SF Hilton's Happy Chinese New Year

The Hilton's Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Well, all we can say is that February weather in SF is always a gamble. The Year of the Rabbit rivaled 2008’s year of the (wet) Rat. The difference was the wind and freezing temperatures, which further enhanced the impressive rainfall. Our Ru Guests took it all in stride, and we made the most of our two-night Hilton stay, including watching the second half of the parade from our 8th floor window!

Palace of Parasols

Palace of Parasols
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Leading up to the parade, we kept hoping for a break in the weather to enjoy the outdoor festival in Chinatown, but to no avail. Rich, Jarred and I did a 12+ mile training run for the upcoming LA marathon, and literally got washed out a couple of times thanks to some fast cars, enormous puddles, and being at the wrong place at the wrong time. But regardless of the weather, San Francisco is always beautiful.

Arch Builders

Arch Builders
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We had a great visit to the Exploratorium – our first, and definitely overdue. The museum had something for everyone including our Ian and Jarred. We now know that this outing works for kids ages 7 to 17 (and 42!)

Cardboard Creations

Exploratorium -- Good for 7-17!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

These interlocking cardboard blocks were a part of a larger cardboard exhibit that was beyond cool – you can see the “subterranean installation” at the tinkering studio here:
http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu/materiality-cardboard/

Who knew there was a Cardboard Institute of Technology? All of this provided inspiration to get to the “Maker Faire” in San Mateo this May.

Mae & Helen at 2011 S.F. Chinese New Year Parade

Mae & Helen at 2011 S.F. Chinese New Year Parade
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen and Mae had a wonderful few days together and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Helen helped Mae sharpen her light saber skills, and Mae was nice enough to share her older brothers – who, with their music and technology skills, made them a hot commodity with our only child.

The Poncho Parade Posse

The Poncho Parade Posse
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This photo pretty much sums up the evening. The smiles quickly turned into gritting teeth, and our “let’s take a few minutes to warm up” turned into a lovely indoor room service extravaganza including hot chocolate and other tasty treats!

President's Day Ski Squad 2011

President's Day 2011 Ski Squad
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Our travails with the rain quickly turned into treasure upon arriving in Lake Tahoe. This is our second Tahoe trip with the Greens, and we are thinking that they might be our lucky snow charm.

Greens on Green

Greens on Green
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This was Jarred’s first time skiing, and Adena’s first time in 20+ years, so overall, we had a noteworthy Alpine sojourn. Ian continued to make great strides on his snowboard, and Mae finished the day by skiing down hot wheels with absolutely no trepidation. Rich decided that a good run followed by a massage trumped snowboarding, and he was just as happy as the rest of us. A tip of the hat to the Presidents who made this all possible!

Astro-Nut

My Little Astro-Nut
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

This being Helen’s official “winter break week” we were lucky to be able to drop her off in Citrus Heights on our way back from Tahoe for some Grandma/Great Grandma time. Helen visited the Discovery Museum Science and Space Center in Sacramento, did some Padawan training with Uncle Joe, and enjoyed some favorite family dinners including corn beef and cabbage.

Jelly Belly Tour, At Last!

Jelly Belly Tour, At Last!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen and Grandma had better luck with the Jelly Belly factory tour than we did after Christmas. The lines were reasonable, and they both thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpse of a Wonka-like world where they get to dream up new flavors like “roasted marshmallow”. Grandma was particularly amused when Helen was the only one on the tour to request a hair net... it does seem to complete the picture.

Have Pigi Citi Bank Will Travel

Have Pigi Citi Bank Will Travel
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

I can’t remember what I wanted for my 7th birthday. But I know one thing for sure – it wasn’t a bank account. We about fell out of our seats when Helen announced a few weeks ago that (in addition to going to Disneyland) what she really wanted for her 7th birthday was to open her own bank account.

I explained that we already have a college account, but that wasn’t what she had in mind. Helen wants to actually manage her money. We even ended up discussing compound interest – a concept I barely understand myself. Helen further explained that she had a bank all picked out – one within walking distance, and one where she can make a deposit any time she feels like it.

Well, making that first deposit proved to be difficult. Between our work, her school and activities, and the bank being closed on Saturdays, we didn’t actually open the account until two weeks after her birthday. No matter – she was absolutely thrilled, and has a record of her $244 in savings (thanks to some generous birthday benefactors).

This is the story I will tell when she is 40 and an investment banker. She has clearly determined where the family weakness lies and is taking action. Go Helen!

