Scary Day - Fire on Shorepoint Court

Fire in Alameda

Saturday morning started out very peacefully - we got up around 7am, had breakfast while listening to Christmas music, and then took Zoey to Story-time hour at the Alameda Library. On our way home we were planning to stop by the grocery store to pick up a few things; but as we headed back across the island we saw a huge plume of black smoke coming from the area right near our home! So we rushed back towards our condo, and sure enough one of the apartment buildings on our street was engulfed in flames. It was so scary and surreal - we watched as windows shattered, bright orange flames overtook the building, black smoke filled the air, and people fled and evacuated in fear as the firemen attempted to control the blaze.

Two ladder rescues had to be made, but luckily nobody was hurt. But after the fire was finally out, 20 families - upwards of 60 people, are now displaced from their homes. So sad. We are just very grateful for our brave Alameda firefighters, and so glad that nobody was injured.

AHP Holiday Party!

What fun! We feel blessed to be part of such a loving, diverse community of families. Zoey got an animal balloon and her face painted for the first time. And Cowboy Jared was a hit! Yay for Alameda!

Our Fur Babies - All 4 in one picture!

Zoey's been in a phase of giving very aggressive (yet love-filled!) hugs and kisses to our kitties - you can imagine how well that goes over - ha! I feel sorry for them as I know Zoey has rocked their world and turned their entire existence upside down; but they're troopers. I know they must be having kitty dreams longing for the day that she calms down a bit, learns that kitties don't love tight bear hugs, and when they can eventually curl up with her on her bed, all peaceful, warm and snuggly. Someday.... : )

Hayden's 4th Birthday and the CA Railroad Museum!

Last weekend we had so much fun celebrating Hayden's 4th Birthday! We spent time exploring the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento (Zoey loved seeing all the "choo-choo twains!"), and then had a fun-filled birthday party at the home of friends in Davis. Even the grumpiest, most bah-hum-bug person would have been entertained with all the yummy food, a unicorn pinanta, the rainbow cake, and a gaggle of crazy little kids with a sugar high running around outside on a sunny day at a unicorn/rainbow themed party! And check out Hayden in her Rapunