We had a lovely Christmas with the Dukes-Gerstle-Christensen-Nords (aka “Durstlesenords”) in Woodland Hills. Bente made yummy glögg. We ate too much and played probably 20 games of Blokus. There was ice skating and holiday beer (though not simultaneously). A good time was had by all. (Photos by Lauren.)
Christmas is nearly a week away, which means I’m shamefully overdue to post an account of our Thanksgiving.
It was the most untraditional one we’ve ever had and probably the most laid-back. My sister, brother-in-law, and two wee nephews drove down for a few days. We did a lot of hanging out and walking around downtown Laguna. Our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of turkey sandwiches on the beach.
It was Lincoln’s second time at the beach, but the first time he’d really explored the sand. Jason and Johnny dug a very deep hole in the sand (as boys do) and filled it up with the two-year-old and more sand. He’s been initiated.
Boone slept as we watched the sunset.
The next day involved a trip to San Diego Zoo where we saw a gorilla and a polar bear very closely. Lincoln is very clever with identifying animals and perched wide-eyed on his daddy’s shoulders for most of the time.
Thanks, Gillespies, for coming for a visit!
Came across some old video footage. Here’s me at 3-years-old, being quite the little goof. (Incidentally, this is some prime documentation of the ’stache Dad used to sport.)
Yesterday my sister gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He’s pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself. It was the first labor I’ve been a part of so there was a good deal of me screaming in my head “OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH!”
It went really well; most of the day was spent just waiting. My sister had asked earlier if I would document the day, so I took a fair share of photos and kept her facebook updated throughout the day.
Little Boone is adorable. He’s got a thick coat of peach fuzz and smells wonderful.
I had a fun time with family this morning. (Jason had to work…poo!) We walked downtown to watch our city’s annual 4th of July parade.
Here’s a little video of my favorite part. Dancing horses! They stole the show. That, and the groups of little kung fu students. Hiyah!
We arrived yesterday in Southern California after a short, five hour drive. (How did that happen?) Last night we ate dinner at home with Jason’s parents, catching up on life and ardently discussing this year’s American Idol (which is especially interesting when your in-laws are in the music and television biz).
Today Jason and his dad and brother are out bicycling around the Rose Bowl and vicinity, and I think my mother-in-law and I might go for a walk later on. Ah vacation!
This video accurately depicts my feelings of having 5 days off in a row.
One of our goals is to become expert home movie makers by the time we have kids. Here is our first shot (filmed and edited by Jason, starring The Nephew™).
Lincoln WALKS! from Jason Dukes on Vimeo.