Winter Wonderland

I often wake up at odd hours with a random thought, the need to complete a mental checklist, or since entering my third trimester, to use the restroom. But last night, I couldn't fall asleep. As tired as I was, excitement and anticipation filled the air as rumor had it that our little valley was going to be covered in snow. Was it too good to be true? Forecasts showed snow as early as 10pm. Well, 10pm, 11pm, midnight, 1am, 2am....I was like a little girl waiting at the window for a Santa sighting. Nothing!

I was starting to feel a bit gipped that my friends in surrounding cities and communities were posting pictures of snowfall in their neighborhoods. What the heck?? I couldn't believe I had managed to stay awake until 2am but I did and man, I was disappointed! Nothing, not a flurry, snowflake, nothing! So when Andrew woke up the next morning at 8am(a celebration in itself as this kid rarely sleeps in!! GO ME!), we let the dog outside and wouldn't you know it, the backyard was covered in frost, with areas actually covered in patches of snow! I am not even going to complain that we were late coming to the snow party but I was curious was it looked like at 6am. In any event, Andrew was SO excited!!! He couldn't wait to get his jacket on and check out the snow in the yard.

My parent's backyard had a much better showing!

Only in Temecula and in Southern California would you see us Valley folk this excited about a little snow. In wine country, people pulled off the side of the road to sled and have a snow ball fight!

Winter Wonderland in Wine Country indeed!

It was a perfect end to 2014! One we probably won't see again for another 10-15 years!

Memories of this Year's Winter Fun

As I spend the evening reflecting on the blessings and adventures I have endured during 2014, my heart smiles...and Austin rolls around in my belly reminding me that he is absolutely one of my biggest blessings...and he is not even here yet! This is the first New Year's Eve that I have not spent the evening out celebrating and ready to ring in the New Year with family and friends. With all honesty, at almost 8 months pregnant, I am A-Okay with it! Andrew and I are spending the evening all bundled up, watching Christmas movies, and playing with the toys recently left by Santa. Today, in itself, was both productive and day of celebration! For the first time in I don't know how many years, it snowed in Southern California. That's right, these aren't crazy prego hormones talking, we actually got snow and the Temecula Valley looked like a Winter Wonderland. And if you are from Southern California, your Facebook page and every phone conversation was filled with excitement of waking up to a white New Year's Eve. Andrew certainly was giddy. We didn't have quite as big of a snow covering as other neighborhoods in the area but it was enough to get Andrew beyond excited, put on his jacket, and new boots and go out and play! It was definitely a great way to end 2014 and welcome 2015.

Some highlights of the Winter Fun for Wallace Family include: (click on the links for the individual posts and pictures)

• Christmas Extravaganza
• Snow in Old Town Temecula
• Andrew meets Santa!
• Bainbridge Circle Christmas Lights
• Big Bear Bonanza

The evening is coming to a close and with a happy heart and gratitude, I wish you and your family a Happy New Year and I can't wait for what lies ahead in 2015!

Bainbridge Circle Christmas Lights

A few years ago, Kyle and I discovered a neighborhood in our community that literally goes all out with a Christmas light spectacular that involves an entire street of homes and is synced to music that is played from a local radio station. It is no joke! And every year, it gets bigger and better, particularly with the addition of more homes. We have now made it a tradition to take Andrew every year. Last year, we took Andrew at least a dozen times. As Christmas came closer, we found the street's popularity greatly increased, so much so that the CHP became involved to manage traffic on and off the street. This year, even at 5:30, when it first opens, Bainbridge Circle was packed! We personally enjoy walking the street since there is so much to see but it is fun to be in your car, nice and roasty toasty and with music blaring at you.
The holidays seem get better and better every year, especially with our little man! He fully understands the magic of Santa Claus and holiday spirit. Every night when driving home from our day's adventures, Andrew would ask to see Christmas lights. So if it wasn't too packed, we visited Bainbridge. Andrew recognized many characters in homeowner's yards, including Snoopy, Elf on the Shelf, Santa, the reindeer, characters from the old time classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Charlie Brown. He LOVES IT!!! And apparently, so does the rest of the valley since the street was always packed. I am happy that our community has a place to welcome visitors from everywhere to gather and share in the holiday spirit. It is certainly a tradition in the Wallace house and we look forward to the year's to come.

