Ciao, bella!

We made it! Three flights and three utterly exhausted toddlers later, we're here. And turns out, it's *wonderful* here.

New brother

Last weekend, my sister and her boyfriend became engaged. Nick blessed our whole family by inviting us to witness and participate in their engagement. We gathered at a vineyard in Napa, watched him kneel on one knee, and then celebrated all together over a gorgeous meal with an even more gorgeous wine pairing.

As it happens, I was the one who introduced Alison and Nick. It seems like forever ago -- six years! -- that I sent Alison an email telling her about a single classmate of mine. At the time, I didn't expect them to be a match, which just goes to show what I know. After watching them grow together these past six years, I couldn't be happier for them, or for the rest of us. I feel so blessed to be gaining such a wonderful new brother. Congratulations, you two. I love you both so much!

PS. Brian took some really lovely pictures of the occasion. My favorite few are below; many more are here.

Puddles

It's taken a little longer than I expected, but Sam finally *gets* boots.

Tahoe

Last weekend, we went to Tahoe for some snow, Sam's first. He was unimpressed, to say the least. After just a few minutes in the snow, he said, "ALL DONE!"

Haircut!

Because I can't stop myself

I can't say for certain, but this may be my favorite picture of Sam, ever.

Christmas bubbles

We had a wonderful Christmas! Family on both sides came to join us, and we feasted and laughed more in a few days than is strictly possible.

I don't have time for a proper Christmas picture post, but these shots are too sweet to keep to myself. For Christmas, Brian bought Sam an automatic bubble machine. Needless to say, it was a hit.