Santa and my babies

"Pabo" San Lucas

The big family vacation did not disappoint and we are back in the States with everyone in tact. Michael misses "Pabo" and Elena was eager to distribute her shells to the class today and to show everyone her newly aquired silver turtle necklace.



By the end of the trip, Michael and Elena both proudly told the beach vendors, "No, Gracias" and they both felt the trip was a success. Though we enjoyed Mexico, I think Hawaii is more our speed for future tropical getaways. The culture and amenities in Mexico may be better suited for adults than kids. Parasailing was an experience with Mommy and La feeling pretty lukewarm about it, but Michael and Daddy loved it. We also took a boat to the arches where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Seeing the sea lions and fish in the glass bottom boat was a highlight too. But mostly, our trip was spent roaming the beaches and crashing pools where we behaved like gluttons and did very little that was productive. We enjoyed the rare chance to 'just be' and be a family with nothing to do. That is what "Pabo" San Lucas means to me.

Christmas Cheer

The Grohs family is at it again and nothing says Grohs like the holiday season. Our Christmas cards are officially out again before the population says it's appropriate and our whole house is a buzz with lights and holiday smells. We cut our tree today with the neighborhood at our favorite Roberts Christmas Tree Farm and Elena and Michael have received their Portable North Pole greetings from Santa. I believe I'm 98% done shopping and we are packed for Cabo San Lucas (leaving in five short days).

Yep, it's safe to say, things are status quo. Now, it's time to relax and enjoy the season...with Corona's and shrimp baskets.

Novembrrr....

Oh, it's still Crazytown, USA around here. We've been sick as dogs, Daddy ran his first (and last)marathon, we've seen the Beauty and the Beast musical, Yo Gabba Gabba, watched the neighbor kids overnight and been altogether nutty.

I wonder if these kids will someday think their own children have so much more than they did...but it doesn't seem possible. We are all so blessed.

We eagerly await the holiday season and our upcoming Mexican vacation. Ay, ay, ay!

Spooktacular

Meet Richard Simmons and the Winter Princess. It's understandable if you guffaw. I think it's safe to say young Michael's costume won the heart and laughs of many this year. He owned that character...marching up to doors and though he often forgot to say, "Trick or Treat," he did proudly tell each homeowner that he was, "Rishard Simmowns." Then he'd gallop away, singing, "I'm a pony!"



Elena was a lovely princess, but I believe Michael is this year's official, Hallo-weenie. What a riot.

Ready or not...

October, though not a particularly chilly month this year, has brought us the coveted beginnings of the holidays and Elena and Michael are prepared for the first of those holidays, with their Halloween costumes ready to go. Though they both got a kick out of Papa's mask (as seen), this is not the costume either will don on all Hallow's eve...stay tuned for more on that.

For now, Elena has adjusted to her six year old duties and though she continues to have trouble with excessive talking in Kindergarten, she is improving in soccer and attitude at home (Thank you, Love and Logic). She was also awarded a special necklace for raising $30 for the PTA from her lemonade stand proceeds (seen below with neighbor and best pal, Kelsey). It was a proud day and she felt very grown up.

Michael has developed his own little sassy pants and loves to hit his sister in the face. Though I have to say, his rage is rare and he is still the calmest two-year old boy I've seen. He wakes in the morning to lay many kisses on his Mommy and profess his love. He gets forgiven some things for this, I admit.

Mommy and Daddy have each had a girls and boys weekend away (respectively) and though I'd love to show some photos from Daddy's weekend, nothing seems to exist (snicker). Daddy also started his MBA program on Thursday and we're just beginning to get a taste. I remain very excited for him and equally nervous about the impact on the family. I'm hoping we all adjust soon.

That's all for now...time is increasingly limited and I need to start the annual Blog Book and Photo Albums for the kids. Ready or not, here those holidays come!

Gumdrops and lollipop sticks...A Candyland party, Elena is six!

Well, our girl is officially six. She enjoyed her birthday morning and all the way through the Saturday Candyland extravaganza. I think she'll remember it all for the rest of her life. From the iPod to the welcoming of 30 children to our home to indulge in silliness and candy buffets, it was certainly a party fit for a big girl.