Tyler's Thomas Kinkade Puzzle

On December 31st, we finally finished the 1000 piece Thomas Kinkade puzzle Tyler got in his stocking. 

Randy's Donuts

The next morning, we all got up early and headed to yet another LA landmark.  Randy's Donuts.

Pinks Hot Dogs

Not content to just end the day at Huntington Gardens, we then hit another LA landmark.  Pinks Hot Dogs.  They're famous for naming their specialty hot dogs. 

Huntington Gardens

Which is nowhere near Huntington Beach.  When Theresa was giving me driving directions, I was a little confused at first.  It's named after Henry Huntington.

We've lived here in Los Angeles for almost 8 years now, but had never been up to visit.  Having family come to town makes you a lot more active and you get to see lots of new stuff too.

Downtown Disney

Still having some time left in the day, we headed over to Downtown Disney.  Rich and Chi stayed at home while the rest of us went to Anaheim.  I'd seen reports that Disneyland was super crowded and had even closed their gates, so I was sure Downtown Disney was going to be crowded.

Everyone liked my suggestion that we wear some of my favorite Christmas Disney hats.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Seems like the days are packed with the family in town.  On the 28th we all headed out to Aquarium of the Pacific, a local aquarium down in Long Beach.  

Beach Day, Muppets and Cirque du Soleil

We mostly hung out around the house today, but we did take a trip down to the beach.

Here are some very brave kids.

Run Away!!! Run Away!!!

Playing in the Park

After opening presents with the family, the kids were anxious to get out of the house and do something.  Luckily there is a small park not far away.  Theresa took the kids over early and I came shortly after.  I got a phone call before I left though that I needed to bring an ice pack.  Apparently the kids were playing a game where you close your eyes and chase each other and Austin ran smack into the slide.

December 26th - Christmas with Family

Everyone flew in on Christmas day (except Rich and Chi who got bumped and earned a nice chunk of change for it).  Once Rich and Chi arrived Theresa and I sent everyone to their rooms and got everything set up.

Christmas Morning at the Flowers' house

A very Merry Christmas morning to everyone!

Here's our Christmas stockings.  And even our tikis are getting into the spirit.

Lion King at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

This has just been a big week for us going to see shows.  Chanticleer on Thursday, Cirque du Soleil on Sunday, and then Thursday we made plans to fly to Vegas to see the Lion King.

 

 (not my photo)

Christmas Lights and Decorating the Tree

This year Theresa said I could do whatever I wanted to the outside of the house.  The result was 12 sets of net lights, 14 strands of regular lights, and 12 sets of icicle lights. 

Cirque du Soleil - IRIS

After a not so stellar time at Chanticleer, we were happy to find another show to go to so soon.  On Saturday, Theresa got an email showing discount tickets to Cirque du Soleil IRIS at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.  Only thing was, the best time for us to go would be the very next day at 2pm.  It was a pretty easy decision though for us.

A Chanticleer Christmas at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

On December 15, 2011 Theresa and I went to the Walt Disney concert hall for a little bit of Christmas music. 

Disneyland Christmas Visit

On December 11th, we were invited to join Steph, Farman and a few other friends at Disneyland.

We got there early and explored the areas around the Disneyland Hotel.  Here we're at the rose garden.

Ho Ho Holiday Event - A California Hayride at Ruston's house

The evening started early at Ruston's place.  We arrived right around 4:45pm and Ruston, Jacob, Scott and Jim were all already there.  Darn L.A. traffic making us late.  Oh well.  Ruston's place was all decorated for the holidays.

Theresa's Favorite Carrots

Almost every Saturday, Theresa heads off to the farmer's market to get fruits and vegetables for the week.  This past week she found carrots in all sorts of colors for her vegetable stew.

Mission Impossible 4 - Ghost Protocol

Thursday night, Theresa and I treated Tyler, Rita, Amy and Donald to an IMAX movie at the Howard Hughes center.  This was one of the presents Theresa put in their Christmas stockings.  Rich and Chi volunteered to watch the kids at the house.

Prep and Landing

Have you seen the Disney's Prep and Landing series yet?  Back in 2009 Disney made a great 22 minute Christmas show called Prep and Landing.  It was such a hit they asked for another to be ready for Christmas 2011.  But, what were they going to do for 2010?  They made a 7 minute short to keep Prep and Landing in everyone's mind while the longer 22 minute show was still in the works.

If you haven't seen it, Theresa and I highly recommend it.  We invited all our friends over on December 7th to watch all three episodes.  And this is how we answered the door.

Disneyland Candlelight 2011 - Gary Sinise

This was our fourth year of going to Candlelight at Disneyland.  Ever since meeting Ruston and learning he sang at Candlelight, it's become a yearly tradition.

Welcome to Disneyland!  It's Christmastime!