We headed to Enchant tonight at the Mariners baseball stadium. They decked out the whole field in a maze of lights, and it was pretty cool. Bonus also was that we went with Elliot and Dylan, who just flew into town today for the weekend!

Frank and I bought e-bikes on Black Friday to fulfill our aspirations of biking everywhere. Of course, it took till today to try out our new bikes, and we didn’t quite charge the batteries correctly, so e-biking turned into regular biking. Still fun! (Now to fulfill those aspirations, in all weather, all the time. Good luck, us.) Caveat: Frank needs to wear his helmet too!

Popped into the library to get a book, and it was story time! Snow themed with a snowman art project...really, all she wanted to do was to use the purple glue.

 The Christmas spirit is still lingering, so here we are with a walk down memory lane of Meryl’s effervescent joy meeting Santa...will she ever break?

 Xanna gave Meryl Lincoln Logs for Christmas and they started construction this morning.

 Holmes had his check-up doctor’s appointment today and checked-out healthy! Turns out that the plague didn’t phase him too much - while he lost half a pound going into the hospital, he’s since gained that and more back! Got a few vaccines to boot too.

We visited St. James Cathedral on Christmas Eve, and Frank and Meryl lit a candle for Lolo.

And maple syrup gets poured on everything. Meryl and Buddy the Elf have the same sweet palate.

We headed to the zoo this morning for the merry-go-round (because, horses for Xanna!), and left all a fluttter from the apiary with birds landing on our heads. We also had a ‘moment’ with the snow leopard, who walked right up to us and marked his territory against the viewing glass...so glad it wasn’t through the fence otherwise! The zoo was delightfully empty, except for the animals:)

We’re beginning to see health and have been breaking out of the house for fresh air away from crowds.

We’re home! After five days in the hospital, we finally broke free and can let the holidays begin...at home, away from crowds, pretty much in our own bubble:) Holmes caught the RSV virus (probably from Meryl, we’re all sick thanks to her), which generated so much congestion he had a hard time breathing and eating. We’ve learned a lot about babies and viruses and hospitals and medical vocabulary this week. We’re also thankful for family and friends (and the nurses!) for getting us through this week! Here’s to health and happiness for us all!

One month! It’s been both the longest and shortest month:) And while we went to the doctor this week simply to confirm that he has indeed caught Meryl’s cold, we also learned that he is ten pounds. TEN POUNDS. This professional snacker has plowed his way through a pound and a half of pintxos this month!

What a week! Colds, ear infection, migraine, no sleep, no preschool, and no Frank (work conference in Florida)! We are slowly returning to normal and it feels so good. Thanks to Lola for all of her support this week, it took all of us both!

A big long hug! (Tomorrow is Lola’s birthday.) Meryl is still battling a cold and the doctor today said she has a low grade ear infection. She stayed home and, amidst all the Mama-mania, she opted for comfort from Lola...silver platter service right there!