Thanksgiving

We went to LA for thanksgiving this year. We left Wednesday afternoon after Michael was done with work. There was a bunch of traffic, but it wasn't too horrible. We arrived past bedtime at the hotel in Valencia so the kids were in a bad place. But they fell asleep quickly leaving Michael and I to enjoy some room service for dinner. Then I watched the Rookie, which is a three hankie triumph. The next day, after Michael got up early with the kids to set up some cartoons, we slept in a bit and then got up to have a nice hotel buffet breakfast. I took the kids for a quick swim in the lovely hotel pool and hot tub while Michael packed up the room and car.

Then we were off to Magic Mountain. It seemed like it was crowded in the parking lot, but once inside we realized how empty it was. Michael and Parker walked on to all the big roller coasters without much, if any, lines. I hung out with the girls in the little kid area. We hooked up with the boys for lunch (pizza) and then did some more rides. We all did one together that was very scary. Everyone but me wanted to do it again. I'm such an old lady.

Miranda started to act really bad so we figured it was time to go. After some mood necklace purchases in the gift shop, we took off for Santa Monica. It only took about 25 minutes and the Marcuses were already there when we arrived.

We hung out, listened to my siblings play music, watched Oliver beat my dad in chess, and then ate a great dinner my mom made. I ate way too much (all day) but still crammed in some pumpkin pie custard. The kids went to sleep late again and I felt pretty gross by that point.

My parents got up with the kids early and we got to sleep in until 8. Michael and I did a run together, something that never gets to happen, down to the beach, and back. Then we met up with the Marcuses again for some hanging out and time at a local park where Parker did a lot of running. Then back to mom's for dinner and giant hoho cake made by Dad.

We got to sleep in again (thanks Mom and Dad) on Saturday, hung out for a bit at home and then took off back to Oakland at 10am. We thought we would beat traffic, but there was plenty including a massive accident on the other side of the freeway near Santa Nella. Michael drove the whole way which made me very happy since I always do that drive alone.

Kids were tired and hungry when we arrived home. Parker also had some strange rash all over his body. So after a quick dinner and dose of benadryl, they all went to sleep. Early for once.

It was a quick visit, but a good one. We'll see Amy and the clan soon as they are coming up after christmas.