Thanksgiving Weekend

Our Thanksgiving was really a nice four days. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
THURSDAY-The day started off with going to church and playing at the park afterwards. Then we came home to watch football. It got a little depressing how quiet it was here. I really enjoy all the loud family gatherings and I missed that a lot. After having some snacks and Addison's nap, we headed to dinner. We had a great Thanksgiving Meal at Maggianos. I would recommend it to anyone who is not looking to cook. The food was delicious and they gave you so many different options. Addison enjoyed a turkey cookie we bought at a new bakery at The Grove.
FRIDAY-All 3 of us headed out to Anaheim to see the Blackhawk's play the Ducks. To top off the day Jim surprised us that Portillo's was right near the stadium, so we headed there for lunch. It was funny, because there were many other Chicago fans eating there too! It was as good as it always is. Addison did great at the game. She wasn't a fan when they dimmed the lights and the it got loud, but she was excited to hug the Duck and eat ice cream. I convinced Jim to stop at the The Grove Mall on the way home to get one last gift I needed. That place is so cute during the holidays. There is a picture of Addison ringing the bells to some ladies playing holiday music. We ended up eating dinner there outside (with a heater near by).
SATURDAY-We got up really early and ran a 5K in Santa Monica. It was my first and I enjoyed it. Addison was pushed in the jogging stroller by Jim. We headed to breakfast and then played at home. Then my cousin Lisa came to babysit Addison while Jim and I headed to the Notre Dame/USC game. We had a great time at the game, except that it started pouring the 3rd and 4th quarter. We stayed for a long time in the rain, but then enough was enough. Of course we missed the final touchdown and ND finally beating USC. It was fun anyways!!
Sunday we were lazy (well Addison and I were) and watched the Bear's win and took long naps, while Jim studied of course. I was so thankful to have Jim around for 4 days and all the fun things we got to do. We ended our weekend with dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. On the way home we gave Addison's extra pizza to a homeless lady, who looked like one of us. It was really sad. We felt good, but Miss Addison had a hard time that we gave her pizza away. Guess we have a lot of lessons of giving to others in the near future. Jim keeps reminding me "she's only 2". Enjoy some photos of our weekend.

Chicago

We finally made it home to Chicago for the first time in 3.5 months. It felt so great to be back in Lombard! We were there from late Wednesday through Sunday. It went by really quick, because of all we did. We spent a lot of time with both our families and went to our good friend's wedding, which Jim stood up in. I can't believe I have no pictures. I think I was so excited to see and talk to people, that I forgot to get my camera out. Addison had a blast playing with her cousin Brody and sleeping over at both Grandparent's houses. I loved the cold air and cozy feeling of being in a home. I keep praying that we are able to move back there next summer. For now, we can't wait to be back for a week at Christmas!! Thanks to both our families for the great visit!!
It took a few days for Addison to recover from lack of sleep and a bad cold she got while in town. Flying on an airplane for 4 hours with her isn't my favorite thing to do, but it wasn't horrible.

Halloween

The weekend of Halloween was very busy for Miss Addison. On Friday she started off by having a Halloween parade and party at her school. It was so cute. I loved being in the audience and watching. I am even the room mom for her class, so that was fun too. Addison was Mini Mouse this year. She chose that. There was a Mickey Mouse boy in her class and they held hands during the parade. It was adorable. She is so obsessed with candy that I'm glad Halloween is over (although we do have a few pieces left).
Then on Sunday we went Tricking or Treating in our neighborhood. It started off with trick or treating at all the stores on Montana Ave in Santa Monica. Her first stop was the liquor store right next to our apartment. Then we met some friends and headed to the houses. Halloween in Santa Monica was the most amazing Halloween experience we've ever had. Jim and I kept saying to each other "can you believe this". The houses are beautiful and their are people everywhere. I could barely get the stroller down the street at times. We stayed out for a few hours, because we all were having such a great time and the weather was great. Halloween will be one of our great memories in Santa Monica!

