Ellie's First Christmas Tree

We got a HUGE one. A "special" one. And we got another one for outside. It's taking us two days and counting to decorate it. Here's us at the tree lot.

Santa with the Cousins

We tried!

Swinging

This was a first for Ellie and she loved it! We don't have a park within walking distance of our house, so it was nice when we were out in San Diego to be able to pop her in the swing at the many parks in Christy's neighborhood and the swing set in her backyard.

Little Pumpkin

Thanks Grandma Arleen for the costume.

We decorated our garage and sat in folding chairs while passing out candy. Ellie's outfit must have been really warm and cozy as she fell asleep in my arms around 6!

Celebrating 14,600 Days of David Estoye

David and Jeanette came all the way from New Jersey to celebrate David's 40th birthday. Our friends the Solivens drove in from LA and the Galls from Seattle came to. We had a blast. Alcatraz on Saturday, dinner at Beretta Saturday night and football and Scrabble at Castle Reidskull on Sunday.

Why I am grateful for my dad

1. His curiosity gets me out sight-seeing (note: see us on the top of Mount Tam overlooking the bay)
2. He came to my rescue this week, so I could finally get a much needed root canal.
3. He keeps our house supplied with flashlights.
4. He always makes sure the doors are locked and that we have plenty of extra keys.
5. His patience and kindness to others is admirable.
6. And he makes Ellie laugh from way down in her belly.

Love you, Dad. Thanks for a great visit. We miss you.

San Diego Visit Part 2

Saturday was Morgan's 1st birthday party. Christy had a few friends over and we had lunch, cupcakes and a pinata. Christy and I were up a lot with the kids Thursday night, and we still managed to stay up and decorate the night before while Dad and Gavin slept! No fair! I'll never forget Dad's famous last words that night, "I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed" while Christy and I hung lanterns and streamers.

Speaking of sleeping...I think Ellie barely slept the entire trip since she was having so much fun. Here is possibly the ONE time she actually took a nap while we were there.