Sleepaway.

On our mini vacation, all the Littles were excited about a slumber party in a hotel. I was too because this was our view. The best place to wake up in San Francisco is across from The Ferry Building on The Embarcadero.

How many Littles can you fit on a hotel bed? Apparently four maybe five if they sit real still.

Just look at Hank...isn't he delicious?

Dolores Park.

Just a few snaps continuing our mini vacation in San Francisco. The best things in life are free, for example playing at Dolores Park. The best playground and view from a park in the center of the city. Shear bliss was the expression on each Little's face at Dolores, which made us Mamas quite content.

These three...I hate to think there is a time in the future when Ivy, Jackson and Savannah don't hold hands anymore. It surely is the sweetest sight.

Mini Vacation.

While our guys have been in Florida, my sister-in-law Jenny and I took our Littles to San Francisco. Our Littles are artsy, so we took them to the Children's Creativity Museum. They loved it. The space is perfect for all ages. The Animation Workshop and Music Studio were a bit above our age range but our Littles were in heaven playing with clay, dress up and exploring the Imagination Lab (even the baby boys, Hank and Goo, could do this). But please, if you don't like to stay on top of your kids discipline-wise or want to create with them, then perhaps this isn't the place for you (or at least don't be surprised/annoyed/upset if another parent steps in and teaches your kid a lesson or two in manners/sharing/not dragging your baby down the slide by the neck of his shirt). Oh and don't you dare forget to ride the carousel if you go (2 looooong rides for $3).

Mommy Moments.



Setting out next day clothes for three Littles.

Baby buns in the air while napping.

A conversation with Goo.

 

Just a few examples of the best job in the world. Life is so very good.



Braid Bar.

When I saw this, I knew I couldn't miss it. So my girl Leilani and I went to the city to get our hair did.

I admit I geeked out over Jordan. She is the inspiration behind many of my favorite crafts including this year's forest advent calendar. A crafter's hero.

And Rubi (demonstrating here) was our teacher, she lives in Paris and works for many designers during fashion week (like Karl Lagerfeld!).

Just a bunch of girls sitting around braiding hair. Lovely.

After the class, we ate at Farina. It was a beautiful night.

Whew.

I finished our family portrait yesterday, it feels good to be done with this one. And as you can see, a family history is unfolding when the new is hanging next to last year's portrait.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year Honey Hutters! Oh how I would love to listen to all your New Year's resolutions, please share with me in the comments below if you like, pretty please? I know some resolutions are private so no pressure. As for me, I'm keeping it simple. In 2013 I am determined to drink more water, a half gallon minimum each day. Tim is going to read 25 books by 25 different authors. Savannah wants to get more rest (she asked for a "Quiet Time" today). Ivy wants what Savannah wants (so sweet!), more rest. And Goo, well Goo can't really articulate verbally yet what he resolves to do in 2013 so my guess is the grunting/pointing/begging at the sliding glass door means he is determined to spend more time out doors exploring.

Here's what we are having for New Year's Dinner.

Beef Stew

In a slow cooker (crock pot) add:

2 cans mushroom soup

2 cans water

1 pkg onion soup mix

3 carrots (peeled and sliced)

1 handful fingerling potatoes (quartered)

1 pound beef (cut in small cubes. I like round tip strips for stir fry)  

cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

10 minutes before serving, add

1 cup green peas

2 T sour cream