Friday, December 26, 2014

15 Month and End of 2014 Update!

First of all, Merry Christmas to all our family and friends!

Rachel's 2nd Christmas

She was happy to be with her cousins and grandparents

December has been a whirlwind of traveling. Actually it began in Nov when we drove up to the Bay Area to spend a Thanksgiving with the Zee side of the family

The women at thanksgiving

Auntie Flora, Delia, and Erin made sure Rachel had a great time with trips to the playground and duck pond

She even helped cook some of thanksgiving dinner...not!

Then we drove back to LA for one day. And left for London the next day.

Rachel's approved passport photo (used an app to take it)

Jet lag with a 14 month old was a new experience! She would wake up ready to party, but only for two nights in a row. Then she assimilated, which we are grateful for!

We loved the culture and unique taste of the UK

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was when we went to a children's Carol Christmas service at St. Paul's hammersmith: the entire service was for kids with Christmas songs and a "Dora the explorer" themed treasure hunt which was like a journey to find Baby Jesus in a manger. Kids were toddling everywhere and no one minded! The most relaxing church service with child ever!

 Rach attended her first "mums and tots" group at Justin's boss's church. The mums drank tea and ate brownies while our kids went wild with the toys. It was glorious.

For Justin's birthday, we went to whole foods for all you can eat sushi! How appropriate that they offered it on his birthday 

Hello Big Ben! It IS big.

Hook Em horns at Westminster abbey!

Justin's co-worker and wife hosted us with a traditional English lunch with minced pie for dessert!

Rachel got along great with her British friend, Sienna, who shared all her toys with her

Traditional steak and ale pie: a one-time meal for the trip. 

And that's a wrap on 2014!