San Diego Get Away

He wore this! I couldn't believe it. We went to a few restaurants and bars in the Gas Lamp District. I love it there! The people, the shopping, the food...SO FUN!We rode on cable cars to get around the city. Old town has so much character and tradition. Definitely on my list to go back there for hand made tortilla's. This picture was for my girl, Cindy!

Oh Jess, what a lovely girl!

What a crazy restaurant this was. I don't know if I was scared, offended in shock or if I actually liked it. I think that is the goal to keep you coming back for more and we have. In the past in wasn't as crazy but this time was memorable for reasons I can't speak of.

I just wore the bib, wish I took a few home for the girls.

These statue's on top of a water fountain reminded us girls of how we feel when our husbands are being fussy. Except, we don't hang out naked talking to them. It was a good laugh.

Love this picture of Jess and Donny. Our hotel was so beautiful. Our suite, was amazing! So grown up with the perfect nautical touch. Loved it and inspired me to distress a mirror for over our couch.

These two girls, Shauna and Jess, they are just a dream! For a cousin and a friend I feel very blessed to have them in my life. Thrilled to have a get away vacay with them too. Oh, and him too! Thankful and delighted you were able to take me away for the weekend.

Look out house!

Today was a day I have been looking forward for weeks. I was able to go to Joannes and Home Depot, kinda two of my fav stores these days. I can't wait to get started on some much needed projects. All this was purchased becasue... of this! Yes, I had a couple of jobs that led me to buy fabric and such. I love to have jobs so keep me in mind for your next blanket, curtains and whatever you need!

Most of you know that I LOVE to sew. It was such a fabulous job and perfect timing. Thank you God and Shelly. I hope your daughter enjoys it. I think some of you have heard me say, I have been drowning in brown here at the Rice home. My poor Jeffy is probably so tired of me talking about the "house" so I am taking upon myself to handle it. With my earned mula, I will be tackling some projects and I can't wait!

I had to take a picture of the blanket in this room. Zebra, pink, turquoise, black, floral, I just had to!

California Rocks!

Wasn't she just three years old? Well, she is officially a big girl doing big girl projects at shcool. I love that she is getting older but with that comes more school work. Who to call on? D*a*d*d*y! Dads always love this kind of stuff. Especially when you get to mix flour, salt and water, saw and paint. It took about a week and I had to keep little hands away from it but it turned out perfect!

We'll miss you Mrs. Ivey!

Mrs. Ivey is Sofia's 3rd grade teacher and we met her when she was teaching at Killybrooke. Coincidentally, I met her when we threw a co-class baby shower for a student teacher and last week we threw her a shower. It was so special and Sofia is already anxiously awaiting for her return, she hasn't even left yet. Rubi and Lilah were welcomed and very good students. Our room mom and my new friend, Jen, was so great at putting this all together. The kids loved the games and it was a real special memory. I love that baby belly and can't wait to hold her, yup, a girl! Claudine put this fun game of baby items on a tray. They had to memorize and write them down, plus they unscrambled baby words. I don't think they even knew they were using those little brains of theres

We are thrilled for Mrs. Ivey and her family. We'll be praying for a healthy baby Audrey and a fast healing mama!

Sofia and her special friends, Lily and Cameron.

It's Going To Be a Great Year!

This year we brought in the New Year with some friends and family. Although we had our kids up all night, it ended cheerfully, literally! Bella and Finley dancing the night away.

Jessica and Michelle toasting to a great year.

Silly daddy and Bells.

Me and my little lumber jack.

Yes, we danced the night away, even the kids rocked out till 1am!

Sofia, Harper, Bella, Lilah and Rubi Joy, a couple little sweeties who helped make my year the best year ever!

Always a good time with these sweet family's.

It's the Most Wonderful time of the year...

This time really is the most wonderful time of the year. We have been able to catch up with old friends and family with many parties and occasions this year. The perfect cure for any gloominess are the people in our lives. I could brag all day about them and wish I could get out more to see them. Our house has been decked out (!) with decorations, thanks to the hand-me-downs from my Grandma, Mimi and Granny. Of course the most important story here in the Rice home is the birthday boy himself, Jesus. Along with His story, we are also keeping the magic here alive with Santa, his reindeer's and the Elf on the Shelf. Boat Parade, Balboa Bay Club Antique nut cracker from GG

We adore Jeff's snow globes. Most are from his memaw who is now in heaven. Are they vintage now that some are over 30 years old (hehe)?

Favorite part of the house, girls Christmas projects.

We had so much decor that we moved a table under the TV to display.

Thanks to my dear friend, Angie, who gave us the "Elf on the Shelf" a four years ago. Elfie also has a book and it comes out every year with the ornaments and we all read it together. He has a great story and the kids LOVE it! They wake up every morning to search for him because he lands in a different spot throughout the house. Each night he flys to the North Pole and reports to Santa on how the girls have behaved. This has been a great tradition that our children will remember for years to come. Thanks sweet friend!

Love the geometry project the girls brought home from school. We have been able to make snowflakes and it has kept palydates very exciting and they always turn out beautiful. The girls were able to decorate Grandads (Candy's dad) rehabilitation room. Please keep him in your prayers as he gets stronger from his stroke. We hope you all are having "the most wonderful time of year" in your home!

3*2*1, wow!

Tonight was total crackup after the count down for our home tree lighting ceremony. I don't recommend giving a 3 year old hot cocoa in a tea cup, unless your ready for the worst. Isn't the worst sometimes so worth it though? I wish I planned it better because it would have been so cute to see them all in there new Christmas pj's (Bella is wearing her snowmen). Granny got all the grandgirls the cutest, snuggliest pj's as it seems to be her tradition now for many years. We had put the baby down for safety reasons since each girl had broke an ornament. Thank goodness it wasn't my glittery-sparkle ones from my sweet Kara. We have been exchanging for the past 7 years and I LOVE getting them out each year. The rest of the tree, well, the girls go wild for the decorations.

Santa Baby...

The girls were very excited to see Santa's helper here at Fashion Island. I heard them whisper that his beard was real so maybe he is the real deal. Rubi was not interested but happy after he gave her a book. The picture is free if you bring your own camera too. LOVE IT!!! Sofia was in serious thought when he asked her what she wanted. Bella had a whole list and he was a good listener. Her #1 thing is a real pretty school desk, the old fashion kind.We'll just have to wait and see.

Just hoping to get a good one from all of them. Blurry+bad lighting=bummer.

Its so great that daddy gets home early because he goes in so early. Although we still have to make it happen, we get to spend extra time together. Last weekend was our 11th year anniversary married and 16 years all together so for that reason I feel so lucky for that advantage!

Both of these two ran over to the Betsy Johnson store to get a better view of this tree. One year we had a hot pink sparkle flocked tree and Sofia so badly wants that again. Maybe next year...

Yep, she would of gone right in.

Our night ended at Wahoo's which is always a rockin' night for the Rices!