Christmas activities

Christmas in Derry requires a trip to the mall to see Santa (which again, Riley was NOT having), and riding the train (which as usual, Riley could not get enough of). Thanks, grammy!



The night Russell arrived in PA, Kelly and Bob were so sweet to pick him up at the airport and bring him right to Will's birthday party at Beth's house. Will was so funny... everything was Speed Racer. And, every gift he opened, he handed to his older brother, saying "Nick, this one is for you!!" Very cute. I didn't get many good photos of that evening because I was on video duty, but here are my mom and Russell at the party:



And here is the best of that video, exhibiting the trick that Riley decided to teach all the other kids. Riley couldn't get enough of Shannon. They were the best of friends.



Since we were going back to San Francisco a couple of days after Christmas, we asked Santa to come early to grammy and papa's house, so Riley could have all week to play with any toys he might bring. It was a good idea, but in hindsight, was strange to wake up on Christmas day and put a turkey in the oven but have nothing to open... we'll try to plan better for next year.

So, this was our "Christmas morning". We all woke up with sore throats and hoarse voices. But, we still had fun. Riley was reluctant to open the big gifts, as you'll see. She thought they were too big for her, even though they were in the tell-tale Santa wrapping paper, just for Riley. Yes, Riley got the blue sled she requested from Papa, and no, we didn't get one ounce of snow the entire 12 days we were there! Bummer.... I think that was the only week this winter that it didn't snow in Derry.











One more thing. As Riley mentioned at the end of the Christmas morning video, she would play with her kitchen set in the 'hobbit house'. Papa built her a little tree house in the attic of the shed.



I think Russell got more use out of it during that particular visit since it was pretty chilly up there (electric baseboard heat can only do so much when it's 20˚ outside), but it is all decked out, Riley-style. Wow, grammy and papa, you've really outdone yourselves on this one!! Check it out:

More Christmas prep!

Here she is, all ready for the coming of Santa (and his elves)!





Here are some photos Riley took of her choo-choo. She's getting to be a pretty good little photographer! We might have to get her one of those little digital cameras, just for herself.





Oh, and here she is, feeding her dolls Play-Doh. Mmmm, yummy.



And some sudsy fun (bubble baths are a treat in our house... maybe once every few months).





Russell's company hosted a holiday party, and we went. It was kinda lame, but the theme was fun: 80s! That's my era. I didn't have a lot of time to prepare, so I decided to go casual. Cheerleader style. Remember those double-Polo shirts with the collars up, super-high side-ponytail (all teased out really big), two pairs of socks that match the polo shirts, with the skinny-legged jeans tucked in (I remember sewing the bottoms of all my jeans so skinny that I could barely get my feet through), and high-top Vans... Remember? Yeah, that was me. Alongside our friends, who decided to go the Robert Smith route. Totally worked, considering they are bout about 6'6" tall. What a funny clash! We had to pose it out for the cameras. Russell just went as Russell, stressed out by work.




Good times, good times.

To end with, Riley's favorite hat.

Recent events. Holiday style.

Well, let's start off with this. Riley is in the Christmas spirit big-time this year. Check it:



We took the MUNI downtown (which is an adventure in itself) to see the Macy's windows (the SPCA puts live puppies and kittens in the windows, hoping for adoption) and Santa. And yes, she predicted it. She was shy. In her pretty dress. Which is still a little too big, but matched Macy's decor perfectly. And her tap shoes, which she insisted on wearing. I did not object in the slightest. I don't think I can count as high as the amount of people who thought she was the most darling thing they've ever seen. Smart people. I like that. See below.




This was as close as we could get. Don't tell anyone about this photo, since Santa's helpers told me they could get fired for shooting outside their stage area...




Prior to the shy Santa segment, she had to hit the cosmetics counter. And she was a hit with all the ladies!





After the big Santa extravaganza, we visited the ice rink at Union Square. They actually have ice skates in her size!! I was SO tempted, but I refrained... daddy has to experience this one. So, she just danced around and watched all the skaters. Maybe we'll do it in PA next week.




It was a big day.



Prior to that, last week, we got our Hanukkah Tree. We had a lot of fun shopping for the tree, and daddy and Riley helped decorate it. Riley continues to re-decorate it on a daily basis. OK, so I will pick my battles. I'll tell ya, though, this year, we bought those new LED lights, and I regretted it. They were so bright and gaudy, they made the tree look really horrible. Thank goodness we'll be in Derry for the real deal. Next year, we're back to the old school, warm, dim lights. Riley was so excited, though, it made it 100% better than any other Christmas.






Here's the video:


She also began play with daddy's home-made Christmas Menorah. We were in PA about 5 years ago for Hanukkah, and could not find a Menorah to save our lives, so my dad helped Russell make one. We will be taking this one to PA once more, since Hanukkah falls during the same week as Christmas this year. Fun stuff, and good memories!

The Rockettes have been a staple in our TV entertainment over the last couple of weeks. Their Christmas Spectacular is OnDemand, and she asks for it every now and then. When they come out in their tap shoes, she runs and gets hers, and clomps around the house, doing her little dances. Too precious.

This shot, by Riley. She's becoming quite the photographer. More on that in another blog...





And proof of her skills. She will definitely be enrolled in classes soon.



Now, for a nice closing. Look at these two, two weekends ago. Like there was no one else in the world. How proud is this dad?! Check out how the fog rolls in over the course of this short movie. That's how it is here. Like a blanket coming in to cover us up and protect us. We love it. And don't miss the rainbow to the left of the screen at the end...



But daddy has created the real rainbow this holiday season.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S on your new job, daddy! Russell has accepted a new job as a Creative Director at Red Bricks Media, and will start in the new year. He is going to be instrumental in heading up a new creative department there, to do online advertising and marketing. We are so excited, and this is a great opportunity for him to excel. Daddy, you're gonna be awesome, and we love youl! Good luck!

And there. Enjoy, because Riley and I are traveling Wednesday, and who knows when I'll have time to catch up more! Happy holidays to you all, and we love you. xoxo