A Pre-Christmas Week-end

We made it to the end of December...
The last two months were a tad challenging: I say that we should have 2 months of vacation before Christmas because the excitement of the season makes it impossible for me to concentrate... well, at least it is an excuse I like to give...

I have not been enjoying that much screen time in the last two months; between having to pay back the membership for the fencing I decided to not do anymore and my mouth seemingly running on its own and saying things that get me in trouble, I have had time for some serious reading, lego playing and puzzle making.

So it was great news to know that my cousins were coming over so that the Ps would cut me some slack and we would be able to enjoy some screens together. That and of course the fact that I love when we have people over...

Day 1: It was time to play together... while the little one ran around us, taking occasional selfies with Maman's camera ( about 50!). Maman made the tall kapla tower and we would try to make our own tower on day 2.

The end of the day was time for our Pre-Christmas eve party with champagne for all, appetizers and of course, the opening of the gifts.

This was followed by cuddles and cozy time next to the fireplace...

There might have been some sibling rivalry going on too!

After a delicious dinner made by Papa ( Pear salad & Italian Beef Stew + home made bread), we had the traditional "bûche de Noël" made by Maman: Miam! And it was time for game night while the little one slept.

Day 2: It was all about building and playing and soon, the cousins were on their way back home.

We really had fun all together and it is too bad they live so far...

And just like that it was fall

During the last weeks of Summer, we try to go at least once to the Ocean. This time, the fog was also our friend but it was a fun day of beach bikes and clam chowder,

Then Middle School started... it has been a little bit of a rough ride as somebody we shall not name is not too keen on producing all the necessary efforts... There is no shortage of time spent having fun though... not quite spending the energy in the right places... but hey, the somebody who shall not be named still manages good grades!

Luckily, school comes with breaks and in October, Maman and I headed to Seattle by train. It was a fun trip with a lot of walking, sightseeing and eating! We went to the space needle of course but opted to see the amazing Chihuly Garden Glass Museum instead of going to the needle top.

We also did a trip to the Aquarium and ate croissants and chowder at Pike Market.

Soon enough it was Thanksgiving and we flew to AZ for a few days of sun, walks and family time. And of course, the meals were just SO amazing.