C is for Christmas. I mean Cookie.

Decorating cookies takes an enormous amount of effort. Mix. Roll. Cut. Bake. Cool. Mix. Frost. Clean. Clean. Clean. But so worth it!

San Diego: La Jolla, Bird Rock

I took a lot of pictures in California, and they all make me happy, cause it was a great time. So I'm going to indulge myself, cause that's what blogs are all about. Here, then, is our 18 hour trip to San Diego. (Not included are pictures of fab cousins Scott and Jaclyn, who let us crash at their fab apartment. Also not included are the sights, smells, tastes of the sublime strip mall Mexican food that they served us upon our arrival. That meal alone atoned for the hellish experience of packing for a week long trip.)

We rose at dawn, more or less, cause that's what Memphians do when they're two time zones to the left. We were the lone diners at the breakfast place (almond pastries, carne asada eggs benedict). Then we walked to the corner of Dolphin and Bird Rock, and to other euphonious destinations.

Bird Rock. Site of Chris' last surfing expedition as a Californian, many moons ago. I don't think he or his buddy Brian would attest that it was a wildly successful venture, but since it's known to be somewhat dangerous and "locals only," we'll give credit where it's due.

The wealthy beach dwellers around Bird Rock are kind enough to offer amenities to the surfers.

20 years later, Chris and Brian are still brave (or dumb). In this picture, they're deciding whether or not to body surf in the 60 degree water. They did. I'll spare you those pictures.

What's better than ocean-view swinging?

Luckily, Brian and Kim's kids share Meredith's love of sea gull chasing. They were able to bond over this activity.

They also bonded over the building of a "drain." Not visible here: their florescently purple lips.
It was a very good day.

The End

Of life as we knew it.

Annual Poppy Shot

Keddi's Bday Soiree

Mom's birthday was a couple weeks ago, so last weekend the family convened in the booming burg of Calico Rock for a parTAY. It was a fabulous time. Love you, mom.

Happy birthday, to you.

Madeline has dear Aunt Judy right where she wants her.

Madeline also has dear Uncle Paul right where she wants him.

Meredith dressed up, put on some lip gloss (by the looks of it), and was the face painter for the party. I got a monkey. Aunt Judy made a better choice: snowflake.

When your Keddi is a lifetime elementary school teacher, there are die cuts for every occasion and every day is craft day.

Oh, zee babeez. Zay are so prayshus.

Quotes

Me: Mer, go downstairs. I'll be there in a minute. OR
Me: Mer, go set up the tea party. I'll be there in a minute. OR
Me: Mer, please be patient. I'll be off the phone in just a minute.

Mer, this morning: Mom. A minute is a long time, I've discovered.

Also, she has really become obsessed with previews. Which she calls poems.

Sisters

"Meredith, go see if your sister is awake."