We got the memo

I'm not sure how many people who follow this blog would be aware of the huge sensation that is the movie "Frozen," along with its wildly popular song, "Let It Go." There are a ton of funny parodies, including this one. Well, not surprisingly, Lily not only has memorized all of the lyrics, she also sent us a (very important) memo with them written out.

Take a hike

Fresh off my vertigo last week, I decided to get some fresh air this weekend with an overnight backpacking trip.

 Andy stayed home with the girls while I drove about 2 hours north to Point Reyes.

 After we loaded up with our gear, our group was rewarded early with some spectacular ocean views.

 Low tide.

 This was my view most of the afternoon.

 Bass Lake

 We didn't hear it fall.

 That's Daniel, our fearless guide, in front. He's quite a naturalist and told us all the things we could forage along the trail. He got most excited about some miner's lettuce.

 More gorgeous views.

 After 5.5 miles, we finally made it to Wildcat camp.

 And then had to walk another mile down the beach.

 To this waterfall.

Which was totally worth it.

Freeze dried lasagna for dinner wasn't too bad. (Though my fellow campers raved about the Turkey Tetrazzini option.) The freeze-dried ice cream sandwich was even better (if not a bit crunchy).

Getting close to sunset.

 A group of visiting deer.

In case any of us was tempted.

 

 All packed up, ready to hike the five miles back this morning.

 A California newt. Very cute and apparently very toxic.

 Our group taking a breather on the trail. 

(And now I'm back home getting ready for tonight's red-eye to DC. I'm hoping all this exertion helps me sleep on the plane.)

Noodle on this

On the walk to school morning--

Amalia: Mommy, why when they do surgery to a boy cat so that a girl cat doesn't have babies do they call it getting noodled?

Me: It's actually called "neutered." Not noodled.

Amalia: Oh, and when a girl cat gets surgery, why do they call it getting sprayed?
 

Whale of a tail

 On Saturday, we took the girls up to Channel Islands to go whale watching.

 At the harbor.

   Excited for the boat ride.

 Really excited.

 

This is nothing compared to Pier 39.

 The highlight was getting to see a bunch of common dolphins swim right alongside the boat.

 Apologies for the lack of editing.

 

Payoff!

 Back at the ranch, Lily donned my La Reina skirt, which disturbingly fit her around the waist.

 And Amalia played an insincere game of Sorry.

Then Andy and I got dressed up in my parents' best 70s duds to head out to a 50th birthday party for Danielle's husband.

 We got extra points for our authenticity.

Someone even asked me if Andy's hair was real. (Yes, yes it is.)

Happy New Year!

 

Last Friday, the kindergarteners celebrated the Chinese New Year with a parade.

I wonder if next year the girls will suddenly love sheep.

 It was a bit drizzly, so the parade was contained under the eaves.

 The delicate flower protecting her fair skin from the fluorescent lights.

Red for good luck!

Pre-game festivities

 I think their new haircuts are really bringing the girls closer together.

 Amazing what a good cut can do.

 We celebrated Super Bowl Sunday by going to the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum.

 The girls were disappointed the stage coach didn't come with some horses.

 The museum currently has a cool "soundscapes" exhibit.

 Complete with a Brobdingnagian guitar.

 Finally, Amalia can cross playing drums off her bucket list.

 Apparently what construction workers do on break.

 Blue Man Group apprentices.

 Up the stairs to Southeast Asia.

And some quiet watercolor art. And now back home in time for the game.