Happy to be Home

It's so good to be back posting again. I really missed it. Our trip down south went great. No travel problems or any other problems for that matter. On Christmas eve before we left, we went to my Mom's house for one of our favorite family activities. Eating. Of course we visited and the kids opened presents. It was really fun to see everyone. Especially my lil bro who came up from AZ. You might remember him from my last post. Here he is now all grown up.

My son's favorite gift, Guitar Hero III courtesy of his uncle. It combines his two favorite things, music and video games.

Our first day in So Cal was just spent hanging out with family and what else? Eating. The next day we headed out to visit Hollywood. We kind of got a late start so all we really had time for was Hollywood Blvd where we saw the stars on the sidewalk and this famous place.

It was fun to see all the hand and footprints of stars past and present. Will Smith's were the most recent. Personally my favorite was Shirley Temple, they were so tiny.

My girl and some of her girl cousins.

Hanging out with Elvis. Did I ever mention that I'm related to Elvis?

The next day we headed south to visit the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It was a beautiful day, sunny and not too cold, just right. The kids had a great time too. My favorite thing was the baby elephants. Too adorable!

Here are some other animals we found there.

One day during our trip, my hubby and I went to some of the Antique Malls in the town where my dad lives. We looked for hours and very surprisingly, neither of us bought a thing. For me, everything was too big, too expensive or both. I did see some cute old sconce shelves that I ended up going back the next day to buy. They were $32 for the pair which I don't think was too much as I really love them and will definitely keep them. What do you think? Pretty cute huh?

The rest of our time down there was just spent hanging out, we went bowling once, the kids went to the movies and before for we knew it, it was time to come home. Really, it went too fast, but we had such a lovely time.

Now it's back to reality and everyday life. We had an unexpected visit from my in-laws so I have been cooking up a storm. My crockpot hasn't seen this much action in a long time, but I did make the most delicious split pea and ham soup for lunch yesterday and for dinner, I made short ribs which I have never made before. They turned out very yummy.

I guess it's time to put the Christmas decorations away. That is always sad for me, but I'm looking forward to getting out all my "regular" stuff again.

On a sad note, we got the news yesterday that one of our neighbors died on Saturday. She had been having serious health problems, but it was still a shocker. We will be attending her memorial service today.

I hate to end this post on a sad note, so I will tell you about some other stuff going on. Joy is coming to town tomorrow to help Isabel with a little decorating, so, I plan on going over and giving my two cents.

I have been trying to get in touch with this flea market organizer to see if I can do this flea market that is about an hour away this Sunday. It is short notice, but I have a ton of stuff I just want to get rid of. Of course I would like to make a little money while I'm at it too.

I'm so looking forward to this New Year. I plan on spending more time getting organized, more time sewing, more time crafting and a little more time cleaning. It is so needed. Ugh!

I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year! I have had such a wonderful time meeting you all. The last six months, since I have started blogging, have been amazing. I never would have expected to meet and make such fabulous friends. Thank you all for your support, encouragement and sweet comments. I love you all!