2018 Update....January through March

Happy Almost New Year!

So in the interest of this being the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, I thought I'd review our year.

We had a nice long visit with Maya this year. She was with us almost 4 months! Here we are on the Balboa Ferry at the beginning of January:

Balboa Ferry, January

In January, we met up with several members of Alia's soccer team to see the USA Women's National Team play in San Diego. A really fun memory for all of us. Alia got to see her Goalkeeper hero, Hope Solo, receive her 200th cap in a ceremony before the game.

Alia and me at SDCCU Stadium⁩, ⁨San Diego⁩, Seeing the 

Women's National Team play. January

Alia also dabbled a little bit in beach volleyball over the winter months. It was such a beautiful experience watching the sunset behind the girls on Friday afternoons. Ultimately, soccer took over and volleyball was put on hold.

Alia played beach volleyball over the winter here in Laguna

In February, we met up with family in Austin for Mid-Winter Break, and to celebrate my birthday. Amelie and Alia learned to ride bikes!!! (We live on a hill in Laguna and never got around to learning before now!) 

Amelie! On two wheels!

On my actual birthday, surrounded by family and friends at Laundrette in Austin. 

One night we stumbled into a local favorite and stayed for the show. Ben Balmer amazed us all! His style of Alternative Folk appealed to everyone in our multi-generational group!

Alia, enjoying Ben Balmer at the
Whip Inn in Austin. AMAZING SHOW!

Alia and Ajay really enjoyed their new freedom to explore on their bikes!

Ajay and Alia exploring Austin on two wheels

Once back in Laguna, we participated with in the Patriot's Day Parade with Amelie. Over the past two years, she's taken it upon herself to donate regularly to this local charity. She has done multiple lemonade stands to raise money to help feed families in need. Her interest in helping hungry families happened one day when she overheard a conversation about some kids not having enough to eat. She has a big heart, and really pours herself into giving.

In March, we took to the road and trekked up to Mammoth Lakes so the girls could finally learn to ski. It was a fantastic little holiday. We stayed locally at the Westin, which was extremely convenient. They took care of everything from boots to lift passes. Most importantly, both girls had a fantastic time and both came away skiing happily asking about next time!

And finally, also in March, there was a great family celebration for Ajay's uncle's 60th birthday in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. It was such a lovely trip! We found a fantastic rental on HomeAway and it did not disappoint. It was so peaceful, well-designed, and the best part for us? The dog next door! With friendly neighbors willing to let the girls throw endless tennis balls for their young retriever, we were all in heaven. 

We also enjoyed various group get togethers, exploring the area, and so many yummy things to eat!

Holidays 2018

Happy Holidays!

It's December 27 and we have had a terrific holiday so far. Alia (age 10, 5th grade) and Amelie (age 9, 3rd grade) were in school at Van Damme Academy up until December 21st this year. That left me with very little time to lead up to the holidays together. It also means that they will be out the entire week after New Years, which makes me a little anxious. Christmas was so close to the beginning of the break, it seems like a really long time to be home with no soccer, dance, or other activities to occupy their energy. (Thankfully I recently read  The Danish Way of Parenting that reminds me that togetherness is a way to celebrate family time, not just endure it!) However, to be completely honest, I've already referred back to the book several times to set myself straight!

Anyway, in my mind, I much prefer when they get out of school earlier so we can spend the time baking harmoniously while listening to Christmas music in the week leading up to the holidays. Oh, wait. Even if they were out earlier, our harmoniously baking with music (and a roaring fire!) in the background would actually go something like this:

Alia: Can I have the bowl to lick?

Amelie: Alia, you always get the bowl.

Me: Guys, it doesn't matter! I always make it even! You'll both get the same risk exposure to salmonella from the cookie dough!

Alia: So....then it doesn't matter if I get the bowl? I can have the bowl?

Amelie: But I always have the spatula. I want the bowl.

Enter Maki. Our 4 year old whoodle who LOOOVES eggs. She knocks the bowl and the spatula on the floor in search of eggs, and then Alia and Amelie yell MAKI!!!! and chase her (with doughy spatula in her mouth) onto the newly reupholstered couch, rug, and ultimately into the yard...running through one of her yard-offerings by mistake, and then tracking it back inside.