Christmas at the Beach

On Christmas Day,* after Darrick got home from work, Alexander opened his presents, including some cool cars from Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim (that would keep him entertained nearly the entire way to San Diego later that day). The Boy does have an issue with wanting to play with the toy he opens instead of opening the other presents, though. Wonder how long that will last?





We'd packed the day before, so after cleaning up the forensic evidence left by Santa, we were out the door, on our way to Loews Coronado Bay Resort for the weekend (thanks to the employee discount).



We spent our first morning walking around the bay, looking for shells, things to throw, and missing hands.









As soon as Nana and Papa arrived, we opened more gifts then headed out to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It was quite the drive.



The carousel was definitely the highlight.



Alexander liked it too.



And the safari had its moments.



Well, OK, moment. It had its moment. But it was a great idea in theory, and at least we all got to be bored together. Nothing brings a family closer like synchronized yawning.

After Uncle Eric, Aunt Jené, and cousins Charlotte and Andrew got into town, they suggested we go out to La Jolla and check out the Seals. I gotta say, I was all for this idea. Finally a little something for the moms, am I right?

Yeah. These weren't the seals I'd hoped to be ogling, although I do admire those abs.



Alexander's seal impression was uncanny. I don't know what exactly he was saying to those creatures, but I'm pretty sure there was some kind of marine mammal coup fomenting by the time we left.



That evening, we had an awesome birthday dinner for Andrew and my mom at a restaurant on the bay. Alexander and Andrew were on the same frenetic wavelength, which was a mixture of hilarious and mortifying as these things usually are in restaurants.

The next day, before we had to head home, we all met up at Legoland, which is rather incredible. To see some of the amazing structures, check out the full set of photos we took. (If you're family, you can see the photos of the Bearse family too once you log in to Flickr. Let me know if I need to add you as a family member.)

Alexander and I enjoyed some paleontology.



Then Papa agreed to help Alexander fake his height so he could get on one of the rides.



Alexander received yet more gifts, this time from his aunt, uncle, and cousins. He is still obsessed with this robot.



And for the first time, Alexander got to see Santa! It was quite the impressive replica. He even had a little Lego flask and a soup kitchen ticket tucked into his suit.



We had a wonderful time seeing family, although we wish we could have made it a longer trip, and we're sorry we missed seeing friends while we were out there.



Next time, we're definitely spending more time at the ocean, which Alexander loved.



Provided the seals haven't taken over California by then.


*See, I'm only a month late blogging this time. Impressive, eh? I thought I'd prolong the Christmas spirit for you all. You're welcome.

It's a . . . babysitter

I had the 5-month ultrasound today. The baby is very active, healthy as can be, and about a week ahead in development. Here's a shot of head, foot, and bottom.







We also found out the sex. I'll let Alexander tell you.



Personally, I'm relieved it will be a babysitter. We'll need all the help we can get.

13 weeks

Here I am at 13 weeks pregnant, followed by a candid shot of the baby lazing about at 12 weeks, healthy as can be.





We don't find out the sex for another month or so, but judging from those skinny legs, I'm guessing that we're having a marionette. It's too soon to tell, of course, so don't start sending us felt clothes and lemon oil.

Mallons: The Lost Episodes, Part 2

Well, now that October is upon us, I suppose I should wrap up the summer blogging.

Darrick celebrated Fourth of July over at the Brokaws. I had to work, so I stayed home with Alexander. Apparently, little Lauren Brokaw kept asking where Alexander was, so next time we'll have to bring him along. Next time we'll have to bring me along.

It looks like they all had a great time.



Although I hope the kids were in bed before the phallic fireworks show started.






Alexander did end up going over to hang out with Lauren. Always the gallant gentleman, he pulled her around in her ride and let her wear his hat.




In fact, it's safe to say that for Alexander, this summer was all about the ladies.






A high point for all of us was Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim's visit. We went to Bookman's, met cousins Tom, Em, and Brenna out at Red Rock, and hung out in our uncomfortable house, basking in the wonders of evaporative cooling in the middle of an unusually humid July.



Alexander got them to model the latest in collapsed tunnel neckwear.



And was rewarded with much tickling and play.

Return of Baby Mallon

We interrupt the irregularly scheduled blogging to bring you this special announcement.

Since his premiere, Alexander has brought us thrills, chills, and lots of laughs and love.

We decided that he was so much fun, we would have to make a sequel someday. Well, guess what?



That's right, Baby Mallon Part 2 is in post-production, scheduled for release on May 17, 2010. (Initial screenings will be limited to the Tucson area.)

Mallons: The Lost Episodes, Part 1

We've been busy this summer, so here is part 1 of our adventures staying at home, making everyone come to us.

Over Fourth of July weekend, Mom and Tom, known in certain elite circles as Nana and Papa, came to visit. There was much playing and interpretive dance. Even the dingo was at ease.





They came bearing gifts, like cars, a cool mat to play with them on, and some sweet shades.





And a Cars clock that lights up, which Alexander adores.



Word.



I'm pretty sure he feels his pad is almost complete. It needs some purple crayon on the walls, maybe, but otherwise, just right.



We spent some time at Reid Park, where Alexander gleefully stormed the jungle gym.





On Sunday, we went to Breaker's Water Park, and lo and behold! Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Linda from Georgia, and cousins Tom, Emily, and Brenna from Apache Junction just happened to be there at the same time. Look, here we are bumping into each other completely by coincidence after choosing the exact same place to stand. And someone who looked EXACTLY like my mom happened to snap a candid photo. Can you believe it?



We had a blast. It was really nice of them to drive down to meet us there. Brenna seemed to have a good time in the water and kicking back in the shade.




Alexander, it seems, really likes water parks. We'll definitely be taking him back.







Wait for it . . .





Coming soon (relatively), Alexander finds love, fireworks, and Aunt Christine and Uncle Jim's visit.