New Years

We are now back from our Bend adventure and I'm finally getting around to updating our blog...here is a a recap of our life during the first few months of 2012.

 A bright and beautiful New Years Eve beckoned us to Torrey Pines for an adventurous hike, great coastal air, and gorgeous views.  

And after the adventure, a perfect night in with Moet, 

fresh lobster,

and my favorite man pulling out the pliers to assist with our delightful dinner.  

Christmas Day

After the excitement of the morning, the little ones napped while we packed up for an afternoon excursion and sunset picnic at the beach.  The salty air, cool sand and glorious sun above added to the merriment of our Christmas day which was full of...

smiles,

surf sessions with the whales (Andy in the foreground, whale in the background- see blow spout and body),

soaking in the fresh air,

whale watching,

 wet noses,

digging big holes,

blue skies and palm trees,

exploring,

family,

beautiful colors,

an adorable baby girl,

laughs and libations,

feasting,

pears, cheese, cured meats and truffles,

tailgating,

and one memorable sunset.  

Christmas morning was...

dazzling, early,

delightful,

 new,

imaginative,

 memorable,

tasty,

 calm,

caffeinated,  

 love,

 curious (diving in,

 inside a tree, 

 coming out, right side up...

 with presents in hand)

 touching,

                

 adventurous,

 exhausting,

 styly,

 heavy,

 family,

magical.

Christmas Eve

My parents spent a week with us around Christmas helping to celebrate the holidays and encourage some great adventures.  On Christmas Eve, the zoo beckoned us with cloudless skies overhead and the promise to see some incredible animals with non-existent crowds.  

Harrison was so excited for the adventure as he joyfully made an entrance into the festive park.

 Lulu was just as thrilled to be at the zoo, 

and we enjoyed some quality moments with Santa. 

 A very happy boy...riding polar bears, 

and prehistoric cats.

 Perhaps the most memorable experience from this visit was the opportunity to see and hear these magnificent tigers.  

 The mama tiger wished us all a happy holiday with several loud and haunting roars, and then cuddled up with her two cubs.  

 The pandas were adorable,

the people movers winding through the urban jungle were fun,

and the the gondola ride at the end of the day....priceless.

We spent the remaining light on Christmas Eve on the patio,

and went to sleep with lions, tigers and sugar plums dancing in our heads.