December I

We started the month with chocolate calendars and a lesson in patience.

We spent many nights watching the lights show at our neighbor's house.

Finally a rainy day so Jane could use a "brella."

Taking good care of her baby, while we tried to show her pacis are for babies.

Jonah really wanted a poinsettia from the school fundraiser, so I bought him one and he carefully carried it home and set it up.

Mickey twins sleeping together.

Another night watching the light show, but this time with dancing.

Lining up her duplos.

She likes to insist on walking, then when you're too far to go back for a stroller, beg for a shoulder ride.

With her mask, Platypus hat, and red bow shoes, she's ready for the grocery store.

Running through the light hoops. The displays weren't as intense as the first covid Christmas, but we still had lots of streets with coordinating lights.

Time for some popcorn and hot chocolate with her bun bun.

Setting up for dinner.

Eating her cheese toast, which she loves, which is very different from a grilled cheese sandwich, which she doesn't like, because it's pulled in half.

Whatever convinces her to happily eat dinner.

Hiding out in Jonah's punching bag.

The bathrobe really completes the look.

Ready to pop.

Getting into music class now that she's discovered the joys of ribbon dancing.

And of course playing at the park after class.

 We went on a hike with the kids and the boys ran ahead. 

Beautiful view of the city

Happy hitch hiker

Enjoying a churro at our taco truck parking lot ward party.

Meeting Santa

Jane pointing out Pluto going poops in her Mickey book.

Perry wasn't eating his lunch at school and asked for a hamburger instead. I picked one up for him at McDonald's and he loved it. Then I got him one every day until we found some other acceptable lunch options for him.

Jane helping Jonah carry his backpack home.

Ready for the day with nearly every accessory she owns on.

Late night shenanigans.

So excited she could jump.

Reading her new Christmas book to Perry.

She brought this charger (ipad, ironically not charged) and purse (gift bag) everywhere we went.

Bundled up after her tubby.

Having a snuggle to warm up.

Her daily chocolate lasted 14 days.

Honestly, better than I expected.

12th Anniversary

My mom came out to watch the kids while John and I went on our anniversary trip. The way to Jane's heart is through reading.

And shopping. Jane loves getting out of the house and particularly likes going to stores.

It was our first time away from Jane, so we were glad my mom came early to get reacquainted. Then we stole away for the night.

Our first stop was Henry Cowell Redwoods for a stress- and complaint-free hike. Then the Cheese Shop 831 for lunch.

At our hotel we went swimming, soaked in the hot tub, then John painted my toes.

We went for a walk on the beach.

And went down to Monterey to eat more. Pasta lunch at Il Vecchio, cheese tasting in Carmel, then we tried this amazing Dutch donut.

We walked down Cannery Row and had to stop at Ghirardelli. On our honeymoon we had a peppermint hot chocolate and sundae. Since we were still pretty full this time, we combined the treats and shared a frozen hot chocolate.

We came back home to some very excited kids. Jonah was showing us the cookies they decorated before we were even in the house. 

The rest of the week we ran some errands with Oma.

The lady at the Indonesian shop gave Jane a candy necklace. She could not believe she'd been missing out on wearable candy all this time.

While my mom was here, Scott was in the bunk bed and Jane liked to sneak up and sleep with him.

Then, before we knew it, my mom's trip ended.

Jane was very upset about her going on the airplane without her. Same, Jane, same.