Thursday, April 28, 2016

Catching Up: Winter Into Spring

Besides our California road trip and Illinois trip, here's a day in the life so far this year. 
First, a pretty winter sunset view from Z's room.

 In January, Yiayia treated Z and L to Disney's Frozen on Ice at the San Diego Sport Arena!
Great seats!
 Thanks, Yiayia, for a special outing!

Z and her new beta fish named Hearts.

In February, we attended A's concert with the 1st Marine Division Band at the Escondido Performing Arts Center. He was a featured soloist and even conducted one of his arrangements!

 Proud family members in attendence.

In March, A received his Staff Marine Musician of the Year Award while attending the Leadership Symposium at the Naval School of Music in good ol' Virginia Beach.
 Giving a speech during the ceremony.
 He was awarded with the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a sword! 
Very proud of our guy!

Z visiting buddy Caroline in Point Loma.

Photo op with this guy on base.

Celebrating our Risen Savior on Easter!
 Traditional Resurrection Egg Hunt in the backyard.

Easter Part 2 with Gigi and Papa.


 This same week, A went on another tour with the Marine brass quintet, performing at universities in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.

Performing a trombone feature with the quintet.

 Speaking to the crowd.

Having fun during Z's spring break, her first time playing mini-golf.
 Fun little course and recreation area on base.

Feeding ducks at Lake O'Neill on base.

Visiting Daddy at work.

More tea?

 While A and his buddy Gregg were attending a performance of the Montreal Symphony in San Diego, a French-Canadian reporter interviewed them and took their photo, too funny!

Opening day at our brand-new In-N-Out Burger in Oceanside!

Our local ABC News aired a special news feature on A, so exciting!

Spring heatwave = fun with neighbors and sprinklers!

On eBay, L found a meaningful replacement of a lost treasure she had growing up, an "I Dream of Jeannie" bottle identical to one her Great Aunt Shorty gave her while in Hawaii. 

Our cute kindergartner's spring photo from school. 

More spring posts to come.....

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Our Midwest Valentines

Over Valentine's Weekend/Presidents' Week, the Panos girls flew to the Midwest to visit our dear family in Illinois!

Cousin P and Aunt M were wanting for us inside the airport, what a nice surprise!

Special pancake breakfast on Valentine's Day, courtesy of Chef M! 


Off to chilly downtown Chicago for a trip to the Field Museum!
Happy cousins.




 The kids were very excited about the mummies!
 And dinosaur bones!

 Nice view of the Windy City.


While Uncle B and the younger kids went home for naps, the sisters and the two older cousins enjoyed the afternoon in the City. First stop, lunch at the Rainforest Cafe!


Sister Love on Valentine's Day.

Catching our first Uber ride to the famous Michigan Avenue.

Although it was 18 degrees, we were so excited to be in Chicago on this fun, wintry day!

 In the famous American Girl doll store.

 Time for hot chocolate at the Hersey store!

 Horse-drawn carriage still operational in winter.

Mama and her big boy.

P trying to catch falling snow on his tongue, so funny!

Snowy sister selfie.

Train ride back to the suburbs. 

Sleepy girl on the train.

Our stop, the cute village of Glen Ellyn!

Next day, outing to the Childrens' Museum in Naperville.
 They loved this play kitchen and pretend food.
 Not so sure about these long sleeves.

Now for some backyard playtime in the snow!


Mamas and their girls.


Let's throw these snowballs on the count of three: one, two,,,,,,

Three!


Fun trip to the Morton Arboretum! So different than our summer visit here a few years ago. 

Running through the tree-bridges.


No ice skating allowed!

Thawing out at the model train exhibit.

Silly piano duets back at the house.

Storytime with Aunt L.

More fun playtime with N while P's at school.
 Love how the snow sparkles in the sunlight.

Happy lunch at Portillo's, a family tradition.

Cute girl cousins in their matching coats.

What a fun trip! Thank you, Gee Family, for a wonderful time! Love you all!