Disneyland

Disneyland is about 30 minutes from us, so we decided to make a day trip for their Halloween Celebration. We left early in the morning and had a great time. The weather was perfect. Addison was super brave and went on all the rides we asked her too. She even did a pretty good job standing in line for a length of time. I think Jim had as much fun as Addison. He really wanted to go on Space Mountain, but the line was way to long. We'll be back in Spring with family, so he can go then I told him. Addison loved visiting Minnie Mouses house, getting autographs, seeing characters and watching the amazing "Celebration Parade" they put on. We tried to last until 9:30 at night for the fireworks, but we just couldn't do it. Maybe next time. I heard they are great. We walked away with many Mini Mouse items and other things too!!

Pumpkin Farm

We had a great time at the Pumpkin Farm the week before Halloween. We decided to try the place where all the celebrities go, but we didn't see anyone that day. Addison had fun decorating a pumpkin, petting animals, getting her face painted, eating cookies and picking out her pumpkin. It wouldn't be a day without Addison if we didn't have a tantrum, so she of course had a tantrum when it was time to leave. I thought we might make US magazine with her kicking and screaming while Jim carried her to the car, but I guess they are really looking for "real celebrities". We went the easy route decorating a pumpkin this year since we don't have a lot of room to carve and make a mess!!

Napa Valley

In Mid October we had the opportunity to fly to San Francisco and drive to Napa for a long weekend. Jim was going for a conference, so Addison and I tagged along. We were able to bring my cousin Lisa with us to keep me company during the day and to help watch Addison during the evenings. We had a great time shopping, taking a wine tour, eating at many yummy places and having 2 date nights out with Jim. The town of Napa was ok, but when you go through St. Helena and other towns you literally pass vineyard after vineyard. It was really beautiful. We had a great time.

Sea World with Grandpa & Grandma Dillon

Grandma and Grandpa Dillon came to visit for a week at the end of September! The first weekend here we headed to San Diego for the night. We spent all day Saturday at Sea World. It was really warm, but we had a great time. They have a Sesame Street area with rides and characters. Addison was in her glory when she could sing and dance with Elmo and Friends. Then she even got to meet them for a quick picture.
We loved having my parents out here for the week to keep us company and visit. Jim and I got to go on 2 date nights while they were here. We had dinner with friends who were here from Wisconsin and went to a wine bar another night. Thanks for the great week Mom & Dad! Addison had a really hard time letting them go at the airport.

Go Bears!

We had to get Direct TV so we could get all our Chicago Sport Games. The adjustment however is that a lot of the Bears Games are on at 10am California Time. When you have a toddler, it doesn't matter if it starts at 10am. We're up by 7:30am!! Thanks Auntie Kickin for sending Addison her Bears Jersey. She even wore it to school to represent!

Kitchen Time!

Playing Dress-Up and School

Addison is really into playing dress-up. She also likes to read to her stuffed animals. This is her being the teacher and reading them books, so mom could fold laundry for maybe 5 minutes by myself!!

Labor Day at Marina Del Rey

We went to Marina Del Rey (which is only 15 minutes from us) on the weekend of Labor Day. We took a nice $1 Boat Ride. It let us off at a place called "Mother's Beach". There we had lunch at Cheesecake Factory and played on the playground on the beach. We then took the boat back to where we parked.

First Day of School!

Addison started 2.5 year old Pre-School in the beginning of September. She is going 3 days a week for 4 hours a day. Her school is at a church down the street, so we get to walk their each day. She has 2 teachers named Ms. Khanh and Ms. Amy. She loves them so much. She really enjoys doing art projects and it's obvious by what she looks like when I pick her up. It was important for Addison to be around other kids her age. Also it was important that Mommy have some time to herself, so I can be a better mom the remaining time. I am enjoying my time by working out, taking an uninterrupted shower or running errands. My favorite part of the day is when I go to pick her up and seeing the smile on her face!!

