the mandel 5

On our way out of San Diego this morning, we stopped at the park in Mission Bay. Always a crowd pleaser. If the camera adds 10 pounds but this photo makes Megan look 10 pounds lighter, does hanging upside down take away 20 pounds? Hmmmm....how much of my life can be lived hanging upside down? :)

Logan is 4 today. ::sob:: We celebrated with a mini-photo shoot in La Jolla, a trip to Legoland, and a birthday dinner at the highly inappropriate Dick's Last Resort . We did a great job with no stroller, only lost Logan once for like 2.5 minutes. That was enough for Nathan not to let go of Logan's hand the rest of the day. We only went on 2 rides because it was a little crowded. But we had fun since there are so many other things to do. Like build cars and race them down a ramp. Logan had help with his car from his ultra-competitive father who made sure Logan had the fastest car in the joint. Then it was off to Dick's where they encourage wild behavior. We fit right in. The waiter made Logan a special birthday hat and made the whole place sing to him. Twice. Then he lit several books of matches on top of an icecream sundae for dessert. We ended the night dancing to 5 songs by the live band. Happy Birthday baby Logan. We can't believe you are FOUR!!!

Ang and Tim are visiting from Wisconsin this week. Tonight they came over for our gift exchange. They had no idea the boys would challenge them to a light saber war. Megan joined in as a Star Wars character - Queen Ala something or other. I'm out of the loop. Logan has beaten Ang and knocked her to the ground. She looks truly afraid.

They were up early (like they are every day!) anxious to see if Santa came through. These ages were really fun because they knew what they wanted and were SO excited to get it. I think I may have gone a tad overboard and really, their behavior before Christmas left lots of room for improvement. But in the end, they pretty much got it all. We ordered a couple things for Nathan from the Toys to Grow On catalog. He loves to pretend to do jobs. So we got a doctor set and a school set. I was so impressed with their toys - every detail was thought of. This doctor set has an eye chart, x-rays, prescriptions, and a real stethoscope , in addition to all this.

Even as a kid, Christmas Eve seemed like the longest day of the year. Now that I have 3 kids who are waiting for Christmas Day, it feels even longer. So we hit the zoo. I'm telling you, the SB Zoo is the place to be on Christmas Eve. There were hardly any people there at all! We had a lasagna in the crock pot, cookies ready from yesterday, yummy popcorn from the Yarbroughs to snack on so we were ready to host Christmas Eve here when we got back. With Papa Jerry With the cousins No cute xmas jammies for Logan and Megan. They ran around so much with Kari and Corey that they were sweaty and hot at bedtime. I might make them change in the morning before they come downstairs (that is, if they EVER fall asleep tonight!). Carrots for the reindeer, milk for Santa, and the obligatory cookies (Logan is mad because he couldn't eat one). Merry Christmas!!!!!

We went to a Christmas party at Marylou's tonight and look who made a surprise visit! And look whose child was first to hug him! Santa brought each child a stuffed snowman, a candy cane full of m&m's, an ornament, and a wrapped gift. He brought Logan some cars, Nathan a science experiment kit, and Megan a monkey for her Jess doll (which actually, he brought her last Christmas but she lost it a few days later - Santa never forgets). What a fun night!!

Today we decorated cookies for Santa and to bring to a party tonight. Someone please remind me next year that each kid can only stand to decorate 4, maybe 5, each. these are the ones we are taking to the party. :)