California

Heather, Andy, Gwennie, and Callan are living out in California for a year, so Scott, Rozlyn and I couldn't think of a better reason for a mid-winter getaway! Our L.A. adventure began as soon as we touched down.  The Hermansons picked us up from the airport and we headed right for the beach.  We spent all afternoon at Venice Beach, a beach known for its eclectic characters, playing in the sand, walking down the beach and people-watching on the boardwalk.

After a relaxing morning, we packed up the crew and head for the hills, literally.  We drove up into the Angeles National Forest for a hike through the evergreens. It was amazing to find such peace and beautiful landsacpes just outside of L.A. The kiddos did great. Gwennie and Callan got a chance to run out some energy and Rozlyn was content on her daddy's back the whole ride. She didn't say a peep, just took in the scenery. The treat at the end of the path was a waterfall; we could walk right up to the base of the falls.  That evening we got a babysitter for the youngsters and us big kids went out on the town in Old Town Pasadena to celebrate Heather's big 3-0!  We shared great company and coversation over a delightful Itialian cuisine.

Sunday morning was Andy's day to give the sermon. It was such a privelage to see Andy in his element. He has such a gift! And they have an amazing church to be a part of!
Our last day we had to make it to Hollywood. We first to a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, checking out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinease Theater Forecourt of celebrity handprints. Then we drove up Mount Hollywood to the Griffith Observatory to get a closer look at the famous Hollywood sign and a vast view overlooking L.A.

You can see the Hollywood sign above our heads, way in the distance!

Our visit was definitely too short. We are looking forward to the summer when we get to welcome the Hermansons back to the mid-west and to meet Hermanson baby numero tres in September!

Christmas in Chicago

Our little McGregor family packed up the car and drove down to Chicago to visit Dad and Debby in their new home for a Christmas weekend. Sarah and Norah met us there as well!  It was great to all be together for Christmas again.  The last time was 10 years ago!  We had a couple lazy days enjoying each other's company around the house, watching movies, and playing games. One of the days we spent touring the Brookfield Zoo. It was a perfect holiday weekend!  Thanks for having us, Dad and Debby! We'll be back this Spring for a swim!

A true daddy's girl

Morning playtime with Norah, Rozlyn and Scotty

Auntie Sarah has the magic touch... Rozlyn stood on her own for the first time!

Rozlyn is in awe of her cousin, Norah

Christmas Feast with Papa!

Rozlyn is all smiles with her Papa!

Papa's dancing hat got lots of laughs

Present time!  Norah was the sweetest little elf! She waited all week for this!

The tree was like a HUGE toy for Rozlyn!

Reading Peter Rabbit with Didi

The girls had a blast playing with all their new toys together! Norah liked to show Rozlyn what to do.

.... and the boxes!

Rozlyn was drawn to the tree our whole stay. 

We spent a day at the zoo, all bundled up. We covered a lot of ground seeing animals from all over the world.  We even caught a dolphin show! 

In October my mom, Scott and I took Rozlyn to her first apple orchard and pumpkin patch. We played around with the pumpkins for awhile. Rozlyn liked to drum on them and hear the hollow beat.  We also took on the corn maze challenge and after a fair share of dead ends, we found our way out!  To wrap up our perfect autumn afternoon outing, we all enjoyed some hot homemade apple cider.

Rozlyn's 7th Month!

Here are some pictures we snapped of our little princess at age 7 months.  She is pulling herself up on everything now.

Nana, Rozlyn and Scotty at the Dragan Thanksgiving at the Bonde household.

Playtime with daddy