Shamu, Shamu, Splash! Splash!

We've been singing that chant for the last month. The last day we were in Cali, we spent it at Sea World. It was crowded but very fun. The kids loved Shamu, and their faces were priceless when he jumped out of the water the first time. They also enjoyed the penguins and the sea lion show and petting real life baby sharks and baby crocodiles. They were braver than I would have been; and we got so lucky being in the right place at the right time. But, I think their very favorite thing was the cotton candy. Seriously, that stuff is heaven on a stick.

A Night to Remember

When I was told last night of President Hinckley's passing, emotion rushed over me and my usually dry eyes were full of tears I didn't know I had. I never imagined I could feel so close to a man I had never met. While he did too many great things during his lifetime to count, for me, he was at times the rock I leaned on when my testimony felt weak. When I doubted doctrine or got tangled in the minutia of religion his optimistic example re-centered me. Every time I saw him or read his words, I wanted to be just like him. He had a confident humility so few possess and a welcoming spirit that made everyone feel wanted. In short, through him, people could feel the love of God. His tireless example of service helped me refocus my life last night. I want a higher road and a better path, because when I go, I'd to feel just a touch of what I'm sure President Hinckley felt, that he was right with God and that he'd done all he could do. I'm grateful for his life and example. I now look forward to watching President Monson lead.

Christmas is not over yet.

I know--it's crazy amounts of celebration over here, and getting a bit annoying. I should have blogged more sooner. My family also goes to San Diego for Christmas and this year we stayed right by them. It was so fun to be able to hang with them throughout the week. The kids were so funny together, and I honestly don't think I could wish for a better family. We did lots of fun stuff and didn't spend as much time hanging out because for a lot of the time it was FREEZING!! Here are some highlights:

MORE PRESENTS! My parents already got the boys a Jeep, but Jace was crazy happy over the Pokemon cards. Are those the dumbest things ever? And we got a big surprise. My parents are taking all the adults on an Alaskan cruise this summer. We cannot wait!

BEACH: Everyday in San Diego we take a nice 4 mile walk along the coast to the Del Mar beach. The walk is perfect and one of my favorite things about being in Solana Beach. The whole family went most days and the boys even liked it. After we usually stopped to play at the beach. One day only James stayed with us, and he got a little treat (we like to walk off calories and then eat them back before we even get home). He was crazy about the mango sorbet. And my dad found a sample of chips and salsa in the little market we go to. He must have thought it was a buffet because he came out with 2 huge handfuls. He is so embarrassing, but we love him. Now I have to say something cool about him. One night we ran to the outlet mall while Mike and Spence watched the kids. So nice of our cute hubbies. We were teasing my dad about how not fun it was going to be to watch him look for stuff for him when he said, "Okay, everyone gets $50, you have to spend it tonight and we'll do it together." It made the night of shopping so fun, especially since I was just going along for the ride. I ended up with a great pair of black boots.

MISSION BAY: One very cold day we decided to go to Mission Bay and take the kids to the little amusement park. They loved tilt-a-whirl, especially Ezzie and Jace. We didn't last long because it was so cold. We hit our favorite pizza spot in Solana Beach and Mitch saved us by taking the kids a bit. He is by far the cutest uncle ever. Every boy absolutely adores him. I can't believe how kind, fun and patient he is with all of our kids. And, he's single, smart good-looking....

FAMILY: Jace and little Lukers have a special bond. Maybe it's because Ezzie and Parks love to hang they leave the others out. Either way, it was so cute to see all these sweet relationships develop. If your wondering why my cute little Parker is wearing a headband, it's because he found it somewhere and is convinced that when he puts it one he turns into an army guy. He is so funny. And I know I've said it a million times, but my parents are the best. The best friends, the best grandparents, the best parents, the best in-laws, just the best. We have a little city park right by the condo we played at for a little while, until we couldn't stand the cold. We also had a blast with my extended family and loved catching up with my sweet grandparents.

Adults Only

Don't worry, no naughty pictures. While the kids were at the Grinch and Parks and James with my cousin, the adults went and played mini golf, did batting cages and had frozen yogurt. As you can tell, it was freezing, but all worth it. I LOVE my in-laws. I am so lucky to have such great people surround me. They all care so much and are crazy fun. Oh, and I've done a lot of catch up if you are interested.

Tradition!

Can you say that word without singing it? Impossible. We do a few things EVERY year. One of them is build a candy train. It is from a cake mold from Williams Sonoma, and much cuter and easier and yummyier than a gingerbread house. The only problem? Marci totally splurges on candy, so for the kids, me and Cassy it's tough to make it without eating it.

The other thing the Mike's parents do is take the kids to the Grinch play. Jace loves it but Papa said it's his last year. Nonetheless, they looked awful cute.

one, two, three HIKE!

One morning we spent with the Romneys we went on a high at a park near their house. It was gorgous and the boys loved exploring with Papa while the rest of us took the easy way up. The reward was a fun park to play at. Here's little James too tired to wait for a bed to nap in. Notice the super cute baby crack.

Christmas Cali Style

We are so lucky to live only 6 hours from San Diego, so every year the day after Christmas we pack up and head west. I love it. I grew up doing the same thing so we get to see both families for Christmas every year. Mike's family is just plain fun. We stayed in a condo this year instead of at the Romney house, which was good because the house was FULL!

We had another huge Christmas where everyone went way overboard. Mike's parents spoil us every year and usually get everyone just right. How cool is my mother-in-law to get my gift cards to Nordstrom and Forever 21? Hip huh? Jace was so excited to play with his cousins that he didn't even want to open presents, but Parker was a little sweetie and oohed and aaahed over everything. He's the kid you want to give gifts too. James once again got in on all the wrapping fun.

It was also so great to have Grandma and Grandpa Bear there with us. They are so kind and thoughtful and got the kids cute little things they love and got us a foolproof plant--nothing better for my black thumb. Kelly and the kids were there too, and they added even more music to the already melodious Romney house. Marci organized a little bell choir performance. Very impressive. We did well on gift giving this year, everyone seemed to really like everything we got them. The girls all came back with fully make-uped faces, thanks to aunt Brooke!

I want S'more!

I'm ridiculously behind on my blog. This is the worst I've ever been; just a busy life around here, and no free time between my weekly articles, writing content for a website, helping edit 2 law school personal essays and sick kids, I just can't make it to the computer. But, I do want to blog about all the fun we had over the holidays.

The Monday before Christmas the "up for anything Jones" some of our very best friends here had a marshmellow roast in their cu de sac. How cool is it that we can do that in December? Such a fun new tradition. Kelli brought delicious peppermint marshmellows for the hot chocolate. We are so lucky to have the greatest friends ever!!