Why we love to end the year in California...

Years ago we started the tradition of going to California for Christmas. Granted 65 degrees is much colder than summer-time, 65 degrees is also MUCH warmer than 30 below (wind chill in Wyoming, OUCH!). This year, given that we are so much further away than we were in Salt Lake, we thought about chillin' (litterally) out here in Wyoming. But one week away from Christmas, we couldn't stand the thought of not being with family, so we booked the plane tickets and took off! It was the MOST wonderful Christmas! (It gets better every year as the kids get older). And this is why....

The first thing we did after we rented a car was of course, HIT THE BEACH, DUH

So the boys found this sea weed that looked like a toilet plunger and discovered new ways it could be used as a more useful tool such as a brain massager for Brandon...

and a hockey stick for Bradley

In front of the LifeGuard station was a 10-foot sand dune. This eventually became a favorite go-to spot everytime we went to the beach. Best boy-romping-spot around!

Later that night, we all got together for a good 'ol fashion Christmas Eve night at Rob and Jill's.

Good thing THESE cousins aren't related. I've never seen a bigger smile on Bradley. PRICELESS!

Brandon and Tanner just got done shooting hoops but somehow found more energy to boogie.

The adults were getting jealous..."Move over kids, this is wiiiiii too much fun!"
Christmas Day, went to Coronado Island and played football on the beach while everyone else ice skated at their rink. NOT US...NO SNOW FOR US!

Grandpa Roy is a good hiker

Christmas Dinner at grandma's house
Also, a favorite tradition, is to catch some waves at the Wave House. If you notice from years past, the kids have improved to where they can actually stand up! (In the winter, we always rent wet suits)

Brian is always the first one in though he doesn't last long since the force of the wave just scoops him away.

My, my, my, isn't he just gorgeous?

Nothing beats a soak in the jacuzzi to relieve some bumps and bruises pain

IT'S ALL GOOD!

We rented the suits for the rest of the day and took advantage of some other waves just across the boardwalk. Had to introduce the sand dune to the cousins too.

On another day, we took the cousins bike riding around Mission Beach for a couple of hours. Also, another favorite and traditional event very much looked forward to every time we go to California.

"Stay in single file...don't run into anyone...if you do, we'll get sued!"

At La Jolla Cove, we stopped to observe the seals (sunning on the beach here) and look what I found...BIG FOOT sitting right next to me wearing Brandon's shoes! (He's only 13. I'm surprised that we had the money to do this trip as he's eating me out of a house!)

I'm trying to practice my artistic 'eye' for photography and so with my little Nikon Coolpix S200, I set out to find the best shots. All taken at La Jolla Cove.

After flying back to Salt Lake, we picked up the truck and drove back to Cody. On the way, I noticed our odometer...Mmmm, what date is it? Too funny!

AND THAT'S WHY WE LOVE CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA!!!!

Signing out for 2010...see ya next year! Hope you have enjoyed keeping in touch with us!

Michelle