Maxwell is Five

Happy birthday to Maxwell! He has been counting down the days to his birthday since December, and we are delighted to celebrate this sweet boy of ours.

This year he told his teachers his name was Maxwell, not Max, he learned his letters and numbers pretty much by osmosis, and can now keep up with his older brother on his balance bike.

He is still the sweet, content, deliberate and stubborn little boy that we love. This child literally stops and smells every flower that we pass. He runs into our room every morning with a sweet half smile and his favorite stuffed harbor seal. Like his dad, he functions best with order, routine, and alone time. He gives daily hugs and kisses just because, and loves drawing, singing and gymnastics. Oh Max we love you!

Exploring Mill Valley

I know blogs are somewhat a thing of the past, but if it doesn't get recorded, I don't remember it. So I am going to try my best to keep posting! Back in November due to a busy season at work, we had to opt out of our annual trip to visit family in LA for Thanksgiving. We made the most of it and went north to Mill Valley. 

First, a stop at the SF MOMA

What it's really like to bring three kids to a museum... 

I had been wanting to visit since the MOMA reopened, and I am glad we went. We had a pep talk beforehand that this was our opportunity to "rise to the occasion" and act like proper humans. The boys did fairly well (and we kept our visit short). 

Although Mill Valley is just north of SF, this was our first extended time in Marin County. Such a gorgeous area.

Muir Woods morning hike before the crowds arrived

Beautiful bike stroll along Tiburon's coast at sunset

 

Finally, our neighbors were staying for the week up at Stinson Beach and invited us for a visit. It was a special treat to visit this quiet community at the northern end with their own private lagoon. 

Noah and Gracie. The kids refer to our neighbors as "Gracie's family". 

 

Bedtime push ups at our Airbnb

These trips have made me a big fan of renting a vacation home and exploring local places, especially while our kids are young. The pace is unhurried, the kids travel so much better, and we get a deep dive into local spots. I think we may be ready soon to venture farther!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Happy birthday to Sam

Although he has been acting like a three-nager for quite some time now, Sammy boy is turning 3 today!



When I look at Sam and see how quickly he is growing, I get heart pangs that our baby years are now done forever. It makes me hold on to those final fleeting moments of his babyhood - the way he rubs his eyes when he is tired, how he still asks to be picked up when he is upset or scared, and when he looks up at me with big eyes as I buckle him into his car seat.

We call him the Hustler because he can out-hustle his brothers when he wants something. Sam lives life with absolutely no sense of responsibility, allowing him all the freedom to just grow in personality. He loves eating, Lightning McQueen, and his brothers. He is emotional, socially astute, tough, and exuberant about enjoying life.


He makes us laugh every day, and our family is made whole with him. We love you Sammy!

Being present

I realize from my posts that it may seem all we do is go on fun trips and enjoy our leisure time. In fact, our days are pretty much the opposite. Now that I am back at work, that familiar feeling of not being able to ever catch up has returned.

This time though, I am working far less hours and for the government. It has its own set of challenges, but so far it still feels like my best shot at doing work I want while spending the kind of time I want with my kids. Our days feel pretty packed with adult responsibilities, but I am trying to be present for the momentary sweet moments.