At 35 inches, Zoe is finally tall enough to go on those big bouncy slides – and she couldn’t pass up the chance to try one on Sat. Her dad decided to join her (of course), and I’m not sure which one of them had more fun!
-M
As mentioned earlier, we went to Half Moon Bay, about 25 miles south of the city, yesterday. We got a bit of a late start and it took a good amount of time to get there (let’s just say we weren’t the only people with pumpkins on the brain), but it was totally worth it. We did the same circuit as last year: 4-Cs Pumpkin Patch for picking out pumpkins, and Pastorino Farms and Lemo’s Farm for playing games and frolicking around. And like last year, we took tons of pics.
-M
One year ago this weekend, the three of us headed down to Half Moon Bay to pick out pumpkins. Because we’re big on tradition, and because it’s so nice and sunny outside, we’ve decided to make our way down there today. I’m sure I’ll be doing lots of reminiscing (look how small she was last year!), and I’m sure we’ll have lots of pics to post when we’re back.
-M
Now that Zoe’s a bit older, she often comes home from Elena’s with some sort of art project or craft. My all-time favorite (naturally) is the Mother’s Day present she once made, and I’m also quite fond of a hanging, fingerpainted star that now lives on our refrigerator. I may have a new favorite in something she made the other day, though: a colorful and sweet little crown. And even better than the piece of art itself: the fact that she’ll actually wear it. And pose as a little queen with it. See below.
-M
Skype is a great way to keep in touch with far-away friends and family, and Zoe often uses it to chat with both sets of grandparents. My mom likes taking snapshots when they’re online together, and I just had to share my favorites from two recent sessions. (Zoe makes some pretty funny pictures in a few of these.)
-M
The evidence is overwhelming. Zoe is almost three feet tall. She’s close to being able to carry on a (semi-)real conversation with people. We’ve started researching and touring preschools for her. And friends of mine with kids Zoe’s age are now expecting their second child.
What this all means: Zoe is no longer a baby. While this is a no-brainer for most everyone, especially those of you who have watched Zoe grow online, it’s more difficult for this blogger. I see her every day – how could she have gotten this big without me noticing?? How did she get that tall, where did she pick up all those words, and how did she learn to run that fast? Did it happen overnight?
I’m enjoying this age, and I’m excited about all the milestones ahead (real conversations! preschool!), but the sentimental mom in me will always miss the tiny, helpless (and dare I say somewhat funny-looking) person that we brought home from the hospital almost two years ago. And I suspect, despite all evidence to the contrary, I’ll always consider her my “baby.”
-M
Q’s brother is moving to Israel in a few weeks (sniff, sniff), so he came to San Francisco to visit before he takes off. As mentioned below, Zoe, who hadn’t seen him since last April, clicked with him right away. The two spent tons of bonding time together, especially on Sat., when we visited Fisherman’s Wharf, and Sun., when the four of us hit the playground.
Here are some pictures of their favorite activities together.
-M
Strolling along:
Tag-team sliding:
Bouncing:
Braving the slide on her own:
Heading home:
Snacking:
Zoe’s been keeping pretty busy – and social – since our return home. Earlier this week, we celebrated the new year with our family friends, the Flanzers, and Zoe did a lot of playing and running around with Jack. (She also did a bit of hugging and kissing, as shown below.) Then on Fri., after hanging out with Miles and Zander, she helped pick up Uncle Gil at the airport; he’s been her favorite playmate ever since. (I can’t tell you many times I’ve heard her say “Gee-ill!”)
She just loves hanging out with boys!
-M
Zoe’s been talking up a storm these days, and she learned some new words and hand-gestures during our recent trip. Check her out below.
-M
The last few days of our vacation were filled with more of the same: swimming, shopping, strolling around, and snapping pictures. Here’s the last batch of photos.
-M
A family dip:
Sporting a new hat and shades:
Splashing around:
“Swimming was fun!”
“More muffin, please.”
Big smile:
Waving bye to Daddy:
Our last sunset:
One week ago today, we took a day-trip along the Hana Highway, a 40+-mile stretch that connects the small town of Hana to the rest of the Maui. It’s a long ride (the speed limit on much of the winding road is 15 mph), but you’re treated to jungle-like vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, and black-rock beaches along the way. It rained for much of our trip, but that didn’t stop us from making frequent stops and taking tons of pictures. (My only regret: we bought only one Macademia Dream Bar during our first roadside stop. That bar was the most delicious part of the trip!)
-M
Hunting for waterfalls:
Found one!
Trekking back:
Keeping dry in the car:
Pop Pop off exploring:
Our wet (but picturesque) picnic spot:
Pretty in pink:
Family shot:
