Thanksgiving Trip to California

Now that we're such seasoned travelers Mommy once again braved the airways alone with two 3-year-olds to spend this year's Thanksgiving holiday with our family and friends in SoCal. And once again we proved to be excellent travel companions.

Home base was at Aunt Neannie and Uncle Bob's house. We wasted no time making ourselves at home. Poor Uncle Bob was recovering from surgery so recuperating with us around was probably not the most ideal situation. But we tried really hard to keep the noise down. That lasted 5-minutes. But they were so patient and kind and we always felt welcomed. And thanks to us, the trash got compacted twice daily, the desk calendar is a month ahead and Jack the Cat has a better appreciation of his pampered, kid-free lifestyle.

Mommy took us down to San Diego for a few days where we stayed with Kim and Kelly. Some of Mommy's friends (Kathy, Koleen, April and Liz) came over for the afternoon and while they caught up, we got to play with Conner, Logen, Maryn, Grant and of course Kelly. It's amazing what you can get away with when mommies, who haven't seen each other for a while, get together over food and wine. We even put on a parade where at the end we all stripped down to our birthday suits. It was great fun. While we were in San Diego we went to Legoland with Kelly and her friend Krista. What a cool place. Amazing what you can build with a few Legos. We can't wait for Kim and Kelly to visit us in Atlanta.

We also got to spend some quality time with Opa and Nana and Aunt Hedy (who was visiting from Toronto). Opa has a gum ball machine that we discovered dispensed more than one piece of candy at a time. And Nana is NOT stingy with the lollipops! Not to mention a playroom filled with toys, toys and more toys. We hardly noticed when Mommy snuck out - twice - and left us there while she went shopping. Even though we don't see Opa and Nana every day, we felt totally at ease with them - like no time has gone by since our last visit with them.

We are completely smitten with our cousins Tyler, Jenna and Trevor (and of course Aunt Tammy and Uncle Joey). Within seconds Jenna and Lucy became fast friends - Lucy still talks about 'my cousin Jenna'. And the boys - were, well, boys. Liam admired Tyler (who's a big boy) from afar, and looked after Trevor who was a 'little baby'. We would probably hang out a lot if we lived there. We had a great time with them all and Mommy really enjoyed spending time with Aunt Tammy.

Aunt Yvonne once again prepared a fabulous Thanksgiving feast. She and Uncle Dave are always so generous and really know how to host a party. Liam convinced Opa to take him outside (there was a pool). Opa turned his back for 30-seconds and Liam had stripped off every stitch of clothing and was ready to jump in. Had it not been 50-degrees out, he probably could have gone in, but he settled for the 'hot pool' instead (jacuzzi) -- but was made to wear his undies. Lucy and Jenna helped Megan and Kelly play Scrabble -- for over an hour they sat quietly, playing, with the grown-ups. We both loaded up on so much candy and nuts that our tummies were too full for turkey. Mommy had to eat three helpings but she didn't seem to mind! One thing is for sure, we all had a fantastic time.

Aunt Neannie and Mommy took us on some fun outings like the Santa Monica Pier and the Children's Museum in Pasadena. You know we can get a little moody and demanding sometimes, but Aunt Neannie was always so patient with us. We're not always easy to be around but she never let on to that. And she spoiled us rotten -- toys, rides, food. We can't wait to see her at Christmas. Not because she buys us stuff but because likes to watch Dora the Explorer!

We spent 11-days there and it may have felt like eternity to Aunt Neannie and Uncle Bob (hee hee), it flew by for us. We had such a memorable time (we're still talking about it). And while it was such a departure from our daily routine, we adapted really well. We can't wait to go back!

Here's a little slideshow from our trip: