Still no snow on Sunday

So, we went to the beach, the weather was gorgeous, we even got to go waddle in the water, and without shivering...

Missed snow

We were promised snow down to sea level, something which occurs only once every 30 years. Some smart guys were already planning the best ski slopes on the San Francisco streets. At the end, we had a glorious sun, and not the shadow of a cloud. So, we went to the zoo, bundled up still. It's always a treat to go, the kids are super excited, but I think what they enjoyed most was the little farm, with the pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas (again...), and especially the goats and hens on the loose. They got to feed them and brush them, and don't even think of skipping one...

Camelidae and caprinae...

Tour at a miniature train, with a visit to Kyan's favourite animals. The kids even got to feed the goats and alpacas...

And please excuse the quality of the pictures, I'm afraid my camera's on its last leg...

New prints

Quick look of my latest designs printed on fabric. Kokeshis, pandas, bamboos... Must be the travelling bug hitching...

Stairs, finally...

Since we bought our house, in 2003, we've been looking at a way to add a staircase to access the attic and finish two extra bedrooms under the roof. The biggest headache has been to find the right spot for the say staircase. Our house isn't really big, but the space is well used, making it feel quite spacious, but doesn't leave much room for extra stuffs.

Anyway, after months of thinking of the right spot, many other months of renovation, quite a few adventures with our China-made stairs which got held at the harbor in LA, then got lost by the delivery company, we can finally access the upstairs room without a ladder... Yeah...
A huge thanks to my parents who happen to be here and have been a great help to get all the pieces together, we were desperately in need of extra arms to put the beast together.

The picture is a quick snapshot from a timelapse movie Michael did, which you can see by clicking on the following link: STAIRS INSTALLATION...

And just to be clear, it took a bit more than 45 seconds to install the whole thing...

Who would have thought...

Sunday February 6th, 10am. The kids are playing in the pool. Granted, the water is rather chilly and we're not seeing huge splashes, but still. Temperatures were in the low 80's F (25 Celcius) the whole weekend. Hopefully it will stay warm for a few more days.

And while Michael and I were busy working inside the house, Kyan managed to kidnap one of the neighbors (usually, he just sequesters them on the sidewalk with his endless stories). For once, he lured one inside to show her his rock collection, then his room, the kitchen, the washing machine, ... Luckily, the neighbor was very patient and enthusiastic...

Happy Groundhog Day

Phil didn't see his shadow, so, we should get an early Spring...

Climbing and jumping

On Saturday, we were invited to a birthday party for a little friend of Kyan (yes, another one, and they all seem to be girls...), in a center specifically designed for such events. In this one, beside the usual bouncy houses and slides, there were a climbing wall and a few table games. Anastasia spent a good 15 minutes watching the other kids climb until she was ready to try, but after that, she didn't want stop.

And as we were leaving the center, a family was walking in with gifts for another party. Kyan, who once again got everything right, shouted:" These guys area really late for the party...".

Small circus

A few pictures taken when we went to a circus (minus the tent) with the kids and two friends of Kyan, Chloe and Isabel. And since Kyan has declared that he didn't want have his picture taken anymore, he's usually either out of focus or half hidden, but I'm on the lookout for better opportunities...