Back to reality

At home the kids enjoyed the first snowstorm of the season. We would miss this right!?!

Speed racers

In California the kids found some big wheels in Aunt Sarah's garage, left over from some grown-up beach party debauchery, and had a go. As you can see from the first photo Jack required some assistance as his feet did not reach the pedals. Violet did OK and insisted on pedaling down the boardwalk to the park. That 6 block journey took about 30 minutes - and Dad's back got a "good" workout!

We were trying to avoid the parade at Disney as I thought they kids were too young for it, but Violet was transfixed by the characters. Waving at them and shouting hello. We just caught the tail end, so next time we go we will have to try and get a good spot to see the whole thing.

At Disneyland the kids were able to ride alot more of the attractions this time due to their growing stature. We tried to sneak Jack on a ride that he was too short for, but got turned away when it was our turn. After we rode, I was wondering what the heck we were thinking as Jack's little head probably would have snapped off due to such violent jerking. Good thing they had people watching out for us reckless parents! Violet got to ride though and she was fine. A little scared because so much of the ride was in darkness. Another scary ride for her was the Nemo ride. You boarded a submarine and as it moved through the water different scenes from the movie where projected in the water. Violet does not like the diver in the movie (or for that matter the divers at Shedd). In the photo she is moving Ron's hand over her eyes and back off again to sneak peeks. Jack was just dazzled by it.

This Thanksgiving we had the good fortune of being able to spend the week in California. The weather was lovely in the 70's - nice enough to hang out at the beach, but not so sunny that we had to slather the kids in spf. Sarah made great meals for us all week so it was like staying at an all inclusive resort, minus the air mattress. :) Violet spent a couple of the days sick, but managed to perk up when we went to Disneyland. Neither of the kids ever made the two hour time adjustment, so they were both up pretty earlier every morning. Reminds me how challenging it must be for our friends the Longs who recently returned to the States for a visit from Singapore with their two toddlers - they must not sleep for a week!