The Bay

1/3

How do you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and not take a picture?
I've seen the bridge a few times, but this was my first time driving across it.

Loved it.

 Foggy view from the other side.

 Behind that fog was a really pretty view of the San Francisco skyline.

That city is so crazy to drive in, but I love the feel of being there.

On the other side of the bridge, we turned off to the Marin Headlands. 

That kid didn't sleep the entire drive up, and then was knocked out in Sarah's arms almost instantly.

(didn't last long, though)

This place was so beautiful.

And crazy how close it was to the busy, busy city and bridge, yet felt so removed and peaceful.

 On our walk to Point Bonita lighthouse, there were amazing views of the bridge.

 Cool little tunnel through a mountain to get to the lighthouse.

 And there's the lighthouse.

 Up in that area is Battery Mandell, used in WWI and II.

 You know Justin loved exploring that place.

(the lighthouse is super tiny in the background of this picture)

 After a disgusting lunch (Justin nicknamed the kids' food tapeworm chicken),

we crossed back over the bridge and visited the Sutro Baths.

Made it just in time for sunset.

Christmas break was pretty low-key with no traveling or visitors.

Justin had a huge 20-page paper due, and by the time he finished that, I had to work.

So this day was needed and made me happy.

Loved seeing new places with our friends and awesome neighbors.

A New Year

 New Year's Eve

Big Hero 6

Pizza

9 o'clock NY new year fireworks with neighbors.

A puzzle.

Drew was the last kid awake and at 11:40 he told me he couldn't last.

Last time I saw the clock was 11:45.

Justin was the only one that made it to midnight.

 (that would be what a runny nose + a face plant in the sand gets you)

 New Year's Day

Sand sledding and jumping in Marina with the Wades and Laflans.

Family Pictures

December 20th at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley

A Month of Christmas

11/29

A visit to Santa at Bass Pro Shop in Mesa.

Met Jacob/Rachel/Penny there.

They got a perfect picture of Penny on Santa's lap.

Ours was the opposite of that.

 12/1

Broke out the chocolate and Lego advent calendars.

Drew's didn't last long.

 12/1

Pacific Grove Christmas Tree Lighting

Love our small-town festivities.

12/3

School Christmas Program

 Sally, in her shyness, barely participated.

Drew had some great jazz hands.

12/4

Pacific Grove light parade with the Wades.

This giant shopping cart stole the show.

 12/5

Streets of Bethlehem with the Laflans.

 12/6

Ugly sweater/white elephant party with friends.

 Angie texted me this lovely mash-up of Justin now and then.

Glad he hasn't changed.

And then Justin put together this like-father, like-son collage.

 12/9

Copied Design Mom's stocking display.

 12/10

Santa at the Carmel Library.

 Sant was the best to bring Lula's chocolate.

Thank you August for not eating it all.

He wasn't so sure about sitting on Santa's lap,

then literally chased him around the block yelling, "Santa!"

12/10

Christmas pack meeting.

12/12

Made a LOT of cinnamon rolls for friends/neighbors.

12/13
Ward Christmas party/service project.

12/15

Decorated ice cream cone Christmas trees for FHE when Justin was doing reserves at Pendleton.

12/20

Then ours got blown out of the water by the houses at Spanish Bay.

 12/20

Caught the bag piper at Pebble Beach playing Christmas songs.

Also caught August trying to stand just like Justin.

12/13

Harley Santa at Candy Cane Lane.

 12/24

Christmas Eve nativity.

12/24 

Tooth Fairy and Santa came the same night.

 Christmas Morning Madness

 The bats and helmet weren't even his gifts.

He got pretty much baseball everything.

 Christmas Day sandman tradition.

It was cold. I had numb hands. Yet the kids still got in the water.

(traditional Chinese food dinner out not pictured)

12/26

This year's day-after Christmas clearance ornaments.

(in order of oldest to youngest kid)

12/26

Using their new airsoft guns against the neighbors.

One of my favorite things we did (not pictured) was caroling with my visiting teaching companion and her family. Owen and Drew even sang and it was great.

Just took down the Christmas tree decorations, so I guess that's it! It all went so fast. This year was pretty low-key being just us for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Missed extended family for sure, but my own little family is pretty cool.