New Year's Eve!!

Knott's Berry Farm is a fun place this time of year. It's all decked out for Christmas, carols are playing throughout the park and it's festive fun. We bought season passes so hope to enjoy the park throughout 2011.

Brooke and Madison waiting for Ghost Rider - that's an intense roller coaster and we started our morning off with it. No better way to wake up!

Stopping for lunch for some Mexican Food.

Ashlyn on the Carousel that we rode a couple of times waiting for the other kids.

We all went on the Log Ride, but John and Christian were the only ones to get wet. I even asked before we got on if there was a chance of getting wet. It was so chilly outside, I did not want a drop of water on me!

Christian thought it was awesome!

Ashlyn atop the Ferris Wheel, in which we waited longer than any other ride combined.

Never again.

Berlin was performing for the New Year's Eve bash. That brought back memories. We got really close to Terri Nunn at one point and she smiled down at Christian. She was awesome. Fun!

We only had our phones, and John has lots more pictures, better pictures, and some video on his. I'll have to load those later after he sends them to me.

Wednesday, December 30 - Going to like, the Mall

Since my lovely grandma Carol is in town, we met at the newly expanded and renovated Topanga Shopping Center for lunch at Red Robin (drat! no pics).

Afterwards, the kids and I spent [too much] time in the mall, exchanging gifts and doing some shopping.

This mall has everything, and I mean everything now. From Target to Nordstrom and Nieman Marcus, to Tiffany and Burberry to Journeys and an auto dealership showroom. Christian sent this picture to daddy showing him what he wants for his upcoming birthday.

Ashlyn wanted to wear her new shoes and was too cute holding her shopping bags. We also had to send this picture to daddy to say, "look out!"

(Hide your credit cards!)

Tuesday, December 28 - Santa Monica

More cousin fun, and taking advantage of the SUN, rather than so much rain we've had, we went down to the Santa Monica pier for a change in scenery.

It was crowded, but a beautiful, clear day.

Despite the chilly temps, we indulged in some ice cream. I suppose it's never too cold for kids to want ice cream!

How many kids can fit in a stroller? Uncle Andy is getting the workout.

After dinner at a great little pizza place called Eat Love a couple of blocks from the pier, we went over to the temple to see the lights, and see Grandma and Grandpa.

The Whole Gang!

Another fun-filled family day!

Monday, December 27 - Beach with the Cousins

The Merrills from Colorado, and the Bjorns from Seattle drove all the way here for Christmas.

We had to go to the beach and enjoy some sunshine . . . even if it was chilly out.

Fun in the sun building sand castles.

The kids didn't mind the cold and even went in the water (unplanned).

I think they are CRAZY. The Colorado kids even had bathing suits on. Nutso!

Fun (and short!) trip to the beach during winter.