A VERY Happy New Year!

Christmas and New Years in California was wonderful. After such a long trip I thought for sure I'd be ready to come back. Nope! It was such a fabulously relaxing visit that Spencer and I were both wishing we could've stay a few more days. We got back on the 6th and came home to a dead car, a broken fridge, and freezing weather! The reality of "real" life hit fast! Thankfully the car started later that evening and our fridge was fixed the next day. The weather's definitely been an adjustment though. When Madi stepped outside Thursday morning to join me for some grocery shopping she exclaimed, "Oh mom, it's just SO cold!" We're slowly but surely getting used to the colder temps.

We definitely miss our family- there's nothing better than watching our girls be loved and adored by their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. After our visit in Camarillo, we spent the next 8 days in Brentwood! And oh how relaxing it was!! While the weather wasn't as warm as southern California, it was still in the 50's- making it doable for walks, playing at the park, and perfect for hot-tubbing!

Madi loved exploring and having new toys to play with. Her favorite were my parents Little People. She'd play with them for at least an hour everyday.

I had to sneak in one morning and get some video of the Little People village Madi had set up. You know they're great toys when she doesn't even notice that I'm in the doorway taping her.

The girls enjoyed playing with all the presents they got for Christmas and were surprised about having even more presents to open when we got to Brentwood.

The matching jammies were a big hit! Doesn't Elle just look thrilled!?

One thing Madi got for Christmas (from Santa) was a microphone- it really was the perfect gift for my little singer. She's learned lots of Christmas songs this year but for some reason, the only song she ever wants to sing is "I am a Child of God."

I had to do all sorts of bribing to get her to sing something else. Thank goodness Roxy was able to provide the music to encourage singing other favorite songs!

After all sorts of performances, Madi finally sang one of the Christmas songs she'd learned. Here's Madi singing, "Silent Night" while playing the music to "Up on the Housetop".

While Madi stayed busy singing and playing with lots of new toys, Elle got spoiled with tons of hugs, kisses, snuggles, and all sorts of attention. She was complete smiles the entire trip!

One of the best parts about our trip was all the help we got with the girls. I was able to sleep in, go to the gym, sit in the hot tub, take long showers, get ready for the day, go shopping, and actually enjoy meal time! It was heavenly! Oh, and of course mom made sure I got pampered by taking me for a pedicure and manicure.

Massage chair + foot rub + hand/arm massage= a very happy Anie!

Mom was also a huge help with feeding Elle, giving baths, changing diapers, and even burping Elle after I'd nurse her. It was a true vacation!

Elle especially enjoyed her sink baths!

Mom made tons of yummy meals while we were there- of course none of which Madi ever wanted to eat, but when it came to baking, Madi was the first to volunteer! We all requested peanut butter balls, so mom and Madi got right to work!

Near the end of the chocolate dipping Madi was dying to eat one. She's got pretty good self-control, but couldn't resist smelling each one.

While in Brentwood we were able to get away for two day trips. Our first one was to Half Moon Bay to see Grandma Jenkins (who turns 98 this year!!), Aunt Fay, and Uncle Bob. We had a fabulous visit! I was particularly excited for Elle to meet G.G for the first time. Of course I had to take several pictures!

I'm so glad that I remembered to get some video. Just having Grandma's voice on here makes this such a precious video.

And as always, it was great to hang out with Aunt Fay and Uncle Bob!

Our second day trip was with my parents to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful day to go.

Now you can probably see why it was so hard leaving California and coming back home!

Thanks mom and dad for such a fun and relaxing visit!