Isn’t it strange how quickly the year can pass? It’s 2012 already and I’m still in shock.

I don’t think Tyler and I have ever done anything for new year’s eve. I can honestly say I don’t even know if we’ve ever made it til midnight together. We love a good party, but we love our sleep too!

For the last day of 2011, we as a family (along with my sister’s family) spent the day at the Birch Aquarium and walking the beach at the La Jolla cove. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and warm. I love the sunshine so much and am so grateful every day to live here in this oasis of a city. Christmas day was about 72-degrees, and this past week has followed suit, gracing us with beautiful sunshine.

We got to the aquarium just in time for the shark feeding. I imagined a brutal bloodbath of sharks fighting over fish, and wailing and gnashing of teeth. We even secured spots near the front to catch all the action. But what action? A long pole with a fish skewered on the end was submersed in the water and fed individually to the sharks. Talk about disappointment!

Jack loves the water table at the aquarium. He is just tall enough to stand on the stool and play with the boats in the water.

At the La Jolla cove, we walked to the children’s pool to see the seals. Years ago the city built a sea wall partially encompassing the beach to create a safe environment for children to swim. In recent years wild seals have taken over, and now there is a debate over it all as to whether to kick the seals out or let them stay. It’s not illegal to go on the beach (some people do) but you’ll risk the embarrassment of being yelled at by a animal conservationist with a megaphone. There are plenty of them surrounding the beach, creating public awareness about the issue.

Life has been very busy for us lately but we are grateful for the new year and what it will bring. It’s about time for a fresh start, huh?

I’m not much into new year’s resolutions, but I have resolved to enjoy life more and to be happier with who I am as an individual. I’m trying really hard to embrace the imperfections and focus on being the best wife and mother I can possibly be. I want Tyler to look at me and know I am happy, and I want Jack to see me as a role model. If I’m not confident in my own skin, how can he be confident in his?