Christmas in Florida

Thank goodness for our Christmas trip to Florida. Aiden and I had been trapped in the house for a week with all of the snow...so it was a great relief to get out of the house. Especially down to Florida with it's wonderful warm temperatures! We had a great Christmas with Grandma Cindi and Papa Ron. Aiden was lucky enough to get a miniature BBQ grill with which he cooks up all sorts of treats. He also began a love affair with the golf cart...move over vacuum cleaner! If we weren't riding around in the cart, he was begging to get in it!

At the very end of the trip we went to a neat little zoo where Aiden was able to feed some flamingos. It was really neat and he seemed to enjoy it. All in all, we had a great time visiting everyone.

Snowy and Stuck!

The biggest snowstorm in 30 years hit NC this December. We got 13 inches in under 24 hours! Aiden wasn't quite sure what to make of the whole thing...especially because the snow came to his waist and he couldn't move around. CA meets NC: I had to improvise a boogie board as a sled to take Aiden down the driveway. He seemed to like flying down the driveway, but then again I could only see 1 inch of his face! After everyone in the house getting their cars stuck in ditches up the mountain, we settled in for a long weekend. Who knew that that weekend would turn into a whole week for Aiden and I?! Being the only one without 4WD, we were stuck up on the mountain until the snow melted a little. Can you say stir-crazy??

Tree Hunting

For the first time in our lives, we went out and cut our own Christmas tree down. There had been a light dusting of snow, which made it very quaint. We all had fun wandering around the pines and ended up with quite a tree: 11 feet tall! Check out the photos to the left.

Officially North Carolinians

After a full day of plane travel with Aiden, we finally made it to North Carolina. Matthew was driving the 4 Runner with his dad, and he arrived the next day. Whew...everyone here safely.

So, my parents failed to tell us that a black bear had been prowling in the cove over the past week. Long story short, it came back to the cove and didn't quite make it out alive. On our first official day here together, Matthew and I helped to gut a bear on the side of the road! Take that Los Angeles! Never did anything like that before. What a welcome!

Cornhole Champ?

Maybe he should be practicing more?

Last days in SoCal

It's so hard to believe that our days in Southern California are coming to an end. It all seems so surreal! In just another week we will be in the freezing Southeast! Not sure if we will know what to do with all of that winter weather. Until then, we are doing our best to enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather that we have come to love. Huntington Beach has such a special place in our hearts, so we spent a full day enjoying our favorite 'hood. Playing in the park, sushi at the amazing Sushi On Fire, and a jam session down at the grassy knoll...great memories to take with us.

Best Buddies

There is something so special about your first best friend. Aiden is really going to miss his best friend, Jackson. Hopefully he will be able to visit us when we are in the mountains.

Last Mom's Night Out

I have made such amazing mommy friends here in Redondo Beach and I will be very sad to leave them. We had one more night out to share laughs, food, and (of course!) margaritas! Thank you ladies for all of your encouragement, advice, experience, laughter, and love. It has been wonderful getting to know you and your amazing children...I will miss you all terribly!

Well, it's official...

It is extremely bittersweet for us to announce that we will be leaving Southern California. Matthew, with all of his amazing talents, has been offered a job with an aerospace company outside of Asheville, NC. It will be wonderful to be closer to family, but extremely difficult to leave everyone here. Our time is very limited and we will be gone by the 18th of November.

With time being very short, packing has begun already! Aiden has been trying to help!

Halloween

After much careful consideration, there was only one costume that was appropriate for our little muscle man. Aiden made the perfect old-timey circus strong man! A big thank you to Farracy for helping me sew a costume.

The day before Halloween my MOMS Club had an event at our local Retirement Community for the residents. It was wonderful to see the kids interacting with the residents and the joy that it brought everyone. Everyone thought Aiden was Tarzan, though!

Halloween night was fun, but Aiden and Jackson weren't quite sure what to do at first. After the first house (where they escaped inside and we had to drag them out of a bedroom) they got the hang of it. Aiden kept trying to eat candy through the wrapper...and smear his mustache off! Check out all the photos on the left.

Aiden and Jackson

It isn't often that you find such a great friend! Jackson was sweet enough to share the front seat of his car with Aiden...unfortunately, it was only a 1-seater.

Washing Up

Nothing washes away the worries of a toddler's life like a nice bath with your best buddy!

Beach in October

Who doesn't love the beach in October?

Birthday and Cubs Game

It is hard to believe that one year ago we were waiting (not so patiently) to find out who this little person inside me was. Who knew we would have had such a little character?! Aiden turned ONE and we celebrated with a surf party! We were so happy and touched that so many of our friends and family turned out to celebrate with us. He LOVED his cake and managed to polish off half of it before we were able to get it away from him! Like all little kids, he liked the paper better than the presents. It was an amazing day and we were so happy to share it with everyone. Photos are to the left.

In addition, Grandma Cindi came to visit and we all went to Aiden's first Cubs game. Sadly, they lost to the Dodgers...but Aiden loved seeing the game and pigging out on hot dogs and nachos!

First Haircut!

It is official; Aiden is a big boy! I took him to get his hair cut yesterday and he looks so much older now. He didn't seem too phased by the whole process...he was able to sit in a car with a steering wheel! The gal who cut his hair was really nice and was used to squirmy little boys who want to know what the clippers are all about. Now Aiden won't be called a girl by strangers anymore...

Before

During