First Week in California

The weather wasn't as nice as it was before we arrived, but it was definitely better than the weather in the Czech Republic.  Its been so great showing Amaya my hometown and for her to see her grandparents.  She loves when her grandfather plays the guitar for her. We've been doing something everyday and its been great. On the first full day, we already took her to the harbor and the beach my parents walk everyday. The first week was basically going to some different beaches, the harbor, walking and shopping.  It's been great to be on vacation mode as a family!

                                        

                                        

                                        

                                                  

                                                  

                                        

                                        

                                                    

                                       

                 there's a Japanese Daiso in my area now!!  however item are $2.25 (not 100 yen)

                                                            the replica of the Pilgrim boat
                                        

                                        

                                               had to get the $1.50 hot dog & soda from Costco!

                                                                    HUGE PUMPKIN PIE

                                              

                                                  
                                                    
                                          

                                                         

                                        

                                        

                                                         

 

                                        

                                        

                                                            so many squirrels!!! 

                                                         

                                                        my dad and his fisherwoman friend

                                                         

                                        

                                         of course they would have this in Orange County!

    

Prague to Los Angeles

For the holidays, Leos and I decided to fly to California with Amaya. I was a bit nervous how Amaya would be on the flights to LA. Our first flight was from Prague to Amsterdam. We had to get Modry Andel taxi service because we needed an XL car and a car with a baby seat.  Once at the airport, we boarded early and the flight attendants were so nice.  One even offered to hold Amaya while I got my things organized.  I took her offer and Amaya was totally fine.  I told her that it was Amaya's first flight ever and the flight attendant assured me that everything would be fine.  The flight was full, but luckily the ground staff changed the seat next to us and made it empty so we had more space. While the others were boarding, I could see all the disappointed faces when they saw Amaya.  Oh no, a baby on the plane!  Amaya cried just before take off because she was hungry, but I wanted to wait until lift off to feed her due to the pressure in her ears.  However, she was crying so much that I had to just give in and feed her while we were still on the runway.  Luckily, she filled up and fell asleep.  She didn't cry the rest of the flight.  Just before landing, one of the flight attendants gave me something for Amaya.  I thought it was just a standard thing they give all kids on the flights. Then I took a closer look and saw that they included a personalized card for Amaya.  It was so sweet!!  It also included a passport cover!  In Amsterdam, we went through immigration and headed to our gate.  I fed Amaya and then it was already time for early boarding.  We didn't have time to rest, we had to get on the plane.  I was so lucky that I met another mother in a class for Amaya who told me that I should send a message on Whatsapp to KLM to get the bassinet for free on the flight.  When I looked at the website for bassinets it said that you would need to pay for a seat with extra space for the bassinet.  The mother told me that I could get it for free if I sent the message, so I did.  And sure enough I got the bassinet for free.  Great advice! There were at least four other babies on the flight and Amaya was the only one with a bassinet! Amaya didn't sleep as much on the flight as I would've liked, but she cried a lot less than what I was expecting.  She did really great on the plane.  The only difficult part was landing in Los Angeles and not getting the stroller at the gate.  It was such a far walk and I had to carry Amaya while Leos carried most of the carry on items (which were a LOT!).  Upon arrival, there was a separate line for families. It was so quick!!!  We didn't need to wait long for our bags either.  We finally exited and were welcomed by my parents who were waiting for us.  We filled up the car with the bags, stroller and car seat and were ready to take the 1.5 hr ride to my hometown.  It was so good to finally get to my parents house after all the traveling! 

                                                         

                                                            finally arrived at LAX

4th Annual Cookie Exchange

I can't believe it, but it was the 4th Annual Cookie Exchange I have co-hosted with Deanna.  However, this year was a LOT different because I needed Leos to watch Amaya while I went to the event. I had to make sure I came back home in time because Leos had a hockey game. I didn't have much time like I did last year to make the cookies artistic, so I made simple small sandwich cookies with dulce de leche. I tried putting some edible stickers on the cookies, but I didn't have enough, so I just gave those away to close friends. There were so many delicious cookies and it was nice to see some of the regulars that have come to the cookie exchange the previous years. Grace made BEAUTIFUL snowy pinecones with brownies and chocolate cereal.  She won the most artistic and the most unique and best overall were Tiramisu cookies. We also had a Secret Santa.  After that was finished I had to rush back home.  Thanks for a delicious and wonderful time ladies!  See you next year!

                                                                cookie stickers!

                                               Grace carefully unboxing her little art pieces!

                                                                    snowy pinecones

                                                    

                                                                almost all the different cookies!
                                        
                                                                         USA

                                                                                China  10,655
                                        
                                                                        Turkey

                                                                 the winners of the day!!!!

                                        

                                        

                                        

                                        
                                    rolling dice on a phone for the order of Secret Santa

                                                                with our presents!