A Little Winter Get-a-Way

To have some fun during Christmas vacation, we took off for a couple of days and went to

Knott's Berry Farm. That's not very far away, but to make a trip out of it, we stayed in a hotel for two nights - and we were glad we did - the area was fabulous!

But first, we left Sunday evening and stopped at my parents' house to see Grandma Carol while she's here for the week before heading down to the temple to see the gorgeous Christmas lights. We ended up staying for dinner, then they came to the temple with us, too!

The lights were beautiful and we had fun walking around the grounds.

We said our good-byes and headed to Long Beach to check into our hotel.

The whole gang: Grandma Carol, my parents, my family.

Me and my kids! Dom stayed with us since Christmas. We got used to having her around and the kids are going to miss having a cool teenage big-sister-cousin.

We arrived at Knott's Monday morning before it opened. I hadn't been to Knott's since I was a teen, and John even before that, so it was a new experience for all of us.

These are the things I was immediately impressed with:

The admission price is reasonable

The ticket booth lady was very nice and helpful

There are Christmas Carols playing on the speaker system everywhere

There is a large Nativity display right inside the entrance

Before the park opens, the National Anthem is played.

Pretty amazing, huh? Oh, and there was a huge "Merry Christmas" banner displayed at the entrance. It was very refreshing to see an amusement park not feeling the need to be so PC.

We had a great time and there was a nice variety of rides to keep everyone happy. We brought Domonique was able to experience her first roller coaster - it took a bit of coaxing but she did it, and then again and again.

We went to the Snoopy on Ice show and again were very impressed.

Not only was it a great show with amazing skating, but they abandoned the typical Season's Greetings that you see so much now and stuck with Christmas. Linus came out with his blanky and told the story of the Savior's birth just as he does in the Charlie Brown Christmas show. That got a near standing ovation!!!!! CHRISTmas is alive and well in Southern California.

Here we are waiting for the park to open.

I didn't get many ride pictures, but on this one, Ashlyn said, "Mommy, we're in a picnic basket!"

It was great to go back to the hotel, try and sleep in, have a huge free breakfast, and lazily leave when we were ready.

The view from our bedroom - that's the Queen Mary out there.

The view from the living room - the downtown Long Beach skyline.

Little Boys

Out in the "field" which is near our home . . . where we walk Cole every day, Christian and his buddy Stewart found it a perfect place for boys to be boys.

A perfect spot for jumping.

A perfect spot to be Indiana Jones.

Or they're up the hill playing in the sage brush coming up with all sorts of adventures. This time it was a ship wreck and they (along with the girls) were survivors making a home on the hill.

My Precious Little Guy. I Think I'll Keep Him

I was getting ready for the day in my bathroom this week and Christian was nearby. I didn't realize he was paying attention, and as I was putting mascara on my lower lashes (think of the face you make and the position you are in do perform such a task), he asks, "Mama, what are you doing?"

"I'm putting mascara on so you can see my eye lashes."

"Why do you want people to see your eye lashes?"

At this point, he himself looks in the mirror, opening his eyes wide, most likely wondering if his lashes are visible enough for people. I show him my finished eye and he gives me a blank look like he doesn't get the difference.

Then he looks at the loot on my counter and asks, "What is this thing for?"

"It's a blush brush and it's for putting blush on my cheeks to give them some color."

He immediately responds with, "But Mama, I like your cheeks the way they are."

Oh Christian, you made my day. I'm glad you are in afternoon kindergarten so I can have these precious mornings with you!

You Better Watch Out . . .

Santa Claus is coming to town!!

The Hallmark Family Santa Party was Friday night, which is always a treat because we get to be up close and personal with the real Santa, not just one of his helpers. Santa puts on a little show with songs, a story, and a question/answer session. I was proud of Madison this year, she raised her hand and asked not one, but two separate questions. Santa then always explains the real reason for the season and essentially bears his testimony of Jesus Christ. It is refreshing indeed!

Ashlyn was another surprise this year, she warmed up to Santa and sat on his lap and even asked him for something (she whispered bubble gum). This may just be the last year the Hallmarks do this Santa party (their kids are 5th and 7th grade), so we are grateful that we were able to participate.

Rewind four years . . . Brooke was too afraid to sit on his lap and Santa would go out of his way to bring her his gift and get a picture with her.

We even skipped out on our ward party - which was a big deal being the first party with our new ward. I made a roast and cookies, dropped it off before the Santa party, then we went back to the ward party at the end to 'make and appearance' and pick up my crock pot. I must say, it was probably the most well-attended party we've seen in a long time. It's nice to finally have a full and big ward.

Madison four years ago. Stop growing I say!!

Winter Wonderland

It's lookin' a lot like Christmas 'round these parts.

It was wonderful to have GG and Dale here to help with the decorations. We sure miss them.

The kids' tree on the porch is all up to them.

And now in Sunny So Cal it is winter! The temps are in the 50s during the day

and yesterday's rain brought snow-capped mountains. Beautiful!

Ashlyn took this picture this afternoon with my phone. We were taking Cole for a walk in the hills of my neighborhood. This is atop Cole's favorite hill he races down at lightning speed before returning to us to be leashed again.