Birthday Jedi & Year of the Rabbit

Birthday & School CNY Celebration
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen’s actual birthday ended up being a celebration extraordinaire in combination with Chinese New Year. Her school day started with a birthday serenade from first grade along with her requested “cake” – two double batches of homemade apple crisp. Later, another mom and myself put together some CNY activities including a story, some brush paining, red envelopes, and eggrolls. (Note her special “birthday Jedi pin”!) She ended her day with a Daisy meeting that included valentines and birthday Bundt cake. All in all, it was sweet. Very sweet.

Chinese New Year at Art Museum

Chinese New Year at Art Museum
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The Museum of Art had a much more impressive array of CNY activities. Grandma Poh Poh joined us for an afternoon of art and lovely weather. I can tell already that this Year of the Rabbit is going to be exploding with creativity and new interests. Helen’s intellect is on fire, and it’s so fun to nurture her daily inquiries, fascinations, ideas, and brainstorms.

Welcome Rowen Leary!

Welcome Rowen Leary!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

And speaking of cute little rabbits, Rowen has finally joined big brother Liam at the Leary hatch in Mill Valley. We had a chance to pop in on Ian and Char and spend some wonderful time cuddling a newborn and playing blocks with a precocious toddler.

So I'm all of Love that Could Make it Today

So I'm all of Love that Could Make it Today
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen’s after-school play featuring Shel Silverstein poems was thoroughly entertaining. We she delivered the line, “I’m all of love that could make it today,” I melted. What a perfect way to end Valentine’s week!

Ru Girls in the Magic Kingdom

Ru Girls in the Magic Kingdom
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen and Maxine were starting to wonder if they’d ever make it to the Magic Kingdom. At long last, their parents finally relented, and a special 7th birthday expedition to Anaheim was commenced (carefully timed to avoid major crowds, holidays, and hot weather). Our band of young travelers fared very well, and with the exception of some minor precipitation on the 2nd day, the trip was as (dare I say it) as magical as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Celebrating Seven

Celebrating 7th Birthday in Disney
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Donning their “happy birthday” buttons and mouse ears, Helen and Maxine were model theme park buddies – giggling their way through modest lines, and soaking in the entire experience.

Jedi Grin

Helen Flashes her Jedi Grin
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

For Helen, the big lure was not the Princess Tea, or Pirates of the Caribbean. The lure was Padawan Training. Tales of this special Tomorrowland show had been percolating through Helen’s friends, and she was beside herself with anticipation of being chosen to go on stage to demonstrate her lightsaber skills.

Helen Takes on Darth Vader

Helen Takes on Darth Vader
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Thankfully, she was chosen, which meant that she and the other Padawans were taught some special moves before taking on Mr. Evil himself, Darth Vader.

Jedi Helen Applies "Force Push"

Jedi Helen Applies "Force Push"
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Helen was also chosen to use the “force push” to impede some invading Storm Troopers. (If you saw the Volkswagen Jetta commercial during the SuperBowl, you will understand how powerful of an experience this can be for a young Jedi...)

Backseat Driving Lessons for Dad

Dad Gets Lessons in Backseat Driving
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

After Jedi training, Helen was so satisfied that we probably could have wrapped up the day and put a bow on it. But as it turns out, there were many other high points to be had, including Autotopia. This “joy ride” sent Helen to the moon and back since she has been looking forward to her driver’s license since about age two. Not so sure how joyful this was for Chris since that driving age is sneaking up way too fast!

p.s., a note to Tesla, Nissan and Toyota – you’re missing a marketing bonanza... Haven’t you noticed that Disney’s cars of the future are still running on gasoline?

Skeleton Stare-Down

Skeleton Stare-Down
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The other big hit (besides It’s a Small World) was Tom Sawyer Island where the girls had a great chance to burn off some energy. It’s surprising how little exercise one really gets after you back out all the waiting time.

Birthday Girls with the Sorcerer's Apprentice

Birthday Girls with the Sorcerer's Apprentice
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

An older first trip to Disneyland not only helps with mobility, but also means that there is no fear of characters. We visited, and happened across several that the girls enjoyed meeting. Along the way, everyone took note of the birthday buttons – it was almost like being in the checkout line at Safeway minus the “thank you Ms. Kline”.

Scoping out Disney Routes

Scoping out Disney Routes
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

A big boost to logistics were the wait-time apps for the iPhone which we found to be helpful and accurate. However, our Ru girls preferred their hard copy maps, and enjoyed navigating their way through the park.

Maxine's 7th Birthday

Maxine's 7th Birthday
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Prior to Disneyland, it was lovely to be at Maxine’s school party, which featured the most amazingly artistic and yummy panda cake.

Hoopnotica

Hoopnotica
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Also in action were heaps of hula hoops.

What a great way to celebrate!