Disney Cruise 1/2012

We've recently returned from a family vacation and Disney Cruise. So much to tell and so little time- highlights included Cece's dolphin encounter, Santa Monica, trip to a zoo, holding a baby tiger, PF Changs GF beef and broccoli, the pool at night and family time. Low points were 2 long days of flights, a trip to a walk-in LA medical clinic, visit to an ER in LA (everyone's fine now), and disappointing food on the boat. But all-in-all it was a great get-away and we're happy to be home. More pics to follow. -R

Christmas

Cece's Christmas cake

Well the deed is done and Cece has her Jesus's Birthday Cake for school today. After my first attempt came out like a bloody zombie in a coffin, I scraped off the icing and tried to convince my screaming- crying child that just the words would be enough...even pretty. But I could not stand any more crying and my second attempt stopped the tears and brought out her smile again. (pics include the final cake, my first attempt and the girls with 'Santa' last weekend.) -R

Ol' Christmas Tree

Our family Christmas tree (can you tell it was pulled over 2 days ago?), Sophie's Christmas tree which she's making with McKenzie (the reindeer is her hand, the lights she made with her finger paint and the angel is her hands and feet) and Cece's Christmas tree which she's making at school. Not sure we'll make it to outdoor lights but we're definitely getting in the spirit of the season. Next wk Cece and I will make a birthday cake for Jesus (gluten-free) to take to her Christmas party. Cece has asked that we draw Jesus and a dog on the cake :) -R

Gobble gobble

Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends. Hope this finds everyone happy, healthy and full. A few pics from our Thanksgiving...Mike getting the turkey ready, Sophie in a new winter hat, Cece and Sophie pose by Sophie's work of art (the turkey body made by her feet and the feathers were hand prints...are orchestrated by her wonderful teacher and nanny- McKenzie, pic of Sophie after foot painting, and a gluten-free carrot cake made for T-day. Gobble, gobble. -R

Just a few pics before we get the girls down for bed tonight. Halloween (Cece as a lady bug and Sophie as a puppy), Sophie and Emma cuddling, Cece and Sophie playing with a new toy. -R

It's been a while

I'm always amazed there are only 24 hours in a day. Or maybe I should be grateful there are 24 hours in every day or that there are only 24 hours in a day. The glass is half FULL. But needless to say, we've all been busy, happy and relatively healthily.

Cece has been busy learning her letters and sounds in her second year at the Baptist Mission Preschool. She really does love school...and we are grateful for that. She attends dance class on Tuesdays and enjoys playmates with friends at least once a week. She has had a bit of a health scare. Last weekend, we took her into the doctors for first pink then rust-colored urine. Turns out that she has a strep infection which has affected her kidneys. Prognosis is typically good for young children with this rare condition but it may take 3-6 months for her kidneys to fully return back to normal.

Sophie is growing up so fast...quickly mastering animal sounds and occasionally bullying her sister. For the past several weeks, she has been blossoming and Mike and I can only marvel at her impish character, infectious laugh and her speed. Our little Road Runner.

Mike is plowing through his second year of online schooling... with fortitude and devoting many many hours of late night studying. But there is an end in sight and at the edge of this journey, he'll have earned his MBA.

Here are a few picks of the girls from the past several months. Love to our friends and family, -R