Last Bits of January Fun

Other random fun from the month. . . 

We did a couple hikes with friends on Fridays this month. While the older two don't have water polo or swim, we thought it would be fun to get a little exercise and see people once a week. We had a pretty wet day for our first one.

Rara gave us this awesome subscription box for Christmas--a selection of treats from a different country each month. First one was from the Netherlands and we had so much fun sampling everything and rating them. And this subscription is all used up so there isn't a bunch of stuff to store--another win!

Finally, Peanut had another virtual piano recital. Not the same as doing this in person, but glad that we get to see these performances, and it is nice that Rara was able to join in to watch--one of the benefits of things being online.

Here are clips from his two pieces.

Moonlight Sonata

Chasing Waterfalls

 

Finally Got Some Rain!

It's been a pretty dry winter so far, but the rain the other day has meant a few days of fun walks down by (and in) the creek.

It was roaring on Thursday when we first went to check out the water level.

And then had calmed down to a more normal level by the time the rest of the family was able to get down there today.

This kid puts his rainboots to the test!

And sometimes has to then dump a bunch of water out because he went a little too deep, haha.

But he's been a good wet weather explorer.

And rain means green grass everywhere!

We found this beautiful little spot near the creek. Not every adventure we go on has to be far, or an all day event. This one is about a mile from our house, just a quick walk on the bike path.

Other people must like to play here, too. There were a lot of these structures built in the area.

Peanut just made himself at home.

Lots of logs and fallen trees here.

Nice when we can bring the rest of the family along.

Peanut appreciates having someone to play with.

Sword fighting on the logs. No one got hurt, miracle of miracles.

Hoping we see a lot more of this.

Happy Birthday, Daddy-o!

Someone got another year older!

After the success and fun of Bug's diner, the kids wanted to do another restaurant.

This one was Italian themed (and relied heavily on frozen Trader Joe's meals!) Bug made the menu, Bean was the waitress, and we all helped in the kitchen. Usually, the birthday person gets to pick their dinner, but we figured since this included both pizza and lasagna, which are Daddy-o's typical picks, we were safe. He got to have both, haha.

Peanut made his awesome hat and was so excited for Daddy-o to wear it all through dinner, haha.

And then, for dessert, he asked for the chocolate peanut butter cake. This is a family favorite, for sure.

Happy Birthday to our favorite bearded pirate guy.

 

Hayward Shoreline

Third Saturday in a row that we made it out for a fun day! We took a breezy (and little bit chilly) walk at the Hayward Shoreline.

It's such a great bird watching site. We found this snowy egret, along with several other types of shoreline birds.

Even when it's not quite as warm as some of us would like, it's just so great getting out with these people.

After our walk, we stopped by Erik's Deli Cafe in Hayward for lunch. We were starving, and it hit the spot.

 

More Online Science

Lots of science prep happened the first week of the month to get ready for another semester of zoom classes. 

I like to think I've learned a lot from this process and it was more streamlined this time. But maybe I'm fooling myself--it takes over my life and the family room for a few days every time. But I got it done--13 lesson packets, for 3 different classes, 20 students.

We have some fun things planned, like this paper "dissection" of a fish. I think the kids appreciate having some fun activities to go along with the online discussions.

And speaking of fun lessons--we studied symmetry in invertebrates this week and one of the ideas I gave them was to make some symmetrical food. So Peanut and I made symmetry pizzas for dinner. Mine had bilateral symmetry.

His had radial. It's fun to apply what we learn!

 

In the Lives of our Pets

We try to get these guys out as much as we can when the weather is nice. Poppy does a lot of running and jumping when she first gets out.

These two, especially, love to eat grass. I don't think they get much exercise, and probably eat way too much while they are out there, but they love it.

And some bunny got a harness for Christmas.

I don't think she's a huge fan of having something on,

but she does like the freedom to explore the whole yard. I wish we could just let her run around, but we have too many poisonous plants back there. And dogs on all sides, so I would worry if she managed to dig under the fence. So we let her explore on the leash. So far, we haven't taken her out of the backyard. I don't think I'd trust her out front since she's managed to pull it off a couple times already.

 

Adding to Those Ridge Trail Miles

Bug and I hiked a few miles at the Carquinez Strait--you can just see the water and the bridge in the distance of the picture. I love it when a Ridge Trail hike includes a view of some part of the bay.

This one also had a labyrinth.

And lots of mushrooms. Mushroom hunting is one of my favorite parts of winter hiking.

And then we finished off the morning with a stop at Chick-fil-A for lunch. It has gotten a little trickier fitting in my monthly dates with my kids, but I really enjoy the one-on-one time, and hope that they do, too. More than that, I hope they always know that I'm there, and available for a conversation. 

Getting Behind on Our Holidays

Is it normal to be getting rid of Halloween pumpkins

while this is in your living room? And it's Jan?

I think the tree is staying for a bit longer. We're just not ready to say goodbye to the lights and the hygge. I think this is the longest we've had our decorations up, since we got stuff out in the middle of November. Guess we'll go for a family record. 

 

Winter Tidepooling

Spent the day at the Pescadero tidepools to take advantage of a low tide, and beautiful January weather.

I will never get tired of winter along the coast.

And I will never get tired of exploring at tide pools.

Lots of urchins, snails, and other little critters.

Mussels, gooseneck barnacle, and a chiton.

Beach days are good days. We are so lucky to live so close to these amazing places.