Ryan's school Library tree house!
I haven't blogged about Christmas, as you can see.
We left on Christmas night to my parents' house in California.
10 days of sun, family, chaos, new memories and immersion in memories of youth.
As we were decending over Cincinnati the pilot so casualy announced 8 degrees with light snow.
I said- outloud- "Turn the plane around." He apparently didn't hear me.
My imagination has been spending the last 10 days figuring out how in the world to move to California. And not just to Cali, but La Crescenta. I want to live around one corner to my parents, and the other to my brother and his adorable wife and kiddos. I want to wake up to a 78 degree January day and a farmers market with local produce that actually GROWS right now. I want to see Melanie and Melissa as I walk in the church every week.
I want, I want, I want.
So, my post today is a reminder of what I love about home. Which is NOT La Crescenta. It's here in Cincinnati. So, buck up and love it, Jen.
First on my list is our Garage.
We have not had an attached garage we could really use as a garage or entire marriage. I love not having to clear the ice off the car, just to run to the store. I am grateful each time I walk in the house witout walking through the muck and the mud of a driveway or parking lot.
The kids can also come through the garage with their snow gear after sledding or snowman building and drop it all off. feet from the washer.
I know it is simple and really not important. But it is a simple pleasure. And would cost a pretty penny in my home town. I'd give it up to be near family, have my kids play with their cousins on a regular basis, take cello lessons from Grandpa, go to Dodgers games with Grandma have Uncle Jon as a high school math teacher, Cook with Adrienne, give Cara some girl time with AC, sign Charlie's cast and buy the Duke's go cart.....
But fortunately the list doesn't really end with the garage. It goes on and on to more important things that make a difference in our lives. Like neighbors we can play with on demand, a friend who takes me to the movies, Other friends who make me laugh, great babysitters, a short commute for Nate, the Museum center, many after school programs to choose from, Graeters Ice Cream and more.
Nate has the camera at a cub scout hike right now, so still no pictures of Christmas, but they're coming, I promise.
Hugs
Jen
Girls lining up for the Silly Bandz at our American Girl Store. Instead of a goodie bag, we gave them play money and let them shop for the party favors they wanted.
Cara and Emerson decorated the store earlier that day.
Shawn was the cashier. Ryan was the bagger. We had red bags with American Girl Stickers on them. I wish I snapped a picture of those, they turned out so cute.
All the girls lining up to enter the American Girl Store. The girls made those adorable head bands and matching ones for their dolls. They also dipped cake balls in Pink and White Chocolate, decorated bookmarks and cups. Then they had dinner with "mini" food and regular size: Chicken nuggets, oreos, pretzels, water melon, and M&Ms. Yep, that was dinner:)
