom to help get their new "winter home" settled in...it was "perfect" timing.  KL took a Chinesey "gambling" bus from Vegas to Hacienda Heights and I drove 45 min from Newport to pick her up.

I was super nervous about the drive down...it was 400+ miles (see above GPS pic) - the longest I've ever driven, plus I was gonna be alone with a 1 and 3 year old!  Everyone I talked to (including the girls' pediatrician) suggested that I leave in the wee hours so that the kids get at least a couple hours of sleep, and that's what I did (about 4am)..and overall, it worked out great!  It's not for the faint of heart, and I would not recommend driving alone with 2 kids, but I survived with my sanity (somewhat) intact to tell you this tale!

Here is one of my "stay awake driving aids":

I actually bought a "Rockstar" shot thingy too, but the warning labels just freaked me out too much (it had twice the caffeine as the the Red Bull shot).  In addition to the Red Bull, I also brought along a variety of candies and "quiet" food I could munch on to stay awake for the long @ss drive.  No coffee for me, I did not want to stop unless I HAD to for the kids.


I actually made it past the grapevine on one tank of gas (yah Buick!).  By the time I got off the grapevine, it was about 8am and the kids were waking and I was also out of gas, so a perfect time to stop for a potty break, stretch and snack.  We ended up at a gas station that had a small Starbucks plus drive thru.  It was perfect.


After juggling the 2 kids at the gas station, we hit the road again (not without some Baby B screaming and Baby C drama) and made it to Newport Beach at about 10am.

We made it!  Here is a picture of Baby C after we checked in...still in her PJ's by the koi pond at the hotel.

I'll blog about my trip in several posts...stay tuned!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2010 everyone!  Another year zips by...

We spent this New Years Eve at Super Franks....our third home.  They had a fab family event that did an east coast countdown at 9pm.  We were afraid it would be super crazy, but it was really fun and well organized.  We will definitely be back next year.  They had food, fun, crafts, a princess parade, a dance contest for the older kids, and a lot of balloons and confetti at the countdown...as you can see in the picture above (my fav picture BTW).

I must admit, I felt a little defeated that THIS is what its come down to...partying on NYE at a kiddie play place...but honestly, it was really fun.  We hung out with other friends with kids and spent a great evening together.  Then we got the kids in bed by about 10:30pm and enjoyed the real countdown together in bed with champagne.  Not to shabby for parents of 2 littles with no babysitter!

Here are a few more pictures from our NYE par-tay-ing:

Ya gotta love being able to purchase beers at the same counter where we could buy milk and juice boxes!  MY kinda place!  Here is Daddy J proudly posing with his beer.

Oh wait, I can't be left out!  Here is me, Mom of the Year with my beer and Super Franks sign in the background!  Perhaps this can be their new ad campaign? NOT!  LOLOL!

Here are the girls at the craft table.  They "made" some NYE party hats.  They ripped them off in miliseconds after we snapped the photo.

Picture of all the balloons for balloon drop at midnight (east coast time).

Family party picture.

Baby B was a bit startled by all the noise from the countdown, balloons popping and confetti storm, but she held her own!  I would not recommend kids under one to be in the thick of the crowd due to noise, etc, but Baby B did just fine!

Daddy J the party animal!

Should have drank my sparkling apple cider BEFORE the countdown.  There was A LOT of confetti!

Another One Bites The Dust!

Another boo boo for Baby B.  This one happened on our driveway...you just don't realize how many slopes, dips, cracks and bumps you have on your driveway until you have a wobbly toddler trying to conquer it.

Daddy J says he does not remember Baby C having so many accidents, but I think I just had more attention to devote to her since she was the only child then...?

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

NKOTB @ Rite Aid?

During an ice cream run @ Rite Aid, they were playing NKOTB's "Didn't I Blow Your Mind?". It brought back so many memories of high school!  I wasn't a mega fan, but I did enjoy their music. I posted this thought on FB, calling it "ol skool", and my friend Mary (who is older) commented that it did not qualify as "ol skool" because it was not old enough.  I guess she's right, but high school seems so long ago!  With another birthday approaching..maybe I am feeling extra old?!  LOL

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Visit With Santa

This year we went to the Ice Creamery to see Santa. The Santa is actually the same Santa as we always see at Castro Village, but he's in a different location this year. Plus, what is better than visiting Santa AND eating ice cream?!

