Monday, November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving Part Two

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More photos from the big weekend. Paprika had lots of fun "making" (cooking) in the kitchen with Grandma Pat, and spending time with Daddy.

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It was the perfect weather for long afternoon walks.

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And it was Ginger's first Thanksgiving outside the womb...I enjoyed holding her as much as ever...which is quite a lot.

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Paprika examined a starfish (and lots of other creatures) at a Sea Center touch tank.

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We had a great trip to the Pier. Paprika felt the warm sea air on her skin...

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and danced and jumped for half an hour straight!

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When Paprika was done jumping and dancing, we stopped and shared a bowl of ice cream. She had to share with bear, too, of course!

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We went to the Habit (first trip) with old friends...Tom (pictured), Ryan, and his lovely bride Katherine. The chocolate shakes were too good to resist...

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so we went back a second time. This time we brought Paprika and Ginger- it was Ginger's first trip, and she tried to eat my french fries! I didn't let her, though!

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We had fun introducing Ginger to lots of old buddies- the most fun was passing her off to our friends who don't have kids (yet). They always look so at ease holding a baby! ;-)

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Paprika went through all of Grandma Pat's silver and china. She was mesmerized by it- and took pretty good care of it, all things considered. Grandma Pat is very tolerant of Paprika's need to explore!

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The best part of all was relaxing and enjoying time together.

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Paprika and Ginger know how to do that best of all!

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Thanksgiving Part One

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We got back late last night from a beautiful, fun four full days up in Santa Barbara. We went up to Thanksgiving up at Grandma Pat's- the 10th Thanksgiving for me with Mr. Mustard. This was my ninth time up in Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving- the only one we missed was 2005 when Mr. Mustard and I spent Thanksgiving in Paris. Paprika was born 9 months later! ;-)

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We packed about two weeks worth of activities into our four days in SB. We went to the beach- twice. We went to the Sea Center and petted sea cucumbers and starfish. We went to our favorite hamburger stand- The Habit- twice. We went to the Pier and shared chocolate ice cream. We went to the playground. We spent the day at the zoo...which Paprika calls The Wild Animal Park. Grrrr!

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We had Thanksgiving dinner two nights in a row...and it kept getting better. Paprika had fun "making" with Grandma- that's what Paprika calls cooking. They made stuffing together, brownies, and lots of concoctions that were Paprika originals. Paprika had lots of fun going through Grandma Pat's china cabinet very carefully. Luckily nothing was broken.

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Ginger was a model baby. She continues to be her cute, content self and is happy to go along for the ride. We saw old friends, had lots of fun catching up, and overall had a blast!

The only big snafus involved the drive up and the drive back. On the drive home, Ginger started crying the moment we left Grandma Pat's driveway. She would only stop crying when she could see my face, so I ended up riding with my head in the back seat, my torso on the console in the middle of the car, and one leg in the front seat and one leg in the back seat for about two hours of the trip. Good times!

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Zoo Day!

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We had a phenomenal day at the zoo on Saturday. Gorgeous weather. Friendly animals. Lots of fun!

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Little Lamb

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Little lamb, all bundled up. Soooo snuggly!

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Saturday, November 28, 2009

All About The Universe

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Kicking back post-Thanksgiving Feast.

Mr. Mustard and Ginger enjoyed reading the latest issue of National Geographic, Are We Alone In The Universe?

Inquiring minds want to know...

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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thankful...

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What a difference a year makes. I'm feeling very thankful on this Thanksgiving. Remembering those who I wish were here with us still. Happy to be surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Dancing With The Stars!

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Last night we had a fab time out at the Dancing With The Stars Season 9 Wrap Party. It's not often you'd find Jerry Rice, Steve Wozniak, and Debbie Mazar all in the same buffet line.

Mr. Mustard's mom came down from Santa Barbara to watch Paprika and Ginger. Thank you, Grandma Pat! It was so fun to have a night out, just the two of us. We definitely enjoyed it!

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Some people even commented that I looked a lot different than I did at the last party. Well, duh! It's the first one I haven't been pregnant at in years!

Great food, lots of dancing, and a chance to kick back and relax after a long, hard season. Fun!

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Ginger's New Trick

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Thank goodness Paprika loves her sister.

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They give kisses.

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And laugh together.

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So, it's pretty much okay with her...

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that Ginger is learning how to use her fingers to...

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pull hair!

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All's well that ends well. :-)

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