Happiness and Cheer 2010

Christmas 2010 was joyful and delightful. It was the first year in our new/old home, and it felt just right. We had a cozy Christmas morning, and then invited my empty-nester parents over for breakfast. My mom made her famous Almond Croissants, which I jokingly told her is the reason I invited them. I whipped together a Spinach Artichoke Red Pepper frittata (with Greek Yogurt in it!)---my dad said it was the best frittata he'd ever eaten. Good. Because it's the only frittata I've ever made! We also had Fingerling Hash Browns---yum and beautiful. After, we headed to my mom's home for Christmas dinner with most of the family. (Sister Susannah and Brother Joe and families were notably absent.) My mom's buche de noel never disappoints. Kids loving cousins always makes me happy we moved to Utah.

Esther's Birthday Party

Esther's party was a roaring success! We had several darling friends, a pinata, a few craft activities, a dance party with helium balloons, goody bags, and a yummy cake. She is one in a million.

More Paris, Just for Fun!

I love Notre Dame's gargoyles; they each have their own personalities.



Pastries, acquired by brother-in-law Nathan, on my last night in Paris.




We found this cool sculpture in the Left Bank. The kids climbed on and slid down it for a half hour.



Leah, right after we told the kids we were going to EuroDisney the next day. This is such a moment of spastic joy. I adore this picture. It is true, unadulterated excitement.


Right after we told the kiddos of our impending trip to Disney, they started packing. Susannah had made her kids adorable backpacks for Paris out of Japanese fabric. Leah felt left out, so Lizzy, in true Lizzy fashion, fashioned this one for Leah out of a plastic bag. It's actually pretty awesome. The front has some twine lashed so that she can adjust the size and tightness as needed. I, unfortunately had to talk Leah out of taking it. The gaping hole at the top was a little less than ideal.



I tried to take a pic of the Eiffel Tower through the windshield. I love the effect I accidentally captured with rain and all.



The lovely Lazeras Family; my dad was involved with Josie's (the mother on far right) baptism back in the early 60s in Paris. We've remained good friends and had a delicious dinner at Florine and William's (their married daughter and her husband, with 3 children) home outside of Paris. I lived with the Lazeras family for 6 weeks after I graduated from high school.



Leah in contemplation at Gare de L'est



I made several TO-DO lists on the plane ride home.


And blew a few bubbles.

My Sweet Esther is 6!!

This is the smile I know and love. She's a happy girl and I can't believe 6 years have already gone by----wait a second, that's kind of a lie. It seems like I've never been without my Esther.


Peekaboo!


Contemplating 6-ness on the deck. She got to bring a treat to her class (had to be store-bought), so she opted for Krispy Kremes in the shape of snowmen. The class was thrilled!


Esther trying out her new cruiser. Her 6 shirt was a last-minute birthday present. I bought the cool 6 in NYC's garment district. Forgot I had it. Found a newish turtleneck and Fabri-Tacked it on about 5 minutes before we left for school.



These girls love each other!



Licking frosting off candles and double dipping. Yikes!



My happy, spastic, joyful, energizing, lovable, lovable Esther.