Daddy's Little Helper

Adam got a grant to do a project where he hides 100 dinosaur paintings for people to find all over the bay area, and with some help, the rest of the world. Thomas likes helping come up with clues, but he mostly likes trying to eat the paintings.

Christmas Tree Lane

Another Alameda Christmas tradition is Christmas Tree Lane - a block where almost all of the houses decorate. And do they ever decorate. It's such a big deal Santa also comes to visit. We figured Thomas was just a little to small for that excitement this year, but he will definitely be going next year.

Thomas loved looking at all the lights. We also ran into our friends Elena, Gabriella and Easton while Gabriella was dropping off her letter to Santa. Running into friends and neighbors is our favorite part of living here.

 Gabriella and I both picked this house as our favorite.

A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Baby

My mom is going to have a new office so we thought it she could use some art for her walls. Thomas made his first painting for her and it went so well he made another for his Aunt Sam. 

Meeting Luna

Our friends Skylar and Joa had a little girl, Luna. She's adorable. Her parents swear she sleeps eleven hours a night. We don't really believe them, if only so we can continue liking them.

Six Months!

Photo shoot!

City Christmas Tree Lighting

We love the town we live in, because it has super cute things like a town Christmas tree lighting complete with skating rink, sleigh rides, carolers, an orchestra and tap dancing Christmas trees - yep, tap dancing Christmas trees. Grandma and Aunt Sam came up to go with us and Thomas got dressed up for the occasion.

Adam also did a Christmas boutique next door at the Elks Lodge during the day, but it ended just in time for the festivities.

We met the Miners and the Govers there. Unfortunately, it draws a pretty big crowd so we never found the Yalin's, but next year! It was the first time we got to meet the Grover's new baby, Easton.

Our friends Chris and Sarah happened to be in town from Canada, too.  They were unprepared for the sheer amount of children - did I mention that Alameda has been named one of the 100 best cities for kids? - Sarah was afraid she would accidently kick one.

They left to go warm up over margaritas. We stayed and had a daddy-shoulder dance.

Teething

Dad's fingers make the best teether.