Late December Sun

Not to brag, but most years, Christmas is pretty spectacular here in Southern California. I know, I know, it doesn't look or feel anything like winter, or "Christmas", if you've grown up in other parts of the country.   (Remember, Irving Berlin was inspired to write "White Christmas" while in L.A.)  But I'm a native, so this is just par for the course.  On the afternoon of the 25th, we went down to the park and basketball court right near our house to soak up some of that sunshine.  The park and walkways were packed with parents and grandparents and kids: walking dogs, riding skateboard, trying out new toys. 

This year, Santa brought Tucker a "Green Machine."  Kinda like a Big Wheel, except that the hand steering & brakes let him "drift" and do spin-outs.  He is getting so big.  I admit to shedding a few tears a couple nights before Christmas.  He recently turned seven, and this will very likely be the last year he still confesses to believing in the Big Man. 

And don't even get me started on this one.  She woke up on Christmas Eve morning feeling grumpy and off.  All day long, my nine year old acted like she was fourteen.  "I don't know why I'm feeling so grumpy," she said later that evening.  Oh, my sweet girl: Welcome to my world. 

I'll be taking a little blogging break for the next week or so. I'll be back after the kids return to school, but for now, it's time to soak up the sunshine, the lazy days of another week (!) of winter break, and maybe a little road trip.  I'll see you on the other side...until then, Happy New Year!