highlights, part two

we had the privilege of hosting our very good friends, the schnells, when they came out to visit with us last month.  it was so great to see them again and to catch up with each other since we moved from minnesota.  just like old times.  and especially endearing to see jenna and mikey pick up their friendship right where they left off a year and a half ago. 

a few highlights from their visit…

we were disappointed that the week they were here was so chilly (i’ll never say “cold” again in reference to southern california weather since i once used to live where anything above ten degrees felt warm) and rainy since it had been sooo nice just before they came.  but we did make the most of it anyway and spent the first day at the long beach aquarium (where all the “under the sea” photos were taken).  note how both the schnell kids are taller than my kids, even though mine are a year older!

we kept up the marine theme by boiling up some crabs for dinner.  mmm!  mmm!  good!

the next day, we toured the hollywood area and the santa monica beach pier.

playing with the “hollywood” sign…

the schnells!  at the beach!

we didn’t pose them like this, honest!

on friday, mikey had a christmas celebration at preschool so the schnells took the opportunity to go to disneyland for the day.  i’m so glad they decided to go since it turned out to be some awesome memories for them!  in the meantime, we gathered at mikey’s school for a short program and lunch together.  kicking myself for not remembering to bring a telephoto lens…

my sweet girl- such a trooper even with missing most of her naps that week!

we spent their final day at our local beach (only a mile from our place!).  the dads were busy building a sand castle/fort.

the bigger kids were busy with mixing sand and water together.

and the little kids were busy gazing at each other.  austin was so into the baby!  he’s going to be such a sweet big brother to schnell kid #3.

that evening, we exchanged christmas presents before heading out to dinner at claim jumper.

and the visit came to an end all too quickly.  THANKS schnells for making the trip out here (complete with horrible airport experiences) and coming to visit us!  we LOVED seeing you guys and can’t wait to do it again.  phil’s thinking that maybe we’ll fly out there in the fall to see you guys and catch a gopher game while we’re there.  whaddaya think?!