is what I think of Chuck E. Cheeseeven when there are no people there because we went early in the morning, the day after Christmas.
Again, this was a gift from my Ji’chan last Christmas and it has afforded us two trips. So on a whim we went and there is a new one really close to our house (so maybe more clean- and it was).
My family loved it!Someone was even unwilling to leave when all the tokens disappeared.
That is a big lower lip paired with head shaking while mumbling “nuh-uh.”

The holidays were wonderful and these are just a few of the highlights:

Christmas Eve included time with Grammyand an all around toast to a year that has changed us.
We feel the absence of one special personbut still we gather to ease the pain and focus on the family we do have.Paul learned how to play Hangman.
Then we spent some time walking through Naples to admire the lights and the little ones wore their new jammies.
We woke up to a Christmas morning filled with surprises.
We are going with two traditions around here:
new jammies on Christmas Eve and stockings full of love.Olivine loved her chapstick and lotion
Paul was requesting a watch, a clock, and a calculator which cracks me up. Although Olivine insisted the calculator was a “baby iPod.”Henry is good with anything. He likes unwrapping more than anything else.
I was given an array of nail polish
along with an opportunity to visit the papa salon with my boys in the living room.
It was deluxe!
Then we headed outdoors to climb on rocks near the water, met a fisherman who showed up the clams he uses for bait,

came home for naps and went back out during the sunset at the park. Just being mellow and grateful for California sunshine.It really felt like a summer day.Sometimes there are moments where I glimpse heaven, and this season has been one of those. Really Beautiful.

After four hours at the dealership I bought a 2012 Toyota Yaris.Features that helped narrow it down: reliable, gas mileage, and price. I owe (my almost big brother) Sun the real thanks because he was the one doing all the negotiating.This also means an end to the era of Joe hauling around little ones on a bike cart. It’s been five years and almost two years with all three on a daily commute. It is bittersweet for sure. But we are all excited for this next chapter in 2014.

We are hanging out (and the stockings are hung)about to enjoy some finger foods this afternoon with Grammy
and a bit of holiday cheer.After a weekend jam packed.
Starting with the dentist (every winter break and summer break- right away-we go!)I love all the cards in the mailThe boys have been enjoying extended lego play. I overheard them playing “Santa” and leaving presents at the nativity scene. Saturday night was catching up with friends.
My friend Cara is a lovely host
who has fabulous taste and fun decor in every corner.I snapped dozens of photos of her house (I swear I am not being creepy).
Sunday was pancakesthen church in the a.m. and a ton of car dealerships in the p.m.  I have yet to get a car. And for anyone wondering: I have been convinced I won’t be buying the Fiat even though I love it (mint green please). I also won’t be leasing any cars. I did test drive and I do promise to have a car within the next week. Suggestions? I came home with a headache and so glad my family was spared all the hassle of the dealerships.
I woke up early Monday to run (Finally!) and take the kids out to the playground. Someone loves to pretend sleep in the swings. I know that exact feeling. Eyes closed. Hair blowing, Safety of Swing. Winter sunshine. Cool breeze on cheeks.In the evening I went out with two ladies I love and we ate at Avanti Cafe (new to me and now I love-go vegetarian!)I am in need of some serious slowing down, which is the plan for the next twenty-four hours, as we count down to the birth of our Savior.

Blessings to you today.

We are all about the little twinkley lightsthat glow bright

and make us all feel festive. Plus she is singing and dancing up a storm these days.Then there are the classroom craftsthat come home and need to be passed around and tried on.

Yum!A friend surprised me with a ticket to their first ever Christmas Party.
We ate our hearts out and talked and laughed and people watched at the party.
This is the all vegan food truck that has stolen my heart with their gravy fries, avocado tacos, cauliflower taquitos, and ice cream sandwiches.
I’ll be back next year for sure.
What a fabulous way to celebrate the beginning of winter break.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I am generally the teacher who doesn’t adore field trips. They take a lot of work and can be exhausting. The bus ride is noisy and the continual counting of children makes me feel like a camp counselor. But yesterday’s trip to the Natural History Museum went better than expected.When I came home I found Paul ready to just look at books and zone out. While the others were having their own adventure“Momma…Daddy” and she points, adding “water”I look out to see he is cleaning his bike and bike cart.

She has this pitch to her voice that is different when she says “daddy” to when she calls “daddy.”
He is smitten for this baby girl in all her fickle and feisty ways. She calls to him like she needs attention and he drops everything.She is spoiled I tell you.

She then calls “Kitty” and “Out” and “Come”I snap this before she climbs off her chair and insists on going outIt is wet out back from all the dirty water and she is not happy to realize I don’t want to go out back with her. She yells “momma, hand!”But I know that is mostly because of the steps. So I set her down. She sees Henry and papa.She finds a tiny brush and gets to work.

I like this artwork Paul brought home from school. He is supposed to tear off a ring before bed each night so he can countdown to Christmas.
This is a great way for him to show off his one to one correspondence counting skills. Which in turn has Henry and Olivine stepping up to the bell to practice their counting. They think their brother is the coolest because of all the learning he does at school. I love how it trickles down in this family.

Before dinner I asked Paul if he wanted to help clean up the kitchen (no pressure)
and he obliged .
By the look on his face afterwards I know that he felt pride about the rack full of clean dishes.While watching him, I am reminded that God made children have hearts that want to help in earnest and serve with their best effort. Like any parent, it’s comforting to think that God is pleased with my effort as long as I try my best. Thanks Paul for a fresh perspective to take with me this week in chores, teaching, driving, and praying.