Seven long years I've waited

to visit Yosemite.

The wait is over.

This weekend we go.

Seriously can't wait.

Breaking up is hard to do

January, we need to talk. I used to be so happy to see you, full of hope and excitement in turning over a much-needed new leaf in many areas of my life. You always brought out the best in me. I'd dream of the new me, full of follow-through, patience, perspective, self-control and love, all born of your presence and persistent belief in me. Lately, however... I've noticed that things are different. We're not as good together as we used to be. Do you feel it too? One of us has lost that lovin' feelin'. The new year's dreams we used to share are now squashed by the reality of what the month after Christmas in the life of someone like me holds:

1. SICKNESS. Part of life with young kids is coming to terms with the fact that one of them will get sick some time during or after the holidays, and that that one sick child will more than likely pass it to the rest of the family. It is the season of sharing, after all. That sickness always seems to spill into the new year, right when you want to be getting back into your routine or starting a new and improved routine.

2. DRAMA. I don't know about your house, but in ours illness breeds emotion. A lot of it. Crying and whining like I've never seen. The kind of whining that makes me wish I had a line of airplane stewardesses, nuns and hare krishnas who could slap my kid out of it. Someone in our house, who happens to be five years old, faked a stomach ache every day this week at exactly 7:38 am to get out of going to school. Like I said, drama. We even saw some waterworks at the door of his classroom a few mornings that took me right back to those painful mornings in September. Apparently, he didn't realize there would be more school after Christmas break.

3. TRANSITIONS. From starting the second half of the school year to moving up or into Primary, this month is always full of a few changes that my children, and as a result we parents, struggle to handle. The Primary people came to get me during Sunday school last week, I assumed because Eli was having a hard time being a new Sunbeam, but no. Eli could have cared less. It was Bennett who was having the world's biggest meltdown over moving up to the next CTR class. He wanted his old teachers, his old classroom and his old seat in opening exercises.

4. GUILT. Maybe I haven't written them down, but I've at least thought about several things I want to do better this year and have of course already managed to fail not even ten days into the new year. Maybe once items one through three have eased up a bit, I'll make another attempt. Or maybe I should just break up with January once and for all and start checking out February as my month of personal renewal and makeover. January can be recovery from December. February can be my new year.

Bowlin' with the Homies

Dazed and confused

Kendra and Joseph with Millie and Benito

In motion

Ka-boom!

I think even Coolio would have given props to Eli and Bennett for their first-time bowling performances the other day, even if Eli's first attempt took at least a full minute to make it down the lane and actually hit a pin. Slowest Bowler Ever Award goes to E.

Least Concerned Bowler Award goes to B, who liked to huck the ball as hard as he could and then just walk away.

Most Concerned Bowler Award goes to Kendra, whose interest in everyone's scores paid off in the end with her big win. Wait, if you don't score over one-hundred can you still call it a big win? It was a lot bigger than my score, that's for sure.

Best Technique Award goes to Joseph for throwing the ball with such professional-looking pizzazz.

Most Helpful Bowler Award goes to Kymber for helping Eli finish off his slow-as-molasses throws and turns.

Best Bowling Backside goes to Stephen, although I am a bit biased about his tush.

Cutest Bowling Accessory goes to Millie, who was passed around and worn on everyone's arm at some point during the game.

Here's a little glimpse of Eli in action:

Paparazzi

Grandma Shutterbug, a.k.a. Grandma Paula, came to town and made little Millie feel like a big celebrity with lots of attention and camera time. The above shot was probably my favorite but some other cute ones came out of the visit too.

Jenae crocheted this little cap for Millie. Isn't it cute?

Two days later my friend Jenny sent me this cute, homemade hat. Stephen calls it her flapper hat. I think they're both perfect for our little Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Oh, and do you like my new header? Talk about a day--or moment--in the life. I just love Eli's expression while Millie is pulling his hair.

Uncle Worship

Somebody can do no wrong. His name is Uncle Joseph. In fact, both our boys pretty much worship the ground he walks on. He plays with them. He wrestles with them. He patiently helps them play the Wii. He knows Star Wars. He knows superheroes. He wakes up early on Christmas morning to come over and watch them open presents. He rides in the back of the van with them. He reads to them. He talks to them. He is missed and requested and prayed for when he leaves to go sleep in his hotel at night.

And tomorrow he goes back home to Utah. . . which means things are going to be sad around here for a few days.

Comic Books and Umbrellas

We went to Santa Cruz to visit Stephen's older half-brother, Troy, who owns a very cool little comic book shop downtown. As much as our boys love all the superheroes, I don't think they had any idea that they come from comic books. I'm not even sure they had ever seen a comic book before visiting Troy's store. They fell in love. They did not want to leave. They would have been happy to spend the entire day camped out on the floor of that shop reading comics about Batman, Superman, Spiderman and the gang.

I loved finally getting to meet Troy. So nice. And down to earth. And funny. And cute the way he kept calling Stephen "brother." And completely cool with all [eleven] of us showing up at his shop unannounced. And surprised by how many kids Stephen and I have. And utterly Santa Cruz. Did I mention his wife teaches belly dance? She does.

After the comic shop, we grabbed some sandwiches and headed for the beach. The weather had been clear the whole morning, but wouldn't you know it started to drizzle just about the moment we stepped onto the sand. We headed for the waves anyway, some of us more literally than others, and soaked in the ocean air, sounds and scenery for as long as we could. Eli and Bennett ran around while Millie hung out under the umbrella and "dined out," as Grandma called it, on her very gourmet Gerber baby food.

Navidad '09

Eli on Christmas Eve, sitting by the fireplace where Santa will soon descend

Thanks for the cookies, Kathleen. Santa said they were better than ever!

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night"

Christmas morning quiet, coming out to the candle-lit Nativity

The grand finale was a little disappointing in the box, unassembled

He was way more excited about Buzz than the bike

Yes! The one thing from his Santa letter that was actually under the tree.

This little gal would have been happy with one piece of tissue paper

Have you ever heard of the game Take Off?

It can get pretty competitive with this crowd