Merry Christmas

Belated Merry Christmas!  It's February, and I am just now uploading and blogging about Christmas Day, but that just keeps the Christmas spirit in the heart longer!  We had a very merry time spending Christmas Eve at Dave and family's house that has become a nice new tradition, and then Christmas Day at home with friends Steve and LB who joined us for dinner. Lyman took a Christmas day gig, and that was ok for me and Milo. Off he went to work when we were settling down with out evening show and bedtime after a day of so many surprises from family, friends and Santa. The next several blogs are highlights from our winter break- enjoy!

Opening Gifts

Winter 2014

 With a three week school break, you're just trying to fill the days with fun and friends. My friends are really great at going wherever and finding the bargain. In the fall, my pal J and I went to Kidspace museum and they had free vouchers for later. Winter break was the perfect later!  Again, it was really warm and sunny (thanks now to an official drought which is no fun at all) and we could enjoy all the indoor and outdoor areas.

 On New Year's Eve day, Milo and I headed to Long Beach with my pal M and her two kids to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The penguin viewing and touch tanks are out doors, and again it was a beautiful day!  We ate our lunch outdoors on the patio in the sunshine and we two gals who met at Martinsville High were feeling pretty pleased with where we ended up! 

 After New Years, my pal W and her daughter hit Knotts with us using some teacher discount tickets. Again, we closed the place down to stay for the last stage show of the Saloon Shoot Out which the kids could not stand to miss. Their mascots are the Peanuts which, to today's generation, are actually pretty mean spirited. The Christmas special excluded, there are some shows that are just mean. In this stage show at the park, Lucy calls Linus "my dumb brother" and there was an audible "gasp" at her name calling and meanness.

 Last year, Milo went on a school field trip to The Peterson Auto Museum and he came home with a free ticket so off we went again. I cannot wait to take my Dad here; it's as made for him as Hogwarts at Universal is made for me.

 Another afternoon, we were at the Getty Villa with my pal L and her daughter. GORGEOUS!  Only only flaw we thought was we could not enjoy a second glass of wine with lunch on the patio as we had to keep the kids from falling in the pools.

 In the kid room, here is Milo behind the scrim and his image in front.

 My Mom and Dad worked so hard to get these 6 guys in a set for Milo. Turns out it was a pretty hot  item, but Milo loves them.

Another afternoon at the zoo wearing his new cowboy hat in cowboy spirit.

Sting Ray from Aquarium of the Pacific

End of Break

 The last week of our break, Daddy headed down to Florida with Tyrell's band. You know me and Milo, never a dull moment is had!  Milo chose to go to day camp for a few days when they had extra fun activities planned, and then we did all this stuff too. The above picture was taken at the movie theatre (Walking with Dinosaurs); Milo loves to pose with the movie posters on display in the lobby.

 One day we met our buddy Denis and his Mom for ice skating. It was very balmy in LA that weekend and the ice was pretty slushy, but we still had fun. Milo learned very quickly, and after an hour or so he left the support frame behind.

 Another bright LA winter day at the zoo

 One weekend I got a text from a friend that some museums were opening their doors for free, so off we went to the Autry or Cowboy museum as Milo calls it. We had some buddies which always makes it more fun.

 Milo is playing 5/6 soccer through the Y. The organization is HORRIBLE and we have been so disappointed because we usually have a great experience with all things Y related. We're never going to play on this league again, but Milo doesn't seem to notice or care. Of course he is one of the older kids being nearly seven on a 5/6 league, but he is a welcome teammate with his speed, energy, focus and desire to play the whole game through. That's good because there are not enough kids on the roster to sit out and rest!  This game was the weekend we went back to school. Now we are full swing in school routine (see these really belated blog posts!): school, soccer, reading, violin, and most importantly Milo's 7th birthday this month!