Hungry Jack

My Jack boy is growing too fast. I think of all my babies, he's the most anxious to move on to the next stage. Although, he did take his time with the whole walking thing...I think he was just waiting until he could do it perfectly, though. Lately he's been refusing to eat, unless he can feed himself...with a spoon or fork. He hasn't needed any help, in fact, he doesn't want help. I just can't believe how grown up he looks feeding himself. He just turned 15 months, and I'm sad to see the "baby" leaving him so quickly.

Kyle and Kathleen Visit

It was great fun to have Kyle and Kathleen visit, even if it was only for a VERY short time. They came in to town at 12:34 Saturday afternoon, and left at 12:00 Monday afternoon. Saturday we ate out/in from Salt Grass Steak House, and played Princess Crazy Eights, Go Fish, and Old Maid. Carly got the card game trio for Christmas and we've been practicing it ever since. She's getting better every day. On Sunday we went to church with my parents, and spent the rest of the day hanging out. In the afternoon we drove down to Zilker Park and rode the train around the park. It's a shame they weren't here in the spring, because the scenery would've been more appealing. Josh loves trains, and I admit, I had my own motives in suggesting this activity. Josh loved it. Carly was sitting near the front of the train with Kyle and Kathleen, while Jarod and I were near the rear with Dad and Josh. I'm going to have to steal some pictures of Carly from Kathleen, because every time the train turned enough to see them, my camera was too slow in turning on and taking the picture, so I never got a good one of them. That night we stayed up too late, playing Sabotage...a new favorite game. We were sad to see them go, and we look forward to crashing their scene, hopefully sometime soon.

Jammin' With Daddy

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this. I love to watch the interactions of my children with their daddy. Jarod sat down for a minute to learn a new song, and Josh wanted to be a part of it. He was giving kisses, and watching intently. Josh has become such a little love-bug. For the longest time we couldn't get him to give kisses. Now every time we turn around he's giving someone a big wet smacker.

Hat Boys

One morning Josh decided he wanted to wear his hat, and he decided Jack should wear one too. Carly decided they should be worn backwards. I get a kick out of how much Josh loves hats. Jarod was the same way growing up, so I'm told.

Josh is giving kisses...not trying to rip Jack's head off.

Jack has a new squinty-eyed smile...I don't know where he picked that up.

Saying Goodbye is Hard to To

Saturday morning we all rushed around to pack up, clean the condos, and make sure each one had the appropriate amount of dishes and utensils. We had such a fun week, that some of us were trying to find ways to keep the fun going up until the last 10 minutes of the vacation. Before heading out of town, we stopped in Azusa to visit Grandma and Grandpa Val, and Lydia. It was fun to pick tangerines from Grandma Val's tree, and I know I wasn't the only one there that was disappointed her avacado tree was in it's off year. We took time to take the generation photos and eat, AGAIN!! That morning we'd had a rather large breakfast at Schooner or Later, a breakfast joint on the docks. It was so good. Again, we owe Papa Steve a big thanks for hunting it down for us off Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The crab omlet was to die for.

Four generations of Valdiveso men

Our men: Grandpa Val, Papa Steve, Jack, Jarod, Josh, Damon, and Navarre

The Women: Elle, Kaela, Catherine, Lydia, Grandma Tess, Mara, Gayle, Grandma Val,
Me, Carly, Clarissa, and Ava. Talk about hotness.

Josh found a truck and was endlessly entertained.

Cousins: Carly, Jack, Kaela, and Jaxon

Josh sort of attached himself to Grandpa Val. I thought it was pretty sweet.
I thought this was a sweet interchange, also.

Now it's all over, and we're anxiously planning our next trip. I guess it's a good sign that we like to spend time with our extened families. I think there's something to look forward to in the eternities. Families can be together forever, and I think it'll be great.

Balboa Island

On Friday we went to Balboa Island with our crew of fourteen, plus the Strong family, for a total of twenty two people. It was fun to walk along the pier, and spot Dolphins or Grey Whales, eat hot dogs on a stick, frozen bananas, french fries, and pizza at The Original Pizza. It was a freezing day, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the scenery.

A Girls' Night on the Town

On our girl's night out, we went to Laguna Beach, and walked up and down main street. We sniffed out some delicious onions rings, and went into an art shop, where the artist personally showed us a few different painting. It was really neat. The streets were still lit up in Christmas lights, and it was fun to walk and get some girl talk in. I think Clarissa and I probably had the best time, not worrying about putting the kiddos to bed.

Game Time

Kaela, Clarissa, Ava, Carly, Me, and Josh. Can you tell our two year olds are not fans of picture taking?

I think Kaela looks like she's telling Grandma Tess what's what.

Clarissa giving me some love.

Mexico

Jarod is still reminding us that we're lucky he's in the country, after the 'guy trip' to Tijuana. The only documentation they took was their driver's licences. It was a good thing we were there in January and not June, because they really might've had to pay $500 each to get back over like Jarod would've liked me to believe. While they were there, Jarod and Damon bought gifts for the kids. Carly got this cute dress, Josh got a luchador mask, and Jack got maracas. Jarod's favorite part was negotiating prices with the peddlers.

Fire Pit Struggles

On Thursday and Friday Papa Steve's sister Gayle and her family came to hang out. They live in Azusa, so we had the pleasure of spending some time with them. Thursday night we decided to roast marshmallows out at the resort fire pit. Unfortunately, the pit wasn't working beyond sending sudden, short bursts of flame out every 15 minutes or so. I think we were lucky that Mara and Jason made it home with eyebrows. Clarissa was savvy enough to start melting chocolate and marshmallows in the grill next to the pit. Otherwise, we might still be there, waiting for someone to come fix the fire pit.

