52 : 42 (part 7)

Christmas was great, I had so much fun. A few present highlights: I got 3 Dog Man books, a Harry Potter Hogwarts Lego set from Santa, and some toilet spray (Clorox Urine Spray) in my stocking. My Grampy also got me a Nintendo Switch and I love playing it with my family.

Darby 35/52 v5

Hard to imagine anything more magical than the Christmas wonder of a 4.5 year old, especially when Santa delivers the Ariel castle of your dreams... that is taller than you!

Darby 34/52 v5

Darby had her dance recital this week, this program was ballet focused and she has been begging to wear this white tutu for weeks and weeks. The audience was full of family and friends and our little lady loved the performance, and the roses her Daddy gave her afterwards.

52 : 41 (part 7)

I played "This is Not Jingle Bells" and "I am a Fine Musician" at my first piano recital this week. I was really really scared, but I did it and was really happy. My teacher was very proud of me and gave me a golden trophy.

Darby 33/52 v5

December is here and so it was time for our annual pilgrimage to see Santa. This year we visited him in the Garden House at Filoli. After many reviews of the Target toy catalog Darby came to her wish, Ariel's castle, and she was all smiles when she told Santa about it! This is the first year that she had no concerns about this Santa guy, but she did opt to sit to his side and give Ewan his lap. 

52 : 40 (part 7)

This week I met Santa and I asked him for a Hogwarts lego set. I saw him at Filoli and he was nice.

Darby 32/52 v5

Today we celebrated K's 40th birthday! After chocolate chip muffins with chocolate frosting Mama and Daddy dropped the babies at school and jetted to Las Vegas to celebrate. Auntie M swooped in to help with Darby and Ewan who spent the evening making gingerbread houses. Darby took a quick break from her construction project to sing "Happy Birthday" to her Daddy one more time... but when he picked her up from school the next day the celebrating was done and she was just pissed it wasn't Auntie there to get her again.

52 : 39 (part 7)

My mom was gone this week and I was really sad. When I miss her we FaceTime and I like to make her laugh.

Darby 31/52 v5

Darby's preschool picture is in... actually she missed picture day while she was in Australia so Mama arranged a shoot at a local studio as the idea of a year without a school picture was not acceptable. Our little ladybug with her preferred hairstyle in her favorite dress.

52 : 38 (part 7)

This week I helped my Dad put the Christmas tree on the car by throwing the rope when he told me to. The tree we picked is almost 8 feet tall and beautiful.

Darby 30/52 v5

Darby is typically good at sharing, but she definitely turns up the charm when her friend has a milkshake and an extra straw. This week was Thanksgiving and Mama & Daddy's 10th wedding anniversary, but Darby's favorite bit was definitely the Five Guys shake and a shopping date with Kaley.

52 : 37 (part 7)

This week we went to see "Ralph Breaks the Internet" with our Auntie. During the movie I got sad so I got to cuddle with my Mom, and soon enough the movie was over - the movie was funny and scary.

Darby 29/52 v5

We had never heard Darby say "Owen" until we were in Australia/New Zealand and she was all of a sudden fixated on the time at home and what that likely meant Owen was up to. A few short weeks later we got to meet the boy, the myth, the legend and we can understand why Darby is enamored... the fact that he had his birthday party at one of her favorite places after she'd been trapped in doors for a week because of the smoke (poor air quality) from the Camp Fire probably helped too.

52 : 36 (part 7)

I saw the new "The Grinch" movie, he was the meanest person in Whoville. At the end Grinch was nice like the other people, he even cut the roast beast. I like this "The Grinch" a lot. 

Darby 28/52 v5

It sure does seem like a lot of this year was spent on FaceTime. We were usually laughing, reading, or singing, but when Darby is hungry or tired it is harder... "Mama, I wanna cuddle and watch Gilmore Girls a little bit." Mama's pre-bedtime tv habits are of great interest to Darby.

52 : 35 (part 7)

I went to the Santa Barbara Zoo, there was a part of it that talked about our ape ancestors - I want to be a scientist. We stopped at the Zoo on our way home from my Great Grammie's 90th birthday party.

52 : 34 (part 7)

It was Halloween, I dressed up as Antman and my sister dressed up as the Wasp. We went to the party at the rec and trick-or-treating with our friends, Aria and Jordan. Jordan dressed up as Catboy from PJ Masks and Aria was Mary Poppins.

Darby 27/52 v5

You are looking at the Wasp, the lucky recipient of second place in the neighborhood costume party. Darby was stoked to be a super hero and was very proud of her winnings... and her brother (Antman) was a little jealous.

Darby 26/52 v5

Sweet, sassy, and so damn sweet. The hand on the hip is not new but the pop of the foot is, maybe it is all that ballet. It is amazing how little Bonnie Bunny looks as our girl just keeps getting bigger.

Darby Moira - 4 years 6 months

52 : 33 (part 7)

In this picture I am in New Zealand, it was really really green. We visited the North Island - Auckland, New Plymouth, and Wellington. In New Plymouth I helped my mom's old boss' (Rachel) partner (Rodney) do farm work, we had so much fun. On the farm we made new fence lines for the cows.

