This is a few... or more days late. We have an adult child, but that will be addressed more next month however may be the reason this is later than the 18th. This blog has a lot of content to go over but life is crazy and may be briefly touched upon. Nuff said.
Gym had a holiday party. Girls did a grab a gift between the three of them. We all went to the Belmont Boat Parade Christmas Eve. There was a SoCal "storm" which our biggest tree in the backyard fell.
Christmas morning was magical as ever being together. Then a Sawzall to the backyard tree before heading to the Ferrarios to enjoy more of the loving vibe. Finished the evening with a visit from Evan and than all together prepping for the amazing week ahead of us.
Road trip to the Natals! Show'd up to welcoming arms and got to enjoy a fun evening with catching up, games, and delicious tacos! After a nights sleep and a relaxing morning and full bellies we hit the road again to Grammy's. Walked the neighborhood, after time at the park and a sunset made our way to Santa Rosa Gymnastics Center 50th reunion party! So many memories shared and a feeling of home when we are there as well as lifelong friends/family made for a memorable time.
Mom and Dad got up earlier to make the absolute most of the next morning by hanging out with Abbey and Shaun. We headed to a delicious downtown breakfast at Grossman's Noshery & Bar and couldn't have had better company than the four of us together that morning! The girls and Roaklee made their own adventure and walked down to Mendo to Joe's neighborhood cafe for breakfast. Little did they realize that it was a couple miles out, but they had fun and were glad that we were able to come pick them up.
We packed up again and all headed to the Marty's for Christmas. Beautiful day enjoying each other, making a wonderful meal, watching football, gift giving, and eating dinner all together at one love filled table. Roaklee and Duke were happy to be part of it all.
After a tasty breakfast and another walk together around the neighborhood we were off to Poppa's house, but on the way we stopped at the McFarlands to see Cole and Jacob and meet the horses. Mark got to see the barn for the first time. We unloaded again at Poppa's, Dad stayed to hang out and Mom and the girls went back to SRGC to get a practice in. They are so welcoming at that gym and the girls had such a great time being able to get a workout in with Darcie. We were also so thankful that Auntie Carrie came by to say hello and give wonderful hugs!
Off to San Francisco for Grammy's 80th! We said goodbye to Heather, Poppa, and Roaklee. We were so grateful to Heather for being there to take amazing care of Roaklee while we were in San Francisco. The entire trip to SF was way more relaxing knowing Roaklee was in such great care with Heather!
We started with the 4 of us going to Marin Headlands where Cienna had previously gone with choir to hike and sing in the tunnels. Also had an amazing view of the Golden Gate for a photo session. We cruised across the bridge and met back up with the Natal's to walk back across the bridge. Was the first time for Mom and the girls. Might have been a little windy but we had fun being together.
Got word Grammy, Greg, Bridget, and Veronica had made it to the hotel so we headed their way. There was a little mishap with parking but it all ended up for the best. After getting all settled we met up with everyone there and the McFarlands joined shortly after. Lot's of hugs and some fun gift giving from Bridget then the 6 cousins went galavanting around Pier 39. The rest of us chilled out before heading to Boudins for Dinner where we were the kids met back up with us after a fun ferris wheel ride.
Soup bowls did not disappoint. We all continued to enjoy Pier 39. Ghirardelli chocolate for ice cream, cable cars with Auntie Megan, street shows, arcades, then all of us ended having fun together in the hotel lobby.
New Years Eve started with a Greg, Grammy, and a blow dryer for breakfast! The croissant sandwiches were super fun and perfect beginning to the morning before the trip to Alcatraz. We all made it in time for the boat ride. There was a little rain but we all made the most of it. Most of us headed to the top to start the self guided tour. Super interesting walking through the experiences of the inmates and hearing about escape stories and life on the island. Kaylee and Mom went back early and the rest soon followed. We had to say goodbye to the McFarlands after that adventure.
We met back up at the hotel to relax in order to make the midnight celebration. We needed a snack before a big dinner and headed to an Applebees with June, Grace, and Uncle RJ which overlooked the Pier. Afterward the girls all went to Build a Bear together to make one to give to Grammy during the dinner that evening at Cioppino's that evening. The Marty's and Poppa joined us all for a big Italian feast and more celebrating.
We said goodbye to Marty's and Poppa but continued the party at the famous Irish coffee bar, Buena Vista. There were rounds of Irish coffee, Car bombs, and hot cocoa. Some hotel downtime was necessary before making the midnight fireworks on the Pier. We got a good spot and the weather held out just for us.
All were slowly awaking in the morning. Everyone did something on their own for breakfast, we toured the city finding some cool locations open on New Years Day and a little catering for Kaylee and Grace's specific requests. As we were packing up we ended up in the Birthday girls room to reminisce of the vacation and say our goodbyes.
Onward to pick up Roaklee and the rest of our travel belongings from Poppa's. A quick visit with Heather and Poppa to pack back up and head home. We considered a stop halfway and decided to continue to home! We all appreciated the decision.
We took down decorations, had some downtime as a family, got ready to go back to school and work, and chillaxed for a minute. Cienna had some birthday dinners for Savannah and Alanna, Kaylee had some 3 musketeer hang out time and we got further along with the garage.
Every school that Cienna has heard back from she has been accepted to. She also had a fun senior gym photo shoot with Emma at the gymnastics center when it was closed. Kaylee went to help with posing, lighting, etc. The month ended before Cienna's birthday with a big weekend planned by Evan. He picked her up, she secretly decorated his car, we secretly packed her snowboarding gear as well. They went to move him back in for next semester. They went to the Griffith Observatory, then to Mountain High snowboarding the following day. Went on a hike and dinner in Diamond Bar. Came back in time to tell us all about it.
Meanwhile, the rest of us worked around the house and on the garage, then did some decoration prep for the 18th birthday coming up. Someone is going to go skydiving on her 18th.
What a great month, busy as they all are but got to hang with amazing friends and family! Love is all around.
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