Random Babblings

A Very Merry California Chrismukkah

Iva — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:15:38 +0000

Rewind five months ago to the month of July. We were still waiting for summer to arrive to the Seattle area when through a twist of fate, wishful thinking, the law of attraction, an opportunity arose for us to move Colin’s job and our family to the warmer techie climate of Silicon Valley. We put the house up for sale, packed our bags & animals and moved to Palo Alto, CA. Soon old friends would follow, also leaving WA in search of a sunnier place in the south bay area to call home.

Fast forward to December, just barely settled into our new routine, Christmas was upon us. There would be no snow this year but lots of family and friends, good food and gifts for sharing. We closed out a wonderful day with desserts a plenty and the lighting of Hanukkah candles.

A merry Chrismukkah to all and to all a good night! Well, almost all… yuletide teething is now a holiday tradition in our family. Now on to a new year and new adventures discovering this new place we call home. Happy Holidays to all and all the best for the New Year!

I’m an honorary Yankee Doodle Dandy and I like it!

Iva — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:13:05 +0000

Participated in our first 4th of July kids parade today. The whole family dressed the part. Met up with friends to bike and walk the route, giving out candies to kids in the crowd. Free candy, a reoccurring theme in my life.

Home now to rest until this evening’s activities, where I will be debuting a new recipe… vegan jello shooters. oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light…

a quick look back at the month of June

Iva — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:36:01 +0000

June was an exceptionally busy month for our family with many special family celebrations, gatherings and events taking place.

June marked the official end of preschool for Roxie, who will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Our lil dancing queen put on a great performance to a sold out crowd at her ballet recital.

And the month ended with Oliver turning 2 and sleeping through the night once again (knock on wood).

With the the warmer weather upon us, summer begins.

Let me tell you a thing or two…

Iva — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:59:06 +0000

about elephants. Roxie recently completed and presented her first official project for preschool. So proud of our little girl, she did such a great job and we even learned a thing or two about elephants from her in the process. Just the beginning of her journey.

Note to self:

Iva — Tue, 17 May 2011 20:25:58 +0000

Don’t throw dog toys in the house.

How to save money shopping at Costco

Iva — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 05:39:23 +0000

Drive a VW Beetle.

Girls’ night away!

Iva — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Our first girls’ night away consisted of a little shopping, a little exercise, and over $8 worth of candy (each!) from the Sweet Factory, all followed up by Pinkabella Cupcakes. My only regret is that we ran out of room for frozen yogurt.

As for the rest of our weekend away, what happens in Bellevue stays in Bellevue.

Our Latest Pillow Pet

Iva — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:41:14 +0000

It’s a pillow and it’s a pet. It’s a pillow pet.

The ultimate in cuddly companionship.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Iva — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 23:54:27 +0000

and peace at home with your pets.

Clark Griswold Jr & Sr

Santa knows that sometimes bigger IS better.

jumping for joy, it’s Christmas time!

Our Bake-a-thon Tribute to Christmas at the Holder’s Tonight

Iva — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 20:34:51 +0000

Sara’s traditional passover macaroons prove to be more popular than the Ginger Krinkles anytime of year.

Kids actually help Sara decorate this year’s gingerbread house. Followed by a gluten-free orange cranberry loaf bake off for our grand finale.

our first week with Ian in photos

Iva — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:06:43 +0000

We all enjoyed bonding with our new cuddly puppy this week.

Look carefully and you can see Oliver demonstrating some of the merits of crate training to Ian.

In the name of health and safety, I try crate training Oliver after losing a number of Christmas tree ornaments.

Apparently Mrs. Clause is a dog-person. Simon our cat, not so much.

It’s going to be a very good Christmas for our new pup!

Here’s one for the baby book…

Iva — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:47:40 +0000

Oliver’s first time out.

Found guilty of standing on the kitchen table (repeat offender).

Shove over and make some room…

Iva — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 15:34:40 +0000

Here comes Ian! We adopted him this week from the Humane Society. Will post more photos of our new baby when he sits still long enough for us to take some.

Meanwhile, he is making himself right at home.

First local signs of El Niña effect…

Iva — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 05:02:59 +0000

Christmas lights up, tree decorated and first snowfall all early this year. One inch of snow, schools closed and city shut down. West coast winter is here.

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say

Iva — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:43:57 +0000

Getting an early start on our Griswold Christmas. Lights up, check.

Colin will be playing the role of Clark Griswold in this year’s production.

“Dad, you taught me everything I know about exterior illumination.”