Merry Christmas!!

Santa was very good to us again this year.  We opened presents at home Christmas morning, then went to my parents for lunch.  Silas got a bunch of Paw Patrol toys (the only thing he asked for).  Daphne got a rocking horse, and a few other smaller toys we're hoping she'd like.  She's at a tough age to buy for.

We're really enjoying having these two weeks off work and being home.  We'll plan to go to the LA Zoo later this week for Silas' birthday, but otherwise have just been going to the park.  Silas made it clear he didn't like staying at the hotel in San Diego so we are staying home. 

Visits with Santa

Silas was actually pretty excited to see Santa this year.  He and I went to see Santa at the El Segundo city tree lighting ceremony.  It was actually raining that day, so I thought the crowds would be less... not so.  It was packed!  We got there right at 3pm (people started lining up before) and had the fast pass wrist band.  It was still about 30 min for the whole thing, which isn't so bad. 

Santa visited Daphne at Stephany's for their Christmas party.  She seemed less than excited.  We also saw Santa as he passed by in the Christmas parade.  Hunter, Silas' friend from Eagles Nest, and his family came to watch the parade with us.  The boys had a great time and were very excited about all the candy.  

Dress Up

Silas and Daphne are starting to play more together.  The other day they played dress up, and it was adorable.    Silas was the construction worker and Daphne was a firefighter.

Another Fire Station Trip

Eagles Nest did their annual walking field trip to the fire station, and I volunteered to help.  It was a long walk with 16 3 year olds, but fortunately there were several parent volunteers. Silas and I both had fun. 

First Family Vacation

We were all off the week of Thanksgiving, so we spent one night in San Diego and went to the zoo.  I really don't know how people do long vacations with young kids, it was exhausting!  Both kids really liked bouncing on the hotel bed, but of course didn't sleep well.  We should have brought the pack n play for Daphne, I think that would have helped. 

We saw a few animals at the zoo, but Silas was most interested in playing at the playground there and I don't think Daphne quite knew what she was looking at.  I'm glad we went, but I think it will be awhile before our next vacation!

First (and hopefully last) ER trip

Daphne has had a little bit of a cold, the other night she work up at 1am and was breathing really fast.  She didn't seem upset and was nursing OK, but  I looked online and they said if the breathing is more than 60 breaths per minute (hers was) you should call your Dr.  After being up and woorking for awhile I called on the on-call pediatrician.  The Dr said 60 breathes per minute was way too fast for her, and she should be seen.

So, Daphne and I went to the ER at 3am.  The ER Dr said her vitals were fine and her lungs were clear, she thought the rapid breathing may just be due to the viral cold and she sent us home.  Silas slept through the whole thing, but the rest of us were pretty tired.   I stayed home with her the next day, and by that afternoon she seemed better and her breathing was back to a more normal rate.  She had a runny nose for a few days after, but fortunately seems to have recovered fine otherwise.  We are lucky!!

Park Trip

One Thursday afternoon, we stopped by Holly Valley park after picking up Daphne.   That was one of our regular rec park alternates we frequently went to earlier in the year, but we hadn't been at that park in quite awhile.  It's certainly much easier having both of them at the park now that Daphne is walking, and it was a lot of fun to be outside playing.   I'm glad to be back at work, but a big part of me does miss being home with them and having adventures like these.

Trunk or Treat

We went to the Trunk or Treat event again this year at St John's.  The candy wasn't quite as good as last year, but I don't think Silas minded.  I'm really glad they host this event, it's actually one of the few things I really like about the school.  It's the perfect trick or treat experience for Silas, and very easy for us.  Silas didn't interact with any of the other kids there, but I think he felt comfortable around kids and adults he recognizes.

Pumpkin Patch

Eagles Nest did a field trip day to a local pumpkin patch.   It was a lot of fun, and since we went with the school we got a break on the price.  Silas, of course, loved the jumpers and it was really good to see him playing with some of his friends in his class.