Keva tower

For Christmas the kids received Keva planks from Grandma. They are the simplest toy: planks of wood, all made with precision in the US to be the same size. The kids have enjoyed building with them and so have the adults! Yesterday my sister, brother and I built a tower 11 feet tall! Here are some pictures of us building it:














As my sister was just passing 11 feet, the tower suddenly started to lean and fall to one side. We thought it would topple, but it ended up leaning up against the ladder without breaking at all! Then my hubby shot at it with a huge rubber band until it toppled.
When the tower was started we weren't planning on making it so tall, so it was just resting on a book on the carpet. We decided we need to try again on the hard floor.
I'm sure we could get much higher!

- Post From My iPhone

Partridge in a pear tree...

Well, not a pear tree and not a partridge either, but it was a strange Christmas bird sight!
These birds where perched right next to the entrance to the airport, with lots of people walking just a few feet from them. Most looked like they were sleeping. It was a strange sight, with them being so close to all the hustle and bustle of people during the busy holiday season.


-- Post From My iPhone

Hot Chocolate and Christmas Lights

I just love looking at Christmas decorations and lights on houses. When I was a child, we used to go and see the same houses every year and see what new lights they had or what theme they would use to decorate their houses. We have continued that tradition with our kids. Last night we went to see the lights. The kids got into their pajamas, grabbed some blankets to snuggle in, and we brought along hot chocolate to sip during the show!

Here they are with their hot chocolate cups.

We parked in front of this house for about 20 minutes. The lights were synced with Christmas music that played on the radio. It was so fun to watch the lights move with the music.!
This house was amazing; it was the last one we visited, but we definitely saved the best for last. We actually got out to walk around at this one (pajamas and all!- I'm so glad I made them wear shoes and bring their coats). The house was covered in lights and there were cute and funny and beautiful Christmas decorations covering their yards (both front and back).

There was a fire pit where we could warm our hands.
The family that lives in the house were so generous and kind. They have hot apple cider and cookies available for those of us visiting. I talked to them a while and found out they start decorating at the beginning of October. Then they spend every evening in December outside greeting those who visit. They also have a lot of trees that are covered in wooden ornaments like the picture below. Each ornament is in remembrance of someone. They started these decorations in memory of a daughter they lost, and they let anyone who wants to hang an ornament in memory of someone do so. They have lots of trees completely covered in these wooden ornaments.

As we wandered throught the lights and sights, we came upon a surprise. Santa Claus was there. Saber seemed to be tongue tied and didn't know what to ask for.

Jakson was excited and happy to see Santa, but he too was very quiet. Rose waved hi to Santa, but didn't want to go near him.

This is the backyard with the giant Christmas tree and the train that exhales steam.

It was a very fun night of Christmas music and blinking lights. The next morning, Jakson woke up and immediately said "I had so much fun last night...can we do that again tonight?" Thanks so much to those families who put so much work into their Christmas displays, and their hospitality in letting us observe and even walk through their yards!

Capitol Tour

Last week we went on a tour of the state capitol building in Sacramento.


We learned about how state government works and some interesting facts about the building and past governors.
This is above the state senate floor.


We went on the right day because we got the chance to see 4 prominant mayors (of Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Fresno). Then we saw the Governor (yes Arnold S.!). We had to wait almost an hour to see him and the kids were getting a bit impatient waiting for him. I think my husband and I were more excited than the kids. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of him.

After the Capitol we visited the train museum, a great museum in Old Sacramento that we love to visit.

It was a great day of fun and learning!

-- Post From My iPhone