New Year's Eve Celebration

We decided to celebrate the New Year on east coast time and went to Super Frank's for a kid friendly NYE party. Before Mia even went to say "hi" to everyone, she joined the open gym for some typically high adrenaline Mia fun. Here she is happily waiting for her turn and then jumping on for the first run.

They couldn't push her fast enough, so she started doing things like spinning, flying at high speed with her eyes closed, and leaning way back as they pushed her...crazy I tell ya!



After that, Mia joined the rest of the group...

Ben, Mia, Wai Wai and Kailey

After dinner, they played in the arcade and then glow-in-the-dark indoor minature golf (Super Frank's is so fun!). Here's Wai Wai and Ben shooting some hoops.

Here's Virginia with baby Justin...doesn't he look more alert than her?! And Blaine with lil' Kailey.

Happy New Year from me and Mia!

Happy 4th Birthday, Maile!

Mia had so much fun at Pump It Up Jr. for Maile's 4th birthday party even though she was exhausted from partying it up at the Cho's until midnight last night.

Here is the birthday girl with her good friend, Hannah.

We got to catch-up with the Lee's. Here's Davin with Katelyn, Justin and Jake.

Maile is a pro at blowing out that candle. She also got to sit in a pumped up throne...perfect for the birthday girl!

Mia enjoying the dairy-free cupcake...thanks Auntie Lisa! =)

Holiday Dinner at the Cho's

The Cho's are quite the entertainers...and they're really good at it! We had a great evening with good friends, good food, and good wine. But, what really made the evening is that our kids are a year older and much more independent. They played nicely while their parents drank and chatted the night away. Extra kudos to the babysitter, Nicole...my cousin.

Here are the kids before the candy search game and present opening (how else can we get them to sit there?).

Andrew, Amanda, Maesen, Zachie, Mia, Ethan & Lulu

And out of no where, that Ethan plants one on my Mia!

Mia & Amanda sitting pretty.

Mia helping Ethan open his gift.

Andrew showing off his muscles.

Maesen showing us her onesie!

Can't wait for next year. But I'm not sure I can handle staying out until almost midnight...Mia, on the other hand is totally game!

Cheese-less pizza anyone?

We ate at my favorite pizza place, Amici's...I love that thin crust! Mia enjoys a kid sized sausage and olive pizza, but hold the chesse.

What a difference a year makes!

I found this picture of the girls taken last Christmas and put it next to a picture from this year...a year does make a big difference!

Dan Dan, Kailey, Mia

Merry Christmas!

With a chef for a father, we always celebrate our holidays the day after the actual date because the hotel/restaurant is always busy. But it doesn't bother us, it's fun and crazy the day of, the day after, and basically, every day!

Gung Gung and Pao Pao with all of them.

Gung Gung and baby Justin in matching knit vests by Pao Pao...too cute!

Christmas fun in the city

We took Bart to the city with the Cho's to enjoy the holiday lights and have dinner at Cheesecake Factory. We've decided that the 2 hour and 15 minute wait was not worth it and we'll eat at a different place next year (okay, Manny, you were right!).

Waiting for the train...

Mia found a water fountain on a trip to the potty.

The girls loved using these balloon candy canes to duel.

Sharing a smoothie...

The Cho's looking pretty...

School Christmas Party

Mia's school had a Christmas party and book exchange today. Here she is opening her gift.

Mia with her friends Brendan and Michelle.

Mia praying before lunch.

The E. Cho's 9th Annual Holiday Brunch

We had a great time at the Cho's today. I don't know how Ellen does it, but the eggs get tastier and tastier every year! And the number of kids there was unbelieveable! They're not only getting bigger and cuter, but they're multiplying!


Mia with her buddy Ethan.


The man of the hour seemed to be Andrew...the girls were lining up for this lil' Casanova!

Mia and her cousins Jalen, and then Wai Wai.

All the kids having a good time.

Happy Birthday Pao Pao!

Pao Pao got two birthday dinners and four days in a row with all her grandkids...lucky woman (I think).

Best friends are back together!

After a week away from each other, Dan Dan and Mia are happy to be back together.

Disneyland Day #3

As much as Mia loved meeting the Princesses, she was terrified of the other characters. If she had not just gone potty, I think she might have had an accident when it was our turn to see Winnie the Pooh. Look closely at her face, she was ready to bolt!

The carousel is a favorite.

Disneyland Day #2

The highlight of Mia's trip was breakfast at Ariel's Grotto. She got to meet all the princesses, hug them and take pictures with them. The girl was grinning ear to ear the entire time.

Waiting for our table.

Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

Disneyland

Are you wondering how we can go to Disneyland 3x's this year? Well, I really think it's a happy place! I love watching Mia's reaction while we're there...and, I must say, I love it there too!

Mia's typical face on a ride, she just can't get enough.

I didn't realize that we'd be there during the holiday lights, but we were, what a bonus!

Wild Animal Park

If you go to San Diego, the Wild Animal Park is a must. We really enjoyed our time there and when Mia is old enough, I would love to go on the photo tour to go in the exhibit and see the animals up close.

Legoland Day #2

We really lucked out with the weather. It was hot enough for Mia to enjoy the water park. She stayed away from the HUGE bucket of water that was filling up and then tipping over to get everyone wet. She stayed in the toddler area and was happy as a clam.

Mini USA was amazing...the details were impressive and Mia & her dad liked to pretend they were big monsters attacking the cities.

The highlight of Legoland for Mia was getting her face painted. She would stare at all the kids with their painted faces, so towards the end of the day, we found the kiosk and let her go for it.

Legoland

Mia really enjoyed Legoland. It's the perfect place for a toddler...lines not too long, a lot of age appropriate rides and overall, the park is not that big. It was really amazing to see all the things they made out of regular Legos.

Mia's favorite was the log ride...she definitely loves the thrill of roller coasters.

So. Cal...here we come!

I had to take a much needed vacation, so, where else do you go when you have a 3 year old? Legoland, Wild Animal Park, and of course, Disneyland! We drove down this time (3rd time to Disneyland this year!) and it wasn't too bad. We stopped at Universal Studio's City Walk for dinner. It was a nice break from sitting in the car.

Play date with Jillian & Taylor

Mia went to the park today to meet her friends Jillian and Taylor. They had fun playing and sharing fruit snacks.

After Taylor & Jillian left, we decided to give the new bike a try. And true to Mia's personality, after I helped her for 30 seconds, she said "Mommy, don't touch me, I can do it!" and sure enough she did. We need to work on looking up and steering, but not bad for our first day!

Mia's first bike!

Gung gung and pao pao bought Mia a Princess bicycle for her birthday. She loves it! She pretty much got every Princess thing for her birthday this year...her mother is thrilled....