Maddie

Disneyland

We took the kids to Disney for a "break" (felt like a lot of work to me!). Jack loved the hotel pool and hot tub, but he really, really loved Dumbo.

He will likely be scarred for life from the Pinocchio ride, but didn't seem at all fazed by the haunted mansion. Yes, we took him on the haunted mansion after requests for the "ghost ride" and many, many explanations that it would be scary. Maddie alternately slept and smiled.

We also wanted to meet Mickey, but in the end, jack wanted nothing to do with any overgrown animals (if you look really closely in the picture with Pluto the dog, you can just see Jack's shoe behind Russell's right leg--he was hiding).

Playing with our presents

The first and last time...

Most likely, these two will not be wearing the same clothes ever again. But this was really cute!!

A very merry Christmas

Our holiday was very merry and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We had an early gift exchange with Beth and Daneen, then (of course) Santa came down the chimney and Jack had a blast. Maddie seemed to find it all vaguely interesting (and confusing--she thinks she is santa. see below). And then MORE presents with Brent and Mollie!

Some pictures...

Santa Baby

Maddie was spreading Christmas cheer, goodwill to men, etc. Ms. Claus--totally cute.

Blast off

The rain has arrived and that means making do with any indoor activity you can find. Jack has developed a love for the rocket ship at a local mall. This requires many, many quarters.

Bring on the food!

So Maddie is enjoying the deliciousness that is rice cereal. She really seemed to like it! Jack thought it was disgusting (he insisted that he try it).

Maddie and Mommy

Maddie as a gift

Jack found this hilarious--for him, it was a gift.

More Santa

This was supposed to be a picture of both kids, but Jack said no thanks! Maddie enjoyed herself, though--huge Santa fan in the making.

Love

Santa

It's Santa time! Jack was excited to see Santa today (not that you can tell from this shot) and to sit with Luke and Ian for a happier re-creation of last year's tearful photo.

Sadly, Luke was not so excited--seems he understands that you really should not sit on stranger's laps. Ian was a riot, though. He has his whole Christmas wish list memorized and let Santa know exactly what he wants. Ellie and Zoya seemed to be Santa fans as well--check out the group shot. Sorry it is so small, but blogger wouldn't let it come in any larger. Yes, Jack and Luke are missing from this one. They were over it. And yes, Maddie is sleeping--she hasn't caught the Christmas fever yet!

Habitot!

The kids had a great time at Habitot, a little playspace in Berkeley. The rocket ship was quite a hit!

Shaving like a man

Mollie and Maddie

These ladies deserve their own post.

Random shots

Hanging out

Love that chicken broth!

Jack can cook.

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving! Maddie loved meeting her Neenie and Daddy Dan as well as Scotty and Savannah. It was a wonderful time. And don't let the picture fool you--Jack had a blast with his cousin Savannah! (Mollie and Beth are missing from the group photo, but they were here too!)

Go Maddie!!

Tummy time...

Break time

After a long hard day of fixing things, Jack likes to relax in Maddie's seat with a good popsicle...