When we returned from Los Angeles Emma began swim lessons.
Spotted amazing posters at Oaklandish.
We toured a new school in the redwoods.
Emma went to the dentist and then we got yummy ice cream at Curbside Creamery.
Many days were spent at Roberts pool.
We tried on dresses at J.Crew but of course ended up buying a dress at the thrift store instead.
We met a neighbor cat and became cat sitters for another cat who lives down the street.
So much happens in December. We made crafts and knitted, made spiced nuts and carefully wrapped gifts. We ice skated and ate meals with friends and family and had so much fun that I did not take any pictures at all. Still, I am so glad that I continue to share a few photos here to help me remember. And I know this is true at the end of every month but somehow at the years end I really want to hold it all and not let it go. This blog has preserved the sweetest moments for me to look back on. It is my heart on the internet. Thank you for visiting.
We brought Hugo, our Norfolk Pine inside and decorated our apartment for Christmas.
We attended a concert at the Paramount called “Let Us Break Bread” that honored Tina Turner. It was a lot of fun and totally worth it even in our top floor balcony seats.
We flew to Los Angeles to visit family.
Emma and Grandpa. We stay in Grandpa’s living room and watch old movies with him every day.
There were many old photo albums to look at and I snapped so many photos of my Mom. I still wear her blue shirt. 🙂
We had a wonderful time with family, delivering and opening presents and sipping prosecco (me) at the huge Christmas Eve party. Lots of sweets, yummy food and good conversation.
Stocking treats for me.
Here is Emma sporting a new shirt and jewelry and eating blueberries on Christmas day. Such a lucky kid.
After Christmas we are eager to return home to maiki.
We walked around the lake and visited the library in Chinatown.
Spent the last day of the year in Dimond park by Sausal creek with friends.
Walk on the first night of the autumn equinox.
Emma made a bonsai presentation for her charter school’s gathering of learners.
We took a family trip to the Monterey bay. It was so beautiful! This is in Santa Cruz (more photos to come!)
We visited Claude at the Academy of Sciences on thanksgiving day.
Our baby is getting so tall!
We went to Ardenwood farms with our charter school friends. Not much was happening that day but it was blessedly silent.
We recently visited Children’s Fairyland for a Puppet showcase. It was an amazing day and the perfect opportunity to return to a favorite place. The line up of puppet shows was so wonderful and we also saw the children’s theater perform. Emma is now interested in joining them!
We watched the “Three Dinosaurs Gruff” performed by Randal Metz of The Puppet Company, “Jack and the Beanstalk” performed by the Children’s Theater, “The Frog Prince” performed by Fratello Marionettes, “It Could Always Be Worse” performed by Children’s Fairyland and A Bob Baker Marionette variety show.
“The Frog Prince” was the highlight of the day. maiki snapped a picture of me with the frog on my head. 🙂
There were many puppets presented from the archives. This is the dragon from “The Dragon Who Wasn’t.”
Kreepie & Batty are from “Tricks N’ Treats” which is my favorite puppet show from all the years visiting Fairyland. It is halloween themed and so funny and well written. We watched it for one season when Emma was small and have quoted it ever since.
Our last visit to Fairyland was for Halloween before the pandemic began. Emma Clover was already too tall to go on the carousel. We feared it may be the last time inside our neighborhood haunt with our maturing child.
Emma Clover was ecstatic to be back inside the park and raced around showing me her favorite details.
July is concerts in the park, non stop swimming pools, learning to ride a bike, park afternoons, beach days, garden visits and celebrating friends.
