Plantation Shutters

After 6+ years without window coverings in our living spaces, we ordered shutters back in November. I'd been holding out getting blinds or curtains because I wanted these, but they were too expensive.

 John found a company that made them to order, so he did the measurements and installation himself and it was less than half the price of the bids we'd gotten in the past.

 They arrived the second week of January and went in faster than I'd expected and look beautiful.

 One down, nine to go. (We have 12 windows total, but two are bathrooms).

 Jonah helping put the frame together.

 The boys' room was so dark the next day they stayed in bed even with their alarm light on. Scott asked me if they could get up and I said they could play in the play room, which they did happily for an hour. Worth the money right there.

 Our room had blackout curtains before and they're about the same darkness now.

 The nursery looks even sweeter.

 The biggest improvement was the play room I think. It looks less boxy/garagey and more like a homey living space.

 The kitchen is my favorite, though, because the sun isn't in my eyes while making dinner

 and people who come to the door can't see in.

So worth the wait!

December II

Before Christmas we had a mini bake-fest. Mostly I cleaned the kitchen and shopped then my mom made all the cookies. 

John's request was spritz, which the boys decorated with sprinkles.

I made toffee for a cookie swap and neighbors and I think that's it. So I'm glad my mom helped the boys do something festive.

Enjoying the last play date with Cash before their move.

One night our friends invited us to the Cal Academy of Sciences as their guests to a members Christmas party.

John hadn't been, so we showed him around the exhibits that were open.

There was apple juice, reindeer and carolers making the whole place more festive. John left work a little early, but it was still a late night because of traffic getting there. After a few hours we called it good.

Once we saw the albino alligator John went to get the car and not a minute too soon. Scott laid down on the floor while we waited and said he was too tired to walk, which is abnormal for his energetic self.

Another night that week Britta took me to see the Nutcracker. Well, I technically took her because I have a car, but the tickets were her Christmas gift. It was great to have a girl's night out.

I borrowed a snap circuit kit and Scott and John tried it out one afternoon.

Jonah brushing Scott's hair with a dinglehopper.

Putting their sticker ornaments on the tree cards Wendy sent. 

Watching the penquins movie my aunt sent. All 3 kids were entranced.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is Christmas Eve dinner and singalong at the Blanks'. Scott moved the little rocking chair to the middle of the commotion and joined right in. The boys loved the singing, especially the bells, and stayed up late to party with us.

My dad got us all tickets to a Sharks game and we went together after Christmas.

It was Scott's first live hockey game and he loved it. He got a little overwhelmed by (John's) cheering at one point near the end, but it was long past his bedtime, so I wasn't too surprised.

Baby Cedric managed to stay awake, but Scott crashed on my lap near the end. 

We lost, but had a fun night out together. Jonah had fun watching a movie and eating snacks with my mom at home, so he didn't miss out, either.

Monterey Bay

I found some discount passes to the aquarium, so we headed down one morning after Rick and Jess made the best sugar pearl waffles.

By the time we drove and parked, we were ready for lunch. We ate on the pier before heading inside.

It was windy and chilly in the shade, but our Minnesota family found our cold to be unimpressive.

Scott and Jonah love the aquarium. They spent a lot of time just watching fish.

Jonah started drifting off on John's shoulders while watching the fish swim in circles.

After exploring all of the rooms, we walked down to Ghirardelli and shared two sundaes.

I set up the camera for a picture and asked someone to take it for us. Apparently, she didn't push the button down all the way. Luckily I have these practice shots, just with me missing.

Cedric loves being outside.

Amanda loves nephews.

His little hands and facial expression are so cute. I think he's realizing his mom doesn't have him.

John and I stopped to pick up fish & chips when we got home, so we had a fun, tasty, fish-filled day.

Cousin Cedric

Cedric had no lack of attention at our house.

Jonah asked to hold Baby Cedric every time he saw him.

He loved me.

As long as his mom wasn't visible, Cedric was happy to be with us.

He didn't always love being held by Scott and Jonah, but put up with it.

Scott tried out his new bike on a walk around the block.

Jonah, who never wants to be buckled into anything, chose the wagon ride so he could sit with The Baby.

He's a beautiful baby!

Scott learning how to pedal.

The little guys playing in the wagon.

Cedric puts his whole face into his smile.

He was not into his hat, which is a shame because it was adorable.

Keeping the blanket on the baby.

Eventually, Jonah got out to run and would push Scott when his bike stopped.

I wanted to take a picture of the boys in their matching sweaters, but the sun set too quickly.

We tried briefly inside before dinner.

Not a great picture quality, but three cute boys.

Cedric's smile kills me!

Happy snuggles.

Obviously excited to have Jonah kiss him.

Uncle Ricky!