Grandma and Grandpa Sostak Visit

Jim's parents came to visit us for a few days the week of August 23rd. Jim had to work during the days, but they kept Addison and I company which was nice. Some things we did while they were visiting:
-Visited The Grove Shopping Center where we ate at The Farm and took a trolley ride.
-Took them to a really yummy ice cream/frozen yogurt place (which we think we should open in IL). You make your own sundae with different flavors to choose from and toppings. Then they weigh it for the cost! We already know my dad is in trouble when he comes here!!
-Spent an afternoon at the Aquarium in Long Beach!
-Had a wonderful dinner at The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier and then took a ferris wheel ride afterwards. Addison enjoyed more rides after that too!
-Shopped at the new Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade!
-Ate at a few more yummy places on Montana Street.
-Did a lot of walking and Addison showed them she has the most energy a 2.5 year old could have!
-Ate some yummy cupcakes and cookies!
The weather was beautiful and we had a wonderful time! Thanks for the visit and all the goodies while you were here! We loved having the company and seeing you. Come back soon!!

Couple more California Pictures!

California

Well it's been 3 weeks now living in California. Now that we are settled I plan to do better about blogging. Well where do I start. Our first 2 weeks were more like a vacation in California. After the unloading of boxes and more boxes (and my sister yelling at me that I brought to many clothes) we felt settled in our new apartment. Kristen came to help us and see California for her first time. She stayed for 2 weeks and we enjoyed having her here. I don't think we would have gotten everything done without her. Thanks Kristen!! You're the best!! Jim was off work for those 2 weeks, so we hit the beach, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, the pool, Hollywood, etc.

We are living in Santa Monica. We are 10 blocks from the beach (10 minute walk), amazing shopping and great places to eat! Our apartment is on the corner of 11th and Montana. Montana has a ton of upscale shops, food, cleaners (on every corner) and nail places everywhere. We have a fantastic location. I barely drive at all. I can walk to the grocery store, the bank, cleaners, the mall, post office, Addison's school. You name it I can walk there. I love that.

Jim started work this past Monday and Kristen was gone-reality set in. Addison and I are left to explore this big place by ourselves. We joined the YMCA, visited a park, went to story time at the library, went shopping and rode her bike around the block a few times. Addison is going to go to school 3 half days starting in September. She's ready to go and being around other kids will be great for her. So until then, Mommy will just have to find things to do each day. His first week of work went well and he's busy already. He's had a lot of late nights already this week, but are happy when he's home.

Let me share some things I "like" and "getting used to" about living in California.
"Likes":
-the weather is beautiful (although very chilly in the evening). Reminds me of my favorite season Fall! The people here say the weather is horrible right now but we are enjoying it. If we drive 15 minutes from Santa Monica the temperature goes up 15 or so degrees. I guess since we are so close to the ocean it makes it cooler.
-being able to take a run and see the ocean next to me!
-walking everywhere
-having my cousin Lisa close by!
-the fact that there is a Nordstrom & Juicy Couture Store in my own city!!!
-that Addison has adjusted so well-she's a trooper!
-that cars stop immediately whenever you are crossing the street at non stoplight intersections!
-the Farmer's Market-yummy!!
-Cooking healthier (California inspires you to do that)
-Our new Church-it's beautiful and the music is great (plus the the Governor Arnold and his wife belong there too! We saw them one Sunday)

"Getting Used To":
-living in an apartment (after living a house)
-not having a backyard for Addison to run around in
-the white walls in the apartment
-the super super small washer and dryer in the apartment
-not having my family or friends to hang out with! (this is the hardest)
-being asked "hot or cold" when I order chocolate milk for Addison when eating out.
-people don't follow the guidelines of walking on sidewalks here-STAY TO THE RIGHT!
-that everyone has dogs and they bring them everywhere (including nice stores)

Well enjoy some first few photos!! Any visitors are welcome!!