I just can't remember when he got so big!!

Happy Holidays friends!!

Snow in Old Town Temecula

After returning from Big Bear and seeing Andrew's fascination with snow, Kyle had heard that the City of Temecula was going to be holding it's Annual Snow and was going to bring in snow for munchkins to play in. After dinner, we walked around Old Town Temecula and checked out the holiday festivities. Old Town had an ice skating rink, train, shopping, music, and food. They also had real snow for toddlers to play in as well as the "snow" from City Hall. Even though Andrew knew it was bubbles, he still enjoyed the fun!

He wasn't too sure about jumping into the "snow" with the rest of the kids.

And within 5 minutes of being in the car, our little man was DONE!

Andrew meets Santa!

Today is the big day! Today is the day that Andrew is going to meet the jolly ole' man himself...Santa! Since last year, Andrew has talked about Santa but was always too scared to meet him. Secretly, I really wanted to be the proud parents of one of those photos where the child is terrified on Santa's lap but I chickened out. This year, with the support and encouragement from his best little buddy, I was optimistic that Andrew would meet Santa and maybe even get a photo!

 

At first glance, it was not looking good. Andrew wanted nothing to do with Santa. Jakob told Santa everything he wanted for Christmas and Andrew stood behind me and checked out the man in the red suit. After a few minutes of no progress, we went to the side of the store where there was an ornament decorating station for kids to gain courage and for Santa to come and meet and greet, with the hopes that kids will warm up to him. Thankfully, Auntie Kara had the brilliant idea that Andrew buddied up to Santa, we would go play at the park that was set up within the shopping center. Genius!! And it totally worked!

Hard at work!

Afterwards, both boys were chitty chatty and telling Santa their whole life story.

Andrew gave Santa high fives....

And even knuckles! They were officially homies!

Look at these two goofballs! 

But they sure are dang cute!! 

 

Thank goodness our first visit with Santa was a success! Hopefully, we will have continued success in the years to come!

Merry Christmas!!

Andrew is going to be a big brother!!

We are pleased to announce that we have drafted another player to our team and HE is scheduled to see game time in March! Andrew is beyond excited to be a big brother and Mommy and Daddy are thrilled to welcome another baby boy!!

Freedom...it's a little overwhelming!

Clearly, the school year must have started as per my usual Fall norms, it has been months since I have been able to blog. Geez, no excuses it is what it is and thank you to my loyal readers who know that this is always going to be the case.

This year has brought many changes, both exciting and new! My new job has been amazing...to say the least! While I miss the classroom and the relationships with my students and fellow team of teachers, waking up and enjoying morning snuggles every morning with my family, no longer having to commute to Riverside anymore, and being a better, MUCH better, mom and wife makes the transition so much easier. I am truly grateful that I was able to become an ES. I have learned why it was deemed the "coveted" position within my school, especially to a mama with littles. I am home everyday with Andrew...truly, it doesn't get better than that! AND to top it off, my families are AMAZING! I was blessed to have great families in the academy (and I am thankful that I have some of my academy students on my roster this year-feels like home!) but homeschool families genuinely care about education and helping their child succeed. There are certainly exceptions but overall, I am loving the support and the kindness of my families.

Since the last time I posted, the school year had just started and we took Andrew to his first baseball game. At the time, I had 5 students on my roster. Not going to lie, I was SUPER stressed out as financially, I wasn't sure if I made the right decision for my family. However, I am pleased to report that I am currently serving 30 students and finally getting into my Wallace groove! With that being said, I have been able to enjoy many wonderful activities with our family and friends. I have been having too much fun to blog about them then but I am now and linked them below too:

• Apple Picking at Riley's Farm with our besties
• Took Andrew to Disneyland for the first time...for two days!
• Participated in Halloween Festivities

While it may not seem like much, these were activities that would have NEVER been able to commence on a non-school day. Clearly, you can see that I am enjoying my new found freedom and flexibility. I have been thankful to feel like I am being a much better wife, mother, and friend and it beautiful being able to rekindle relationships that I neglected. I never thought that I would want to leave the classroom and that this point, until my little man is older, I can't forsee a desire to want to go back anytime soon! I hope that this freedom will also hold me more accountable to blogging more as there are so many more adventures with Andrew. But if I don't, at least my reasons for being busy are now for the most important reason of all: spending time with family!
Happy Fall my dear Family and Friends!!

