Thanks NextGen

Thanks to the NextGen pass which makes a child and an accompanying adult free, we LOVE going to LACMA even more and probably go more often than we would otherwise.

Brady and mommy broke away for some alone time and ran around (literally) the Japanese Pavilion at LACMA.  We were the only visitors for most of the time - what a treat. 

The architecture was as amazing as the artwork - the building spiraled up three floors and had a very (obviously) zen feel to the structure and minimalistic decor.  Not only did it not detract from the art, but it was incredibly peaceful - the lighting was ethereal and the rocks simulated zen gardens throughout the museum.

OK - Brady just liked running up and down the ramps, but maybe some culture soaked in somewhere!

We also ran around outside and had some fun since the sun has not been out much as of late - are we still in SoCal??!!  Hasn't felt much like it as of late.

The Holidays!

Hanukkah . . .

Christmas . . .

Candycane/Candlelight Lane . . .

What a fun and joyous time of year.

And some gifts . . . I couldn't take photos of most of the gift opening madness because it was just that - madness . . .

We Finally Have a Tree

On a lighter note . . . we finally got our Christmas tree.  We made it through Hanukkah and are ready for Christmas.  Jewish/Irish Catholic households are very busy this time of year.  Garrett asked we don't also celebrate Kwanzaa - I think we're already celebrating enough my dear.

Mommy, Garrett, and Brady wrangled up a beautiful Christmas tree that Garrett picked out - the first place we went to didn't have any more little trees that would fit on the island in the kitchen/dining room.  Still best to have a small tree that is set up out of reach - when the boys get a little bigger we'll do it up and have a super tall tree - but not quite yet.  I'm excited for that because I found a place where you can rent a living tree that gets replanted for the remainder of the year - and we can have the same one redelivered every year.  Awesome idea.

Thanks for your help Garrett!

We're so proud of our tree!!!

I Hope Not

This is a tough entry to write - the events at Newtown have really affected me.  I have been unable to comprehend what I would do if I were one of the parents of those precious little kids.  Unthinkable.

I always tell Garrett I love him when I tuck him in.  Rarely does he say I love you back - I don't take it personally :)

Last night he said 'I love you too mommy."  Then he asked "Will you be with me my whole life?"  Of course, I told him - "Yes Garrett - don't worry" and "My life would not be half as much fun without you in it."

As I teared up and shut the door I thought to myself - I certainly hope not.

I hope you are having fun and giving and receiving love and having spectacular adventures beyond your wildest dreams long, long after I am gone.

I love you Garrett.

I love you Brady.

Oh Mommy - Another Family Photo Shoot??!!

SPOILER ALERT - We used a few of these photos for our Holiday card!!  If you like to be surprised when you open Holiday cards, check this out in another week . . .

Yes - family photo shoots are not always easy to pull off, but I try to keep them to a minimum and schedule them at fun locations with fun photographers - at least I'm not making you all sit and cheese it up in a boring studio.

Here are some good ones to share . . .