Getting into the spirit!

In preparation for the holidays we did LOTS of fun things to get into the Christmas spirit!

We started the season off with a visit to the San Diego Zoo's annual Jungle Bells event.  

 Sloane loved meeting the characters...

 ...and the 4D version of Polar Express!

 We also rode the train and Skyfari...two of her faves...and so special to get to go on them at night!

 We also got into the mood by baking some good old fashioned sugar cookies!

Her favorite part was the decorating...my anti-sweets daughter LOVED decorating them...but refused to eat them!  I have no idea where she gets this...certainly not from me!

 Her favorite part...adding the sprinkles!

 This is her "I'm so excited to add more sprinkles face:"

The finished product...Santa will love them!

On Christmas Eve, we ran into Santa at Whole Foods!  Sloane was sooo excited!

Even the fire engine is holiday ready!

And finally...what better way to get into the Holiday spirit than a visit with Santa!  Sloane LOVES Santa and was so excited to give him a hug!  There were no tears and no fear...just pure joy and excitement!  Ahhh...the wonder of the season!

Greeting Santa and giving him a much anticipated hug!

 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas in NYC

Mommy and Daddy went to NYC after Thanksgiving to celebrate our friend Spencer's opening night in School of Rock on Broadway.  It was a quick trip...but we made the most of it! It's so special being in the city during Christmastime...and what a way to get into the Christmas spirit!

 First stop...Fifth Ave...and Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree.

 Then to 34th Street to see the Macy's windows...decked out in Peanuts.

 Back to Rockefeller to see the tree at night...and this amazing display by Saks:

 Brunch in Brooklyn (where we stayed)...with Spencer and Amanda 

 Opening night...great seats...AMAZING show!!

 Backstage with Spence at the Winter Garden theater in his private dressing room!  Time to celebrate!

 Fun on the red carpet at the after party!

A New York rarity...an empty Times Square:

Until next time NYC...

Thanksgiving 2015

We began the holiday with a little crafting.  Sloane made both grandparents a little "give thanks" turkey created with her hand print.  She absolutely loved painting...and her crafty mama was excited too!

 Sloane loved helping Daddy make mashed potatoes.

 Fun seeing family at cousin Karen's for the Viora family Thanksgiving.

Sloane especially loved spending time with Jack the yellow lab!

 The next day...it was off to the condo to celebrate Thanksgiving with Mimi, Cupka, the Pizzicas and Girvans.  Sloane was so excited to see Peyton and Hudson!

 Feeding the fish at the koi pond.

 We rode the train down to Solana Beach one day to have lunch!  She and Hudson were train buddies!

 We got to stop at the park before heading home and Sloane LOVED this tunnel twisty slide...she rode it OVER and OVER again...her smile says it all!

 Waiting for the "big choo choo" with Daddy.

 At the end of the ride she got to meet the engineer!  She was way more excited than she looks in this picture!  All in all it was a wonderful holiday spent with family and friends!

Mimi Turns Seventy!!

Mimi turns seventy in December...but she'll be in Europe...so we celebrated early with a trip to Disneyland (her request!).  Sloane had a blast showing Mimi and Cupka all of her favorite things at Disneyland...especially Minnie's house!

 Sloane was ready to go!

 A quick stop at the Christmas tree on Main Street for a photo op...as you can tell the sun was quite bright!

And then to Minnie's house...Sloane's fave!

 Riding It's a Small World with Cupka and Mimi.

 Checking out Toon Town with Daddy.

 Sloane was very excited because we got to ride in the special caboose on the Disneyland Railroad...so she made sure to spread out and lay down on the entire seat...making the most of it!

 Riding Buzz Lightyear and Autopia

Taking in the parade and the lights of It's a Small World at night

Happy birthday, Mimi! 70 looks great on you!  We LOVE you!!