Trick or Treat..says the Chief!

Now that Andrew is old enough to understand the concept behind what it means to trick or treat, he loves Halloween and all things spooky! For weeks leading to Halloween night, this kid ran around the house with his trick or treat bag and collected "treats." And wouldn't you know it, our little man wanted to be a firefighter. I know, I know, shocker!! We bought him this costume in August for his birthday and since then, he has been inseparable with it. Every morning, he changes into his bunker pants and jacket and goes on calls. The costume came equipped with an axe and a radio, which he utilized on every emergency. Apparently, the Wallace house is very busy for running fire calls. Thank goodness mommy is always protected by her little hero.

When Halloween arrived, we were geared up with our turnouts and trick or treated around the neighborhood. I couldn't help but snap a few photos of the pre-trick or treating because he looked just so dang cute!

 

After saving the neighborhood, this little firefighter fell asleep in preparation of heading to trick or treat with our besties. They have the most amazing neighborhood that goes all out for Halloween, with several haunted houses and over the top decorations. Nevermind the fact that the these kids make out like bandits in the amount of candy they collect. His bucket was full! YAY for mom and dad!

 

Before hitting the block, Andrew and Jakob had to be given the appropriate "stache-tober" mustache and soot on the face! They looked great...and sooooooo cute! 

Why so serious??

Tell me they aren't the cutest?? I mean, seriously?

 

And they just keep getting cuter!

 

After an hour of solid trick or treating, the kids were done and the loot was to be had. I loaded up the little fireman and packed him in the car. He had a death grip on his candy bag. He was gun-hoe in checking out and taking inventory but I could see the yawning starting to commence and the eyes getting heavy...wait for it...wait for it...

 

And in 3...

 

2.....

1....OUT!

 

 

 

Happy Halloween friends! Hope it was "Spook-tacular"!!

Disney Adventures: Andrew's First Trip to Disneyland

Now that Andrew is old enough to recognize Disney characters and more than just Mickey Mouse, Kyle and I couldn't wait to take Andrew to Disneyland for the first time. Every parent remembers taking their child to Disneyland for the first time. I would like to say that I remember my first time going to Disneyland as a child but clearly, I was very young and what I remember are the stories my parents told me and the pictures that were taken of me taking in the magic. I have said it before that witnessing an event through the eyes of my son is WAY better than I could have ever imagined. Not going to lie, I barely slept the night before. You would think it was my first time going to Disneyland! I was filled with anticipation of how Andrew would react and was excited to watch Kyle take Andrew to all of his favorite attractions he remembered as a kid. Being a parent sure is amazing! It certainly has it's moments where life seems impossible but then there are moments like these that put everything into perspective. Sleep deprived and all!

 

After being gone for several weeks with trainings and staffing patterns, Kyle decided that he was feeling brave enough to tackle not 1, but 2 days of Disneyland. I was floored!! But in full support, we loaded up the car and headed to Anaheim. We decided to buy season passes since it is astronomically ridiculous what Disneyland charges for a day admission. Knowing that we were going two days, it wasn't much more to buy a pass. Now, I get to take Andrew any time and I am super excited to take Andrew back at Christmas time. He absolutely loves Christmas, lights, and Disney characters...sounds like a perfect combination for a reason for a future visit!

 

We arrived early in the morning and Andrew was eyes wide open! The park was decorated for Halloween and he was all a flutter at the pumpkins and Halloween decor and then beyond excited to see his favorite characters adorn all the walls and memorabilia as you walk in. After several annual pass holders advised us, we took Andrew to City Hall where he received his First Visit pin! It was his first treasure of the day! (He still holds it to this day!)

