Stay-cation

We were both able to take the whole week after Christmas off work, with only minimal email checking. We didn't have any travel plans, but that's okay because San Diego is a pretty awesome place to have a vacation. 

We've been in San Diego for two years now and haven't been to the zoo, a major oversight now corrected! And, since the annual passes were only $10 more than normal admission, we'll be back lots over the next year.

The girls were in awe of all the snakes in the reptile house, adored the "OH, THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!" pandas and koalas and were giddy over the two week old baby giraffe. Steven enjoyed the animals, but his favorite part was definitely the moving sidewalk. Now, that's good stuff!

Lions!

and...ummm.. Toirtoises!

And, Bears! Oh My!

Steven's favorite part!

Since our passes also cover the Safari Park, we also took a day to drive out to that park and ride their African Tram. We didn't think they could beat a two-week old giraffe at the zoo - but they had a two day old giraffe plus a baby rhino! The girls were besides themselves. Steven was very exited and sang "E-I-E-I-O" as the tram started. He was a bit confused when the rhinos ran out instead of cows... but rolled with it.

What kind of cows are those? 

The flamingos are vibrant, 

but not quite as colorful as Eleanor.

We spent New Year's Eve at Legoland, enjoying their 6:oo pm "brick drop" and fireworks. A great way to celebrate the new year and respect bedtime. The countdown to the brick drop included top kids' bands like the Recess Monkeys, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band and Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Bed Time players (those are all real band names, we promise). Steven danced with abandon, Adelaide high-fived a clown, Eleanor wore a silly hat. It was a great night.

Happy New Year!

We were able to spend some fun time with friends too, visiting Adelaide's best friend Lauren for a park playdate and having our friends the Taylors join us for one of our many evening spa trips.

Eating our homemade peppermint bark at the hot tub

We also tired to provide the kids with enriching outdoor adventures, hiking the canyon behind our home (they loved it) and visiting the San Elijo nature preserve (so booooring!). 

A short two mile hike to a real water fall...

well, the sign said water fall. It was more of a stream 

with some small rocks in it. Still impressive

for Southern California!

Mud flats are SO exciting. Look

at those faces. We are having fun, fun - FUN!

To be fair, they only pouted half the time.

They liked the boardwalk bridge and the

fishing birds. 

We filled in the blank spaces in our week enjoying Christmas presents, riding bikes (Adelaide went training wheel free for the first time!), making treats, and running errands that are hard to get to during the working week. 

Grandma Donna sent the girls some Christmas money, and one of the highlights of their week was getting to pick out their own Christmas presents from Target.

Adelaide got MORE Shopkins! 

Eleanor has been loving this car seat 

for her baby doll all week. 

She takes it everywhere.

Steven's money went in his piggie bank,

but look how ridiculously cute he is in this sweater.

It's going to be hard to go back to work after sleeping in all week, eating out and mostly play, play, playing!