L'artiste

On the tracks... The trains are running!

Les Copains

Yummy yummy... Sand stew!

Nathan and Sidney hanging out on a rainy Saturday...

Sidney almost turns over... some more

On the verge of turning over, but not quite there...

Running Around the De Young

Eva, Nathan and Max had a fun time running around at the De Young.  We had planned to go the Academy of Science, but it was "Member's Sunday," which meant that the members-only line which normally gets us inside in 5 seconds was 30 minutes long.

How's that for special "members-only" treatment?

Sidney shipping a present...

Music Class with Enzo

Nathan's favorite thing was to touch the instruments but Enzo didn't quite enjoy it as much...

Our littlest boy

Nathan dancing on "youpi yaya"

Before palying DJ, Nathan figured that to reach the light switch he just needed to climb on the book rack. Then, all the kids agreed it was the best game ever and decided that's what they wanted to do!

Sidney almost turns over

Right before his bath tonight, while his mother was giving him a massage, Sidney was 80% over.  His rump was sticking up, but he couldn't manage to get his shoulders around (he was clenching both hands together in a perpetual elbows-out "clap" position).

Soon... soon!

Nathan's Belated Birthday Party

Nathan's birthday happens to fall on the exact same day as 4 of his friends, so finding free time to host a celebration is not an easy task!

We had a small group over in our small apartment to help mark the special occasion!

Nathan and Max

Nathan and Max love to hang out. They talk about cars.  They make airplane noises.  It's a blast!

We met up with Max at the park today and on the way to lunch, the two of them had a fun time riding around on Nathan and Sidney's stroller and engaging in some pretty serious discussions.

Commissioned Graffiti, part deux

A few months back, Nathan and I noticed that Park's Farmer's Market had commissioned  someone to put some graffiti up on their wall, and we got to watch them start their work.

Well, we've been busy busy and haven't had a chance to walk by there in a LONG time to take a picture... but today we did.  And here it is!

(it's kind of ugly if you ask me)

Happy New Year

Nathan makes Sidney laugh

Tonight right before Sidney's bath, Nathan was brushing his teeth.  He was making some funny noises, and Sidney was in the mood to laugh.  Alex held Sidney up in front of Nathan and the two of them just had a fantastic time together.

We could really tell that Nathan was really interacting with Sidney... trying to make him laugh, watching his reactions.   It warmed both Alex and my heart.

And then... from the "unfortunate timings" department...

Nathan was done brushing his teeth and began saying goodnight to all of us.  He gave his Maman a kiss and we asked him if he wanted to give Sidney a kiss on the head.  He strained his head around to give Sidney a bisous on the mouth, and right at that momeny Sidney vomited.

Nathan was a little perplexed, but took it in stride.

Ah c'est lourde

After going to the "tienda" with me (we haven't gone together in a long time... what a treat for Papa!) Nathan volunteered to help me carry home a sack of groceries.

The first thing out of his mouth when he tried to pick the bag up was "Ah, c'est lourde!"

("Oh, that's heavy!")

He did end up carrying it all of the way home (well, most -- he charmed some random lady into carrying it for him for a bit)  and managed by "bouncing it on the ground" at each step, as shown in the picture.

Hannukah at the H's

Joe and Betty invited us to their home to celebrate the 7th night of Hannukah.

On the way in, Nathan was impresed that Papa could carry Nathan, the backback, Lila's present, the braised fennel and the chocolate chip cookies.  For a minute, I became "super Papa."  It was nice.  Alex took a photo to commemorate the occasion.

Sidney was extra comfy with Maman, and Nathan had a lot of fun playing with the older kids.

That's a letter

Nathan likes "They Might Be Giants."  Here he is explaining to Maman and I what's the difference between a Letter and Not A Letter.  We were only able to capture the tail-end of a long diatribe on the subject.  Enjoy.

Call Geema?

Maman is so funny!

Ah t'es lourde

"Oh, you're heavy."

Nathan the old man.  Having a hard time going up the stairs.

Tiny fingers

Christmas Smörgåsbord @ The Moontros

The Moontros invited us over to their house to partake in their self-proclaimed Swedish "pagan" traditions (eating... drinking... what's not to like?)

Scott and Janice slaved away before the meal... and Janice watched the kids throughout most of the actual eating part.  In fact, she overheard Nathan and Max plotting to tip over the play kitchen in the living room.  Obviously these two boys will be trouble as they grow up together.

After we had all eaten our fill, Scott took over and kept both Max and Nathan entertained with countless tickles and giggles!

For the most part I got to just hang out, drink "glögg" and talk with other grown-ups for a change.

This is a tradition I can really get behind!