 

Consider yourself warned: I was absolutely, positively, proud to admit it, that I was "That Mom" that served as the proud mom paparazzi. I took a few okay, a TON of photos. You should be thankful I narrowed it down to these for your viewing pleasure!

First stop, City Hall to check in for a First Visit button. He wasn't to sure what to think upon arrival. It was a little overwhelming, and understandably so!

 

Next stop, Kyle had to get a cup of coffee. Which meant a breakfast treat for this first time little visitor. He loved his morning treat! Clearly! I promise my son has better table manners.

 

Despite my fear of it being too spooky, Andrew loved the Haunted Mansion. He gripped onto Kyle during the opening part where the elevator illuminates Jack at the top and all the thunder and lightening but aside from that, he wasn't afraid.

Next stop: Tom Sawyer's Island. This was Kyle's favorite part of Disneyland as a kid and he couldn't wait to show Andrew. We easily spent over an hour running amuck and touching EVERYTHING!!

 

So Andrew, what do you think of Disneyland so far? I'll take that as two, very enthusiastic, thumbs up!

 

He thought the pirate skeleton was entertaining...good thing he doesn't understand what was happening.

This little boy is obsessed with boats and pirate ships. It stopped him in his tracks to watch it go by.

Check out all this loot!

After all the fun on the island, we made our way to Big Thunder Mountain Ranch petting zoo and Halloween tent.

To our surprise, he willingly gave Goofy a high five...

 and a hug! WOW!!

Oh and he met Woody too! He was beyond jazzed!

 

On to terrorize ToonTown!

Shocker...he found the fire truck in Toon Town!

 

 

And he met the mouse himself! Mickey got a high five, a hug, AND knuckles! He was pretty excited...but you can never tell in a posed photo.

And of course, our first opportunity to sit and take a break, this kid took a little power nap!

And power nap indeed: he was all geared up and ready for a little Autopia adventure!

I am not quite ready or prepared to see my son behind the wheel of a car yet!

I'm surprised Kyle let him drive.

Had to check out the Finding Nemo submarines.

Clearly, I had the unfair advantage!

I'll give you 5 bucks to guess who had to buy this for his son!

Look at that stance!

And Kyle had to buy this light up sword for our fun during the World of Color! And supposedly I am the one that spoils this kid...hmmm mmmm! I beg to differ and now have proof to show.

Our first day at Disneyland was amazing! Andrew made it through most of the show but fell asleep atop of Kyle's shoulders. I think it's safe to say that he had a wonderful first day!

 

Day two proved to be just as successful and memorable. We all moved a little slow getting out of bed that morning and we were not in any rush to be there first thing in the morning. We decided to start our day again at Disneyland to check out a few things but had plans to end our day at California Adventure.

First stop of the day was at Kyle's second favorite spot as a kid: the shooting range. We definitely gave a few quarters at this spot!

I know, it comes as a shock that he couldn't wait to jump onto the fire engine at the Main Street Fire Department.

We took Andrew back to California Adventure where we checked out It's a Bug's Life. Super cute rides!

This ride was by far his favorite. He and Kyle had a great time together. To our disappointment, this was the last week that this attraction was going to be open as it was closing permanently for a new ride. Hopefully, Andrew won't remember next time we go.

As we finished the afternoon in California Adventure, our last leg of our Disneyland adventure was checking out Downtown Disney. Mind you, the last time Kyle and I went to Disneyland was probably 15 years ago when we first started dating. I don't think California Adventure was around yet and Downtown Disney may have been being built. Needless to say, it's been awhile. It was a super cool place and I can see why so many adults hang out in this part of the park. We ended up eating dinner at the Rainforest Café and as we suspected, Andrew fell asleep in his dinner plate. His fun at Disneyland wore him out! But on the bright side, Kyle and I were actually able to savor and enjoy our meal. It was a lovely ending to a wonderful trip. Until next time Disneyland, thanks for the fun!