That's Ava, Clarissa's arm, Carly, Grandma Tess, Jacob, Mara, and Jason. Papa Steve, Jaxon, Jim, Catherine, and Navarre's legs...ooh la la! Josh and Jarod decided to shoot some hoops while everyone was trying to figure out the fire pit situation. I don't think Jack could fit anything else in his mouth, what do you think?

New Year's Eve

The day of our zoo excursion was also New Year's Eve. After the zoo we ate at a place called Crazee Burger. It was featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Jarod sampled the alligator burger, I had the Hawaiian burger, and many others tried the Greek burger. I think that was the all time favorite. On the way back, the kids had naps in the car so when we got to the resort, they were ready for baths, matching jammies, and party favors. Grandma Tess was busy before Christmas making nightgowns, pjs, Christmas dresses, and ponchos for the kids. She is so generous to spend all her free time exercising her talents to keep our kids looking good. Jarod and I brought little noise makers for the kids, and confetti guns. They were a big hit, and made quite the mess. I think it was worth the clean up to see the kids having fun.
Ava and Kaela with their noise makers. Ava was cute, humming into her noise maker.

Carly really liked the confetti guns, and she was quick to learn how to use them.

San Diego Zoo

Wednesday saw us off to the zoo in San Diego. It's always fun to go to the zoo with the kids. They all love the animals so much. It's an added bonus that there are a few adult avid animal lovers in the troop, as well. The day was a little cooler than we had expected, since the sun was shining. Here we all are in front of the zoo wearing our red t-shirts that Jarod made. They had a saying for each member of the family, and the date and place of our family retreat. It was a great way to spot each other easily at the zoo. I think it'll be a tradition from here on in.

It was such a fun day. Carly was attached to Catherine's hip, and they skipped and jumped over cracks the whole day. I always love to hear Josh name the animals and make their sounds. We absolutely love the zoo. I only wish we'd had two days to visit, because that's how long it takes to see all of the San Diego Zoo.

Cute Cousins

I can't believe we were able to tear Carly and Kaela apart at the end of the week. They had such a good time together. Every night was a sleepover.
Such fun!

Our Trip Continued

The fun continued with a Newlywed game put on by the resort. It was our four couples plus one more. I don't know that we really learned anything new about our spouses, or the way they look at us, but it was fun nonetheless. I think we did learn that the longer you are married to a person, the better you know them. Congratulations to Mom and Dad V. on more than thirty years of marriage, and on schooling us all at the Newlywed Game. After the game, we were all rewarded with miniature bottles of champagne, which we promptly declined, opting instead for bottles of Sobe. Outside the reception area where the game was held, there's a Koi fish pond. The scenery at the resort was really beautiful, and that day, the sun was out. That's Catherine, Josh (with his new Tonka truck), Navarre, Clarissa, Kaela, Damon, Ava, Jarod, and Carly.My animal lover

After the Newlywed Game, we took a little trip down to the beach. The kids had a great time. Josh found a stick, and dragged it in the sand all over. Carly is wearing the cape/poncho that her Grandma Tess made her. Sew cute!!

Carly liked throwing rocks into the water.

The sunset was really beautiful, and right after Jarod and I got our picture taken in front of it, we realized that Josh was missing. I don't know if my adrenaline has ever been so high. After we found him, I just broke down. I felt better when my mother-in-law shared my reaction. At my frantic, panicked cry of "JOSH!!" she , Jarod, and my father-in-law took off running after him. I followed in the same direction but felt that I should turn around and head in the other direction. As I passed the restaurant in the beach, a couple were leading Josh down the stairs. I was so happy to have him in my arms, I couldn't be cross at him for wandering off. Especially when he explained that he "want(ed) food."

Newport Beach Temple

Tuesday morning we were able to attend the temple in Newport. It was beautiful. It was so nice to leave for a few hours, knowing that my kids were in good hands. Thanks to Navarre, Catherine, and Elle for watching my crew! Carly has a new best friend. I think Navarre probably had less time with his new wife than ever before, because Carly monopolized her time so well!

Christmas Take Two

While we were at the resort, my wonderful in-laws recreated Christmas for us. We had a gift exchange among the siblings, and Grandma Tess and Papa Steve spoiled everyone like mad. It was such a fun time. I got the creche for my nativity scene, which makes such a difference. Jarod got a new watch that he's eyed in his dad's display case for a while. We both had a few other gifts that were really wonderful. The kids also scored big time. They all got a blanket, book, and two sets of jammies. Carly got a baby doll that comes with pretty much EVERYTHING, and the boys each got a Tonka Truck and helicopter complete with moving parts, lights, and sounds. They were in heaven.

If you're wondering what gift Josh liked best, I think this picture says it all. On this trip, it was more than apparent the the older girls in the Valdivieso and Wilstead families are miniature mommies. Naturally they loved their babies. I love Carly's face.

L.A. Temple

After picking up Navarre and Catherine, and on our way back to Newport Beach, we took a major detour, by traveling north, instead of south. We knew we were going the wrong direction, when the L.A. Temple came into view. I was glad of the detour though, because we got to walk around the temple grounds while it was all lit up with Christmas lights.

I thought Papa Steve and Josh looked sweet hand in hand.

Here is our Together Forever family.