52 : 32 (part 7)

Our last stop in Australia was Port Douglas, we went to the pool each day, it was fun. In this picture I am in the swimming pool on a floaty that looks like a flamingo with my sister. The ocean in Port Douglas is really warm, I wanted to do a science experiment about the water but I did not get to do it. 

Darby 25/52 v5

The adventure continued this week in New Zealand. We enjoyed a little time in Auckland, New Plymouth, Martinborough, and Wellington - traversing the North Island really allowed us to appreciate it's beauty in the Spring. Every city had different fun to offer but Darby's favorite was NewPlymouth by far... in this special coastal town in the middle of the island we got to reconnect with our friends Rachel, Rodney and Weston. When asked her favorite part of New Zealand it was a resounding "Westy at the beach!"

52 : 31 (part 7)

This week we are in Australia, where I cracked my head open 90-minutes after we arrived. We took a taxi to the hospital, the doctors glued my cut closed - I was freakin' out that I would need stitches. My Mom and Dad had to pay $100 USD and wouldn't stop talking about what a deal it was. The cut didn't bother me and I was at a museum shortly after. In Australia we visited 3 places (Sydney, Melbourne, Port Douglas). In this picture I am at the Taronga Zoo eating chocolate ice cream, I loved the Zoo and all the museums we visited in Australia.

Darby 24/52 v5

Darby spent the last week in Australia, she has loved every bit of the adventure, even the trip to the emergency room for her crazy brother. We went to a ton of museums and enjoyed the usual sites in Sydney and Melbourne, and then we enjoyed a few wonderful beach days in Port Douglas. When Darby was asked to pick one picture of her favorite thing she said it was walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and seeing the Sydney Opera House.

52 : 30 (part 7)

I got to see my Auntie this week. We had a yummy dinner and had a slumber party. She is nice and I love her.

Darby 23/52 v5

Boarding a jet plane for Australia and New Zealand... the Benadryl is packed for this ~15 hour flight!

52 : 29 (part 7)

This weekend we went to the Harvest Festival at Filoli, it was hot and fun. They grow lots of apples on the property and I got to make apple juice, it was yummy and sour.

Darby 22/52 v5

Filoli is a historic estate near our home that we did not visit until this year, we quickly realized what we have been missing and joined as members. This week we went to the Harvest Festival to enjoy the property and get in the pumpkin spirit.

52 : 28 (part 7)

Mama has been working a lot and is feeling a little sad so she has been taking extra time off work to be with us! This week she took me to the mall for Wetzel's Pretzels and even let me pick out a Ninjago LEGO set.

Darby 21/52 v5

It is fun to explore our new neighborhood and to enjoy the great weather that the Bay Area brings in September. This weekend we went for a hike on the urban trail at the back/center of our neighborhood. The end of the path is near our grocery store so we did our weekly shopping and then lugged everything back up hill, but before Darby could endure the return trip she needed a resty.

52 : 27 (part 7)

NOTE: Now that Ewan is 6.5 these posts are up to him... aside from some spelling help along the way.

In this picture I am at a Cub Scout campout. I slept in a tent with my dad, and me and my friends made a tent out of wood (pictured). At the campout we went fishing a lot, we hiked, and we played tag. We also got to shoot bb guns, and arrows with a bow. I learned the 3 rules of shooting: always aim at the target, always treat a gun like it is loaded, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Darby 20/52 v5

The boys were away at Scout Camp this weekend so we had girls' weekend, which included some shopping, another viewing of Incredibles 2 (for Auntie's sake), and treats galore. It is unreal how big this lady is getting and soon she will be like the twenty-somethings behind her in this picture talking about their drama.

52 : 26 (part 7)

6.5! To celebrate we had our traditional half cake and Ewan received a special binder for his Pokemon cards - Mama organized them by type and put them in alpha order, and Darby made a cover with a custom drawing of Pikachu! Ewan was so excited and Grampie was here to sing with us.

Darby 19/52 v5

Labor Day weekend in Mammoth was just what the doctor ordered for our family - some time exploring nature, enjoying the fresh air, and getting some sun delivered. Of all the adventuring we did Darby's favorite was horse back riding, and while Mama and Daddy were huddled at the back of her horse pretending like they could catch her if she feel she did not even flinch at the idea. Her trusty horse Flicka kept her safe on the trail and was all we heard about for the entire drive home.

52 : 25 (part 7)

Labor Day is the official end of summer, and even though school just started two weeks ago Ewan got the Friday before the holiday off as well so we hit the road for Mammoth. K loves nature and has been waiting for the kids to be old enough to camp and fish so he was thrilled, although I did insist on the comforts of a hotel. While all that Ewan caught when he was fishing was himself he had a good time at the Lake - he also loved the hotel pool, horseback riding, watching "The Night at the Museum", and having his first ever soda (root beer at Mammoth Brewing Company)... he also learned how to tie his shoes!

Darby 18/52 v5

Darby in her natural habitat surrounded by Ariels, Care Bears, and unicorns for a pre-bedtime tea party... hopefully she is serving decaf.