Baby C telling Santa she wanted a dinosaur towel for Christmas.

Baby B was not too happy, but that's OK, don't all kids cry the first time?

Finally a non-crying picture, but I had to hold her. =)

Oooh, and the best part (for me)...Peppermint ice cream!!! Yums!

Christmas in the Park

This year we hit the Christmas in the Park event again in San Jose. We've gone every year since having kids. Funny how we never even thought if going to these events pre-kids...heh.

Here's Baby B chewing on one hat while wearing another. When the one on her head comes off, we switch.

This year Baby C tried ice skating for the first time ever. She only lasted one spin around the rink, but she hung there!...and so did Daddy J...holding Baby C up was tough on his back! Hah!

Daddy J lacing up Baby C's skates.

Baby C with her skates on. Doesn't she look all grown up?

Whoa....!

Daddy J and the girls.

Me and the girls.

Ooooh, pretty lights....

Baby B mesmerized by the lights.

Baby C also rode some rides...big surprise!

It got super crowded after it got dark, luckily, we were just about done, so we headed home. The event has gotten larger and larger each year and we'll definitely be back next year!

My Little Daredevil

Here is a video of Baby C "bungee-ing" @ the Puente Hills Mall in Hacienda Heights. $10 for 10 minutes, and she enjoyed every minute!

I am very proud of her for attempting this on her own...with no urging whatsoever from me! Must be the adrenaline junky in her!...she definitely gets it from me and not Daddy J! LOL!

Busy...Busy...Busy!

Sorry (to my nonexistent fanbase) that I have been so MIA.  Since Baby B has become mobile, things have gotten a BIT hectic, plus the usual craziness of the holidays, and of course our daily chores and commitments, etc.

There is a lot to catch up on, so stay tuned! Here is a preview (plus a good list for me so I can remember what to blog!):

- Whirlwind road trip to SoCal
- Christmas in the Park in SJ
- Holiday "recital" @ preschool
- Food, food, and more food
- Baby B's new teeth and newfound mobility.
- Baby C's "bungee" experience @ the mall
- Visiting Santa
- Holiday girls night out
- Baby B's big boo boo
- Oakland Zoo fun
- Baby B's first ride in Daddy's car

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

BRRRRRR...!

It's been pretty darn chilly the past couple days. Yesterday there was even snow in the tri-valley...and definitely frost/ice on the car in the AM here in CV.  The clear and sunny skies are so deceiving when I wake up. I always run hot, so I don't generally dress very warm, and I tend to dress my kids light too. I went shopping for some mittens and gloves for them today and the pickings were slim, I guess they are in high demand!  Winter is on its way!

Here is a picture of Baby B and her new warm hat. It was a gift from our friends TM & LK.  It is definitely keeping her head warm...now I just have to work on the rest of the body!

- Yvonne
- Sent from my Palm Pre

Pandas Spotted @ The Zoo...and Babysitting.

Well, not really..just cheesy panda beanies! =)  

We went to the Oakland Zoo today. It was a bit chilly, but a storm is coming in the weekend and I wanted to take advantage of the clear skies.  The girls and I had a wondeful time. They BOTH enjoyed the animals and were well behaved.

I wanted to tucker them out so they would nap afterwards. I have a holiday get-together tonight and am leaving them with babysitters.  Daddy J was supposed to be home early so I could go, but his work is slamming him, so I had to scramble.  JK, our trusty "mother's helper" is coming over with her sister KK to tag team the girls. Baby C should be a breeze, but its the B Monster I am worried about.  It's only for 2.5 hours, but I am still worried that Baby B will just fuss the whole time. Maybe I won't worry so much after a few drinks...LOL!

- Yvonne
- Sent from my Palm Pre