Fiona Turns 3!

On November 18, Fiona turned 3 years old. This sounds like a cliche until you've lived it, but we don't know where the time went. We know she's 3, though, because this age already promises to usher in some lovely changes: fewer tantrums, more responsibility, a greater sense of herself as an independent "big girl." (If this sounds like code for "we're giving her more chores to do around the house, and so far she's liking it," that's not far off!)

Here is Fiona on her first day of life:
Here she is eating breakfast (chocolate chip bagels!) on her birthday morning with Campbell:

There were some lovely gifts from family and friends. Her "big ticket" gift from us was a pink guitar, which she's been requesting the past 6 months.

Later that same morning, Fiona shared a cake with her preschool class.
And even later, she shared ANOTHER cake (following a delicious dinner in a Chinese restaurant) with Grandmommy & Granddaddy, recently returned from China.

Campbell was quick to pick up on the benefits of a sibling's birthday: everyone gets cake!

But that wasn't all! Fiona's birthday party with her friends was 2 days later. This year, Fiona had a very specific vision for her birthday. It was to be a "Sleeping Beauty party at our home with the girls dressed like princesses and the boys dressed in suits." We indulged some of that vision. During his recent visit, Boom had worked during naptime to create this amazing castle out of discarded boxes. Here's how it looked after we set it up on the eve of Fiona's party:
And here's how it looked when our girls discovered it the next morning:

Six of Fiona's friends (and assorted younger siblings) arrived for the party (the boys were NOT required to wear suits, although they all did look dapper). Everyone enjoyed playing in the castle, and Fiona was delighted to find a Prince Charming behind one door!

Everyone decorated their own crown.
And then we played "Pin the Crown on the Princess."
As per Fiona's request, the Evil Fairy Maleficent (i.e. Mommy) put in an appearance to place a "No Cake!" curse on the party, unless the guests all solved some challenging riddles by the Wise Wizard (i.e. Daddy).
That mission accomplished, we could all enjoy some cake!
Happy Birthday, Fiona! We love you very much and can't wait to see what the coming year holds.

A Week with Nana & Boom

Fiona & Campbell's Grandmommy & Granddaddy just returned from a month of traveling in China -- which made us realize just how much we are spoiled by Grandmommy & Granddaddy! Fortunately, we had relief in the form of Nana & Boom, who flew in to spend a week with us.

The girls were just thrilled for the entire week.

There was a lot of dancing...

and reading...
and baking of brownies...
and hugging.

We also celebrated Fiona's 3rd birthday (early) by holding a family dinner at a restaurant of Fiona's choice (Crepevine, where her favorite entree is the Mickey Mouse Pancake).

For the occasion, Fiona wore the birthday dress she'd picked out with Nana.
It was just an all-around lovely visit, and we are so grateful to Nana & Boom!

Our Fall: A Summary

Since clearly I have lost control of the timeline and am now in the position of posting about August events in November, I am making a desperate bid to get caught up -- all in one post! (Deep breath) Here goes....

We had a great Fall!

Fiona started preschool 2 mornings a week at Caterpillar Co-op Preschool, a little thing we put together with 4 other families. It's been a LOT of fun, and she gets along well with her peers.
We went apple picking (with our friends the Stinsons, parents to Addie & Elisa). Fiona met one of her heroines, Snow White, at close range. Fiona was thrilled, but Snow White, perhaps feeling suspicious of Fiona's apple, seemed a little stiff.

We also went pumpkin picking with the Stinsons. It was rainy, but that didn't stop the girls from having a great time.
Fiona loves all things princess-related, especially dressing up like one.
Campbell is resistant to dressing up, until she sees how cute she looks.
But they both had fun dressing up at Halloween (as Cinderella & Tinkerbell), and trick-or-treating with friends from preschool in Alameda.

We had a fun little visit with my college roommate, "Dr. Kristin" (she's really a doctor, and really named Kristin, but that's also what the girls call her), in town for a pediatrics conference.
And the girls continue to grow, and to have more & more fun together. "Fun" at this point consists mainly of running around the house screaming, but there you go.
Next Installment: Nana & Boom's Visit & Fiona's 3rd Birthday!

East Coast 2010: The Final Chapter!

At long last, 2 months after the fact, I am concluding the epic of our visit to the East Coast! After Kate & Zane's wonderful wedding, we still had a VERY important visit to make: to my grandmother (known to the girls as "Great-Grammy Caroline," from whom Fiona takes her middle name) and my father's brother (Uncle Raymond) and sister (Aunt Joyce).

We spent a wonderful afternoon all together at Aunt Joyce's house. Aunt Joyce immediately won Fiona's heart by giving her the Cinderella wedding dress-up set and book.It was really special for Fiona to see her Great-Grammy again (after almost 2 years) and for Campbell to finally meet her Great-Grammy.

And then, all too soon, it was time to say goodbye to the East Coast, and to our beloved East Coast family. It was an unforgettable visit!

Upon returning to California, Fiona and Campbell decided to reenact the mood and overall experience of our return flight:

Next up: our entire Fall in one marathon post!