Sunny November

The trips to So Cal just keep getting better. We spent nine days down south around Thanksgiving and simply didn't want to leave. Andy and I started to fantasize about what it would be like to move down there. The weather was amazing, even in late November, and it was such a relief to have family help and stimulation for the kids. They were happy as clams; we were well rested and relaxed; and Riley and I got to wear our Dodger gear. It was really a dream.
















Family activities were nonstop including constant games, swimming pool time, a trip to a nature center and a round of mini golf.

My parents were extremely generous in watching Sloane so we could take the boys out for adventures and even get a 24 hour jaunt away in the city (Canter's comedy night and Korean spa FTW!). Sloane didn't mind one lick (especially when she had her duck, Pato, to snuggle).

Of course, Thanksgiving was awesome. I was so glad we started at Noon, because it gave us a nice, long stretch to enjoy our family. I think the kiddos finally pried us out of there around 8 p.m., poor little Sloaney way past her bedtime because we were just having too much fun!

You'll note the short sleeves at Thanksgiving dinner. I had packed adorable Thanksgiving outfits for both kids, but it was so darn hot -- 88 degrees! -- that we had to abandon them for lighter fare. Also note the table runner than Riley made all by himself at daycare. Such pride!

The boys got spoiled with yet another trip to Disneyland. I got spoiled by the ridiculous weather -- 90 degrees! Despite Disney's many attractions, it has limited tree cover, and we actually started to get sunburned at one point. In late November! Dang -- Southern California is magical. Sun worshippers like myself just can't get enough.

It was fun to see Riley's progression since we last visited the land of Mickey back in June. This time, he was excited to drive the car in Autopia and had no apprehension whatsoever about Thunder Mountain Railroad. He continued to know his limits; there was no way he was boarding Indiana Jones or the Matterhorn. Still, he was willing to look at the Haunted Mansion when he passed by, which was surely progress. While my sister, Rene and I were in that ride, Andy and Rilz headed over to Winnie the Pooh. They both received an unusual treat when the ride broke down and, after five minutes without a fix, they got to walk around inside the attraction on their way to the exit. That ride already resembles a psychedelic acid trip, so I imagine the up-close-and personal walking tour was one part spooky, one part delightful and two parts conspiratorial. So cool!

Later in the week, the boys had a sleepover at Rene's that included a trip to the best toy store ever (in fact, the same place my dad coveted toys as a boy!). They made their Christmas wish lists -- taking pictures with toys they liked so I could text them to Santa. Then then ran outside to catch the fake snow spitting out of streetlights on the "chilly" 68 degree night.

For the record, I agree with Cousin Rene: So Cal is the best!!!