Hey, Santa!

For the first time ever we had a cooperative kid that wanted to take pictures with Santa. Little man is not so little anymore and this year his interested in jolly old St. Nick is at an all time high. 

Questions I've been asked:

How does Santa fit down the chimney?

Is his belly so big because all he eats is cookies and milk?

Why is he married?

How tall are Santa's elves? Are they taller than me?

Is he watching me right now? 

Where is Santa's house? Can we get there on the freeway?

Parker is quite the curious and chatty little monkey.

It was important for us to find a good Santa that would answer all his questions so we decided to have photos taken with Santa at Seaport Village. We arrived early but there was already a line so Parker and I visited the candy shop and walked along the water looking for crabs while Tuan waited in line for about 30 minutes. Our visit with Santa was pleasant and Eileen was able to capture some good photos of our family. However, I have to note that only 3 of the 7 photos we were given were actually in focus which was very disappointing. For $50, I expect all the photos to be in focus but what is Christmas without some hiccups.

I'm been an absolute trash blogger lately and I apologize. I wish everyone a happy holiday and even happier new year!

Fall Fun at the Julian Mining Co.

[These stylish kids are dressed head to toe in Joy+Love's Fall/Winter collection.]

When you think of San Diego, the first thing that comes to mind are our beautiful beaches but if you venture just one hour east, you will find a little town called Julian nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains. After gold was discovered nearby in the 1870s, the town of Julian became a boom town of aspiring gold rush miners. Julian is now best known for its apple orchards, delicious pies, historic buildings, cozy B&Bs and lush landscape of oaks and pines. For SoCal moms craving a more authentic fall experience, Julian is the perfect place to see the leaves change color, take in the cool mountain air and wear your favorite fall boots and sweaters while taking in some old-fashioned entertainment. Parker and his cousins loved sluicing for gems, exploring the antique farm equipment, snacking on crispy Julian apples and working on their carpentry skills at the Julian Mining Company located a mile from Main Street.

Julian Mining Company
4444 CA-78
Julian, CA 92036
951-313-0166

[This Appaman cardigan is my favorites from the boys collection.]

[We collected some really great stones including quartz and amethyst. They're lined up on Parker's window sill now.]

[The woodworking station has a bunch of build options including different size gem boxes and bird houses. After you finish building your project, there is an option to paint them.]

[Hannah banana.]

[Nora and Audrey are growing up so fast. They are in that awkward teeth phase right now.]

10th Annual Chu Family Pumpkin Carving Contest

It's hard to believe that we have been hosting our annual Chu Family Pumpkin Carving Contest (now known as CFPCC) for 10 years now. Every year we switch it up with a new theme/rules to make carving a little more challenging. This year we cut the carving down to 1 hour to really challenge all the participants (we usually carve for 2-4 hours). Almost everyone carved this year including my dad. The kids are really getting into it now that they are older and we can trust them with sharp objects. Pumpkin carving is one of my absolute favorite family traditions and I can't wait to to dethrone Tania in 2018! Scroll down to see the winners of this year's contest. Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

[What's that, Tim Gunn?]

2017 Winners

Adult Category

[1st place - Tania's Oogie Boogie]

[2nd place - Noah's Scary Clown]

[3rd place - My Pennywise]

Kids Category

[2nd place - Parker's crab]

[3rd place - Andrew's Dracula]

Pumpkins that didn't make the cut (pun intended).

Annual Bates Nut Farm Visit 2017

I remember the first time we took Parker to Bates Nut Farm to see the big macs. He was barely standing and we had to lean him against the big macs to get the shots. He was shorter than some of the pumpkins! Fast forward to 2017, and my now 4 year old could barely stand still for a photo. He wanted to run through the fields, pick up the pumpkins and was totally distracted by the tractor rides. I started this blog as a public diary of our journey through parenthood in San Diego. Annual traditions like visiting Bates are reminders of how far we've come as parents and how Parker growing into a handsome, independent little boy. 

2016

2015

2014

2013

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road

Valley Center, CA 92802

Mom tips:

-Sunblock, water and closed toe shoes are a must.

-Bring quarters if you want to buy corn to feed to animals.

-Bates now charges a $5 cash only parking fee

-The number of vendors and food trucks has increased significantly. Woo hoo!

-We visiting late in the season this year and most of the big macs were already gone. There were still plenty of pumpkins though!