Thanksgiving 2016 - San Diego.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. It truly feels like it came on faster this year than in previous years but I'm pretty sure they didn't take any days out of the calendar, I think. At any rate, we had such a  nice holiday and now all of a sudden I find myself in the midst of the Christmas season!

We spent the week of Thanksgiving (Tuesday through Saturday) in San Diego with family. Unfortunately for us but fortunately for them, Gregg and Cathy were out of town for the holiday with her extended family. However, they were gracious enough to let us stay at their house on Coronado in their absence.

The first day we were in San Diego, we hit up several of our new favorite spots - Spreckels Park, the Coronado Library, and, of course, the beach. The water was too cold for swimming but that certainly didn't stop Madelyn and Sawyer from frolicking and getting wetter than they were supposed to get. We even found several live sand dollars. Pretty cool!

On Thursday, we had Thanksgiving dinner at Uncle Jerky and Aunt Sandi's house. Uncle Jerky was flying the whole weekend we were in town so he wasn't with us. Bummer. Even though we missed him, we still had a fantastic dinner and there was LOTS of cousins playing. Sandra's sister and her husband plus their two sons came over as well. They brought a fried turkey, which I had never had before, and it was SO GOOD.

The whole day was really nice. The only thing that could have made it better was if Uncle Jerky had been with us, too.

Friday: Legoland. Legoland was fun in 2012 when we visited. But, this time was definitely better. An almost 8-year old and a 5-1/2 year old can really enjoy themselves at Legoland. We drove boats, recreated pictures from 2012, found some Lego Friends, and even toured the Sea Life Aquarium.

I did lose Madelyn and Sawyer a few times inside coral aquariums but they seem to have survived. Maybe they were trying to find Nemo? Or, was it Dory?

Our travels were easy and uneventful. I feel so lucky that we can take these trips to visit family and create memories together. Here's to good times, making memories, and happy holidays to all.

Stay classy, San Diego.

Last week, we went on our first family vacation as a foursome. We flew to San Diego on July 4 and enjoyed five fun-filled days. Below are a just a few highlights of our trip -

  

Parade, park, grilling, and fireworks on Coronado. Grandpa was right when he said that it doesn't get any more American than 4th of July on Coronado.

Paddle boarding and sand castle building at Glorietta Bay.

A great bike ride around the island (sans children).

More beach time at the ocean including sand castle building and swimming.

Hours of endless playing with cousins at Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jerky's house including dungeon master and sprinkler/hose fun.

LegoLand.

San Diego Zoo.

It was such a great trip. Even though we were all wiped out by the time we returned home, every minute was worth it.

Grandpa - Thank you for opening your home to us. After spending a few days with you, we can understand why you love Coronado so much. We look forward to coming back and spending more time together. Madelyn plans to learn to swim before next time so she can paddle board out farther with you.

Uncle Jerky, Aunt Sandi, Emery, and Camden - Thank you for sharing your stroller, car, and toys with us. I don't have to tell you how much fun Madelyn and Sawyer had with Emery and Camden. The dirty bath water and exhausted children each night was proof! Wherever your travels take you, we'll fondly recall all the fun we've had with you at Pipit Place.

Welcome, New Cousin Camden!

Camden Michael Kerkhove arrived at 0917 on May 20 at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.

We're so happy you're here! We've been talking about you and anticipating your arrival for so long. Madelyn, Uncle Griff, and Aunt Mollie can't wait to give you a big hug and kiss. Welcome to the world!