52 : 24 (part 7)

Sixth day of school, eight tooth lost at his desk!

Darby 17/52 v5

Each night after tuck in we hear Darby talking in her room, it took a bit before we realized she is "reading" to herself. When we wander in for a final kiss before we go to sleep she is often snuggled up with the book, "National Geographic's First Big Book of Dinosaurs" is the favorite this week.

52 : 23 (part 7)

This week Ewan conquered the monkey bars, his summer goal achieved right before the start of first grade! This week's picture is Ewan at bedtime the night before he started first grade, hugging his best bud Camo and excited about the new school year.

Darby 16/52 v5

The McDonald family has an annual Christmas party and this year Kevin's cousin Heather added a summer luau to the mix. It was great to spend some time with the family and the big girls were very welcoming to Darby, specifically Paige (her second cousin who is next to her in this week's photo).

Letter to Ewan - First Day of First Grade

Ewan -

How is it that today was your first day of first grade? Where did the summer go? Where did the last year go? I swear you were just starting kindergarten and I was nervously obsessing about whether your teacher would know how special you are. Oh how times have changed - today I found myself hoping you would listen, be polite, keep your hands to yourself, and be happy at pick-up.

You learned a lot in the last year, belching is your favorite and reading is mine. I learned a lot too, I learned that you are a warm hearted boy in a big body that wants to get along with everyone, but the reality is that not everyone is a good match and as we say not everyone “makes your heart happy” like you hope. I think you are right on track academically and while I worry about my lack of patience and new math I know you are at a great school with an amazing teacher so I spend more time worrying that you find your people - kids that are sensitive, kind, and creative that understand your weird imagination play or have the patience to learn. Choosing friends is a life skill that I can’t teach you, but it will mean a lot always.

According to you Mrs. R will focus on math and reading, and you are thrilled to get better at both. I hope this year offers you everything you want and need as a 6/7 year old. You are the center of our family and my most special boy, I am proud to be your Mama - burps and all.

XOXOxxxo,
Mama

52 : 22 (part 7)

It isn't every season that the Dodgers make there way to Oakland to play the A's. With Auntie M's love of the Green and Gold, and our love of the Dodgers, we knew we needed to make a night of it at the coliseum. The traffic and the loss were unfortunate, but fun with Auntie is never overrated!

CAMP UPDATE - This week Ewan enjoyed Spy Academy camp. He learned a lot about forensics and is wandering the house collecting clues and looking for fingerprints constantly. 

Darby 15/52 v5

Darby arrived at the game with an LA Dodgers hat on and within minutes she had jumped ship for her A's loving Auntie. Darby enjoyed the baseball game and while Auntie was the highlight the lemonade, french fries, and hot dogs helped!

52 : 21 (part 7)

Always overachieving... Ewan lost his seventh tooth this week, although this lateral incisor should have stayed put until closer to eight years old this almost six and a half year old was stoked for another $5!

CAMP UPDATE - Ewan went to camp at the Rec Center this week. They talked about extraterrestrials and took a field trip to the Oakland Zoo, which Ewan really wants to show Darb Darb now. 

Darby 14/52 v5

It would not be summer with out Off The Grid @ Park Presidio. Food trucks and fog, as well as some of our favorite furry (and non-furry) friends, make for a great day!

52 : 20 (part 7)

Mama turned 37 today, Ewan cuddled her at a celebratory dinner and insisted on a selfie.

CAMP UPDATE - Galileo Space Camp occupied Ewan this week. He loved the camp and Mama and Daddy were very impressed by the quality of the activities and the counselors.

Darby 13/52 v5

Summer fun intensifies when a birthday party pops up! Darby attended her friend Aria's party this weekend at Rockin' Jump and while she was one of the smaller kids she did not let that stop her from attempting the rock climbing wall - rosy cheeks, sticky socks, can't lose.

52 : 19 (part 7)

Ewan is enjoying his summer and seems to be growing like a weed - eating all the food and all legs and knees these days.

CAMP UPDATE - Rec Center camp was "Space Jam" themed this week and Ewan was SHOCKED to hear that K and I had seen the movie. The filed trip was to Rockin' Jump, which is always a hit and is now the desired birthday party location (sure to change hundreds of times before the planning actually starts).

Darby 12/52 v5

Earlier this month Darby, Ewan and Mama snuck away to Davis on the Amtrak Capitol Corridor route, Darby enjoyed the view and the iPad time on the train. In Davis we wandered the campus, played in the hotel pool, and enjoyed Woodstock's pizza - Darby's favorite was the cinnamon and sugar "treat pizza!"

52 : 18 (part 7)

We may regret it one day, but we often allow Ewan to see movies that are a bit above the 6 year old set... a nice way of saying completely inappropriate. This weekend we took Ewan and Darby to see Ant-Man and the Wasp. Ewan loves Ant-Man and currently plans to be him for Halloween.

CAMP UPDATE - Safari Run camp this week, the theme was Fur, Scales, and Tails. Ewan definitely got his exercise in and is covered with bruises and burns from all the slides.