Foraging in the forest

Game Day



Just chillaxin', watchin' the game.



So Ladylike

Gymboree

We started a new activity a couple of weekends ago - Gymboree play gym. We used to go to swim lessons on Saturday mornings but it's been pretty chilly out so while the pool is indoors, we're taking a break until the warmer weather returns (although we were gaining a lot of momentum - Annabel shows us her "big" kicks and arms in the bath tub now.)

Annabel is a climber - anything that looks remotely approachable she's trying to scale.  Luckily no major spills yet, but it's inevitable.  Hopefully Gymboree will provide a good outlet for her favorite activity in a relatively safe environment. 

Notice anything below?  Yep, total dude-fest...or dad-fest in this case.  Guess other moms have already caught on to the idea of sending their children and husbands away for 45 minutes ...

 

And yes, I've pixelated these strangers' faces...one of them is in witness protection so I promised to hide their face.  Just kidding, I got Photoshop for Christmas and was playing around.  Some people are sensitive to their online presence, especially their children's, so I'm trying to be mindful of it.

Welcome Easton!

After a little "encouragement", Carly & Kurt's little one finally decided to join the family this afternoon! We're excited to see more of our new nefew! 

Easton Murray Harryman, 8lbs 9oz.

Much love and congratuations to Mom, Dad and big brothers Peyton & Dylon! 

Style Vision

We have been helping Annabel develop her own personal style and independence by getting her to help us pick out her outfits in the morning and which coat she would like to wear when she goes outside.  She knows what works for her "style vision" (i.e. no hats) and this morning she decided her hair was under-accessorized.  One clip may work from a practical standpoint but since when is style practical.  We have been talking with Isaac Mizrahi about her spring collection.  Fabulous.

Big Football Weekend

There were a few big wins this weekend in football - which means the 49'ers and the Giants are headed for a match up next weekend!  Not to mention the Pats (and the Ravens for those Fuji's in Baltimore). 

The 49er's game on Saturday was an especially great game, which we got to watch with a group of great fans and friends.  Unfortunately I didn't find my camera until we were about to leave the party, but you can see fans came in all ages. 


Annabel and her friend, Quinn



Thanks Uncle Jake for my awesome jersey!

Zoo

Matt and I both had the week between Christmas and New Years off from work this year and since we'd decided not to travel for the holidays we had the opportunity do a lot of fun things around town together.  It probably goes without saying that we'd love to spend more time with our little munchkin and have the opportunity to partake in fun activities and outings more often, but our reality is we both need to work during the week, so this was a very special time for us. 

One of the fun activities was our first trip to the SF Zoo.  We have a set of flimsy zoo animal flashcards that had I randomly picked up in a dollar basket at Target a long time ago and without fail she will pick them up EVERYDAY to look through them. They are bent, battered and beaten, yet nothing holds her attention like these animal picture so we knew this would be a special trip for her.

We arrived when the gates opened in the morning and it was a bit foggy.

But it didn't prevent us from seeing any of the animals. 

Nothing was more fun that watching the wonder, joy and excitement on her face throughout the experience.

In a few cases we had to trick and/or bribe her to leave an exhibit (I mean, we can only watch a groundhog for so long, right?).

 

 

On our way out we saw this guy, who was totally awesome, right?  We can't wait until our next trip!

 

Christmas Day

It's January 12th...Christmas photos are still relevant, right?

After Christmas morning at our house, we headed over the hills and through the woods to my grandmother's.  The Fuji Family kids and the matriarch, (great) Grandma.

Annabel learned all about digital cameras from her cousin Rachel. She couldn't get enough! But she loves being behind the camera, so unfortunately we didn't get too many good shots that day.

And this little elf? Well, she was busy, busy that day.

Holidaze

The holidays turned into the holi-daaaze, where I got super lax on downloading pics (let alone posting anything).  Really, we just got wrapped up in all the fun activities that come with that time of the year, like getting together with old friends....

...and partying it up (unitl 8pm, of course). Annabel: "This party is going to be fierce."

On Christmas Eve we went to my parents for our traditional beef wellington dinner.  And of course, the annual baby throwing contest...

No toddlers were harmed in the making of these photos. I swear.  We don't normally throw our child from one room to the next.

With her feet back on the ground, we opened up tons of gifs, including an activity table from Grandma and Grandpa.

And started practicing for New Year's Eve.

When we got home, Santa came down the chimney (after we removed the protective baby gate) to deliver more goodies.

Annabel was surprised and delighted by the sight that morning, and we were surprised and delighted that she slept until 7AM! 

She certainly got the knack of tearing open wrapping paper.  At first, she was totally into it, but after a bit got a little overwhelmed and overstimulated.  We took the hint when she stood up, walked over to some of her old toys, started to play with them, and ignored offers to unwrap more gifts.

 

She loved the new book Mimi & Poppy "read" to her.

And her sweet new ride with room for two.