January 2010

Always our most insane month of the year: two kids with birthdays two weeks apart will do that!! The annual question asked is, "what were we thinking?!" Anyhow, all went swimmingly. Kate had a fun birthday at a local park - gorgeous day. She enjoyed the attention, playing, and opening gifts later. Michael's 8th birthday consisted of taking several school friends (and his brother) hiking in a local canyon, with waterfall at end included. The boys seemed to have a good time, kept an awesome pace and got along well. It was also a beautiful day and perfect because it came after several straight days of rain. After all that rain, the local mountains had a lot of snow, so after school one day, the kids and I took a snow trip with friends. Michael is eager to go skiing this winter, like we did last, but Big Bear just isn't worth the hassle (or the $).

Karish & Bjorgum is still in business :) --and steadily picking up work. Marc definitely seems happier, more at peace with running his own ship, but also stressed because of how much pressure it is to run said ship. I spend most my time trying to keep all in the family afloat (to continue with this boat theme).

Michael is still enjoying school, playing in a short basketball league (not for short kids, a short season) and will be playing AA Minors Little League baseball starting soon. He still takes weekly piano lessons and has been better about practicing without too much nagging on our part. He is better than I ever was (which is not saying much, but...). Still loves tennis class too and playing with his dad but the rain has slowed him down this month.

Ben is doing great; I know if he was a girl, his nickname would be Joy. His teacher says he is such a pleasure in class and spends a lot of time laughing. She also appreciates that he gets her sarcasm (he better by living in our house). He'd be happy to tell you about this year's Super Bowl (or last year's...). He again handled all the attention his siblings get this month amazingly well. He starts T-ball soon.

Kate, our big 3 year old, said "good bye" to her most beloved personal item soon after her birthday. With the help of a sweet babysitter, she gave up her pacifier after a few days of it "shrinking" (thank you scissors). It was hard to get her to sleep for several days after that (usually entailing Marc laying down with her) - but by the end of the month, she was doing great, although she still occasionally begged for it and cried, "I can't do it" more than two weeks later. She is crazy cute, very playful and funny, but crazy willful too. It can be quite tiring! Kate started a ballet/tap class this month and although loves dressing up for it, has had mixed feelings about actually being in the class. I hope she makes it to the "performance" in March...

So, here are pics from January:

Michael (who took this picture) and I walked down to the Rose Parade with our new neighbors (previously just good friends), the Balians. Marc, who had no interest in the parade, greeted us with bagels and coffee when we returned home.

 
Kate, Michael and Ben watch the fountains at The Grove.

Kate in her birthday crown from school. Her class celebrated her two days
before her birthday - so that kind of messed her up. She thought she was three from then on.


Almost time to sing!


Swinging girl!

Happy Kate! (sleeping Ben)

Angry Kate! (still sleeping Ben)

Goofy Kate! Please notice the self-cut hair - the dent in front...

See more pictures from January.