Flora Ladybug Howell

Thanks for the new clothes, Grandma!

Carkeek Park

We explored Carkeek Park this weekend and had a great time. We were able to go on a short hike and end up on the beach. It was a great way to spend a Saturday!

The Happiest Place on Earth

For Christmas, Santa brought Maddie and Otis a trip to Disneyland. We went this past week. It was our first family trip and it was absolutely fantastic! Although Otis was a bit afraid of most of the characters, Maddie loved seeing every single one of them, especially the princesses! Otis is apparently an adrenaline junkie and wanted to go on all the rides. In fact, he cried almost every single time we had to get off because he wanted to go again! Coincidentally, a friend and coworker of Eric's (with a daughter Maddie's age) was there, so it was nice for Maddie to experience some of the excitement with a friend - and nice for us to be able to trade off and go on some adult rides. The weather was fantastic and the kids were well-behaved. Santa will have to work very hard to top this trip next year!

Snow!

We had our first snow of the season today and it was great fun! The kids really enjoyed sledding, building snowmen, and shoveling. We only got an inch or two, but much more is predicted for later this week. Hopefully we'll get out in it again soon.

 Snow kids!

 Sledding down the sidewalk

 Arthur the snowman

 Getting every last sip of hot chocolate

 Yes, I love hot chocolate!

 Snow ball

 Arthur and Cindy, the snowcouple

Helping Daddy shovel

Resolution Run

Today we decided to start the new year off right - with a run! It was a warm, sunny day and everyone enjoyed the whole adventure. I got a time PR and Maddie got to participate in her second kids' run. It was a great way to start off the year - spending time outside, together as a family!

I know we're behind on Christmas posts - I'll catch up soon, I promise!

 Pre race

 Maddie and Ramona playing on the fins

 Otis and Ruby skipping rocks

 Friends

 Mile 2 is the hardest...

 The cheering squad

 Finishers! We places 2nd and 4th, respectively, in our age group!

 Kid's run with Maddie

Finishers' Ribbons

Tis the season!

We were very busy this past weekend with numerous holiday events. We went to a birthday party, complete with face painting, a Panto play production of Peter Pan, tree trimming, and holiday dinner with friends. By Sunday night, we were all very tired, but thankful for all our friends and the time we get to spend with them!

 A strawberry and a sailboat

 Balloons and a shooting star rainbow

 Making popcorn garland 

 Maddie is an excellent helper!

 Holiday cheer with friends

ALL the kids - what a crew!

O Christmas Tree

We bought our Christmas tree today and started decorating it. Otis was a bit confused when we moved his lego table and put a chair in the basement, but really came around when he saw the tree. Although we've lost our Christmas lights, the kids both loved putting some ornaments and the star on the tree. We're all excited for a busy and festive holiday season and can't wait to spread our holiday cheer!