Now in a Daze from the Holidays

We're back in the UK and struggling to beat the jet lag. According to our notes from past trips, it should take about a week until we are somewhat close to normal in our sleeping patterns. Here is an approximation of what last night was like: Evie and Canaan went to sleep at 8:50. Both woke up at 10:15. Back to sleep at 2. Evie woke up at 2:40. Back to sleep at 4. Woke up at 4:15. Back to sleep at 4:20. Me wide awake at 4:20 for about another hour. Yawn.

It took two very large cups of coffee and one small one to get me through today and now I'm wishing I had another to help me keep my eyes open for another hour while I sit in the dorm and make sure the students are studying diligently. They are. I almost wish they weren't so that I'd have to be active instead of just sitting here.

I gave up on shopping ebay for a Kindle cover and thought I'd write a little about Christmas here to help me stay awake. We spent two weeks in San Clemente.

Okay. I'm now too tired to write and just got distracted by facebook, so I'm going to post some pics instead of writing.

Just kidding. I don't have them with me here in the dorm, so I'll post them later from home.

The (2nd) Best Christmas Present Ever!

It would be THE BEST Christmas present ever except for the fact that Canaan was born on Christmas, so he has to be the best one. The second best gift, I received today. It's in my kitchen and is going to add hours to my week. It's a dishwasher! It's a long story starting with how we asked for it but then did not think we were going to get it and finally encountered a situation that worked to our benefit and we got it. The work began about 10 days ago when the maintenance guys removed our tiny refrigerator, leaving an empty space just large enough to catch our kids' interest. Canaan managed to pull off a board that used to cover the bottom part of the cabinets. A couple days later, I was facing the stove preparing dinner and Canaan was hanging out in the kitchen with me. I suddenly heard a strange noise, turned around and only saw his feet sticking out of the cave. He was stunned but fortunately not hurt. We ended up sticking our rubbish bins in the hole to keep the kids out. It worked pretty well. So, after 9 days of protecting our kids from the cave of danger, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum received a threat from their boss that made them eager to install our dishwasher. They finished at noon and I finished my afternoon washing up in 5 minutes as opposed to the usual 15 to 20.

I love my dishwasher.

Snow Day!

Yes, we had a snow day! It's the third year in a row that school's been closed because of the snow. We love it! We, including the kids, slept in, played in the snow and then headed over to make sugar cookies with some friends in the neighborhood. I ended my no sugar until Christmas by indulging in some delicious homemade fudge. Oh, well. I can always do no sugar as my new year's resolution. We ended the day at the Red Lion having dinner with friends...and then got a text later that we'd have another snow day on Friday!

Here he is...

Canaan's Walking!

He started about two weeks ago with about two careful steps between the sofa and the coffee table. This progress to about three steps between the table and the futon. Now, he loves to walk and does it spontaneously with no extra encouragement from anyone! Today he was so proud because he was able to walk while holding a sippy cup. That wasn't quite as successful as when he has his hands free, but it was fun to watch him figure something else out that he can do. Oh, that reminds me that he also figured out how to shake his head "no." It's a very exaggerated shake that takes a whole lot of effort, but it's adorable. As for Evie, yesterday she was really into saying "Oh, my goodness!" with many different intonations. Pretty cute. And of course, her two favorite questions continue to by "Why?" and "What are you doing?" We also get to review when everyone has their birthday parties...every day!

Here's a video of our snack time... 

Bear Cub Canaan & Froggy Evie ready to brave the cold, windy, rainy day. Thanks for the hats Nanny!