Since last we met

I’m digging out from the absolute whirlwind of the last month while simultaneously getting ready for the roller coaster ride of January. So I wanted to catch up here before I forget things.

Let’s see—in November, we made our annual trip to see Ben and Jen and the kids for Thanksgiving. They’re no longer in Yuma AZ (which to be honest I was glad to have seen and I’m good never going back), but live in the most amazing area in Camarillo CA. I could live there so easily, the ocean is right there as are mountains, and the climate is pretty sweet too.
Jordan and Amanda couldn’t come this year; Amanda is in her third trimester and didn’t want to risk air travel at this point. I get it, it’s a long flight and these days flying isn’t all that much fun.

But we had a grand visit with Ben, Jen and the kids. In no particular order, we:

• Indulged my strong desire to go to a brick and mortar Uniqlo (in Santa Monica, which was not at all crowded on an early Sunday)
• Drove up the coast and then took Malibu Canyon to get the rest of the way to their house.
• Took a hike and saw forever across the ocean to the west. While I love mountains, I’m Team Ocean all the way.
• Saw tide pools on a very brisk day, and clambered all around the rocks finding more to see.
• Took Alison shopping as a small thank you for all the years she’s given up her room and her bed when we visit. 
• Ran a Turkey Dash race as a family in less than ideal conditions (40F and pouring—I do mean pouring—rain). The link is to next year's event, but the details are basically the same. The kids ran a 1k and were champs, and then we adults ran the 5k race. Sometimes the more miserable conditions make races more fun, especially once they’re done. I know we all felt a real sense of achievement that day.
• Enjoyed amazing food (always a given there), and got to visit with a niece (is she still a niece? She once was so I say she still is) I hadn’t seen in a while.
• We had some amazing Indian food at a place Ben loves. 10/10 would go back there again and again.
• We got a gingerbread house kit again for the kids, I wasn't sure if they'd be into it or if they were too old. I needn't have worried; they built it and then in 20 seconds, tore that sucker apart. 

In Santa Monica

VERY windy at the top of our hike.

Alison is taller than I am now. Jen is still slightly taller.

Tide pool--gorgeous.

I could watch this all day.

Just before Armageddon. 

The boys' racing gear laid out the night before.

Every single item was so good, best Indian food I've had in the States.