"what's cuter than seeing Christmas in their eyes?"

that's what my mother-in-law said when I called to tell her how Christmas was even more fun when you have kids. I had just bought a big gift for Marlo (or rather, Santa told me what she was getting) and I had to call my mom and Mary because I was just so excited about it. I know that's goofy but I couldn't help it.

other things that are making me happy right now:

• Marlo said "I love you" for the first time today, and it was to her dad
• I made posole and vanilla custard last night and both turned out great, if I do say
• finding the lights that I was coveting for the tree ON SALE
• Mark will be off for five whole days at Christmas!!!

Cats and dogs

it rained today! It has been pouring since early morning. There was a slight break and we went to the town square for the tree lighting. (Remember we went last year, Mom?)
It was soggy, and a little chilly and windy, but people still turned out. There were carolers and elves making balloon animals, cookies and coffee and cider.
How cool are those stiltwalkers?

Lane's Christmas houses

With flash and without, although the pictures don't do it justice. It's amazing, and so is she. We went out for dinner tonight for her birthday and then drove through the Holiday Lights at the Del Mar racetrack.

19 months old

I can't believe how fast Marlo is growing! She is talking so much! She says short phrases, like "thank you" , "there you go" and "where are you". Tonight she just started saying "excuse me" when she would bump into things.

She knows shapes and colors and is starting recognize letters and numbers. She loves to play on the computer on Starfall.com.

Right now her favorite thing to do is put on clothes, especially shoes. The bee costume is from last Halloween. She likes to put it on and go for a horsey ride, usually while wearing her black dress shoes.

Just like her mother

Thanksgiving...

My mom and John came down for a few days, so good to all be together before Amy and Josh move to Texas.
Dinner turned out perfectly...(FYI: roaster ovens cook super fast) I made my mother-in-law's dinner rolls and they weren't as good as hers but I'll keep practicing.





After dinner Pat and John showed us their bowling skills on the Wii...

We celebrated Amy's 29th birthday on Friday. I made a lemon Jello cake like my Granny used to make and it was as good as I remembered, although it would have been better if she were here to make it *sniff*...then mom and Amy and I got matching pedicures.

We had such a good time...but I can't take much more football.

Crunching numbers, shooting emails...

These are the last photos at Mark's old office. He moved into the Escondido branch on Friday. I am so happy because it is so much closer. Now he'll be just a few minutes away so we'll see more of him.

Vintage Christmas

got these cuties off ebay. Somebody had to take them in.

Root beer float

Yesterday there were some festivities in our town square. Marlo had a great time dancing with the big kids.

Singing

She sees me with my camera at the end.

A few more from the Napa trip...

Looking for kitty cat Atticus...


Posing...

My nephew Luke...

Sabrina, Lo and Luke

The thing about Napa...

it is so beautiful. Vines everywhere, all kinds of trees with leaves turning, cattle grazing in big open space. Every time I go back it takes my breath away. But it took me leaving to ever even notice how beautiful it was. Funny how that works.
I would really love to be closer to my family and friends. To be a short car ride away, rather than having to pack and get on a plane...to be able so see them every week instead of maybe once a month.
And don't even get me started on the food.
The top photo is on the way to my grandma's and the bottom is from the deck at my parents'.

First haircut

from my best friend Molly! Marlo was pretty good as long as she had the comb to chew on.

WHY

doesn't Britney just pay somebody to pick up her mocha fattbuttchinos? WHY???

That car may as well be an '86 Trans Am.

The Color Purple

I went with my niece Heather to San Francisco to see the Color Purple musical and it was the best show I've ever seen.
I loved every part of it: the acting was outstanding, the music and voices were so moving, the costumes were adorable. I had a smile on my face and a lump in my throat the whole time.
I have been thinking about it every day since and I think I always will!
So if you have the remotest chance, go see it. Tomorrow.






Oh and it took forever to find parking so we were late and had to run (as best we could) like six blocks to make it in time.
Let me tell you, if you're ever feeling bad about yourself, just throw on some high heels and run through the back streets of San Francisco. People will shout the loveliest things at you.

my cutie pie nephew

Luke is such a smiley baby, I can't get over it. All you have to do is look at him.

Reunited

still loves those deer at Gramma's.

the sweetest girl in the world

I'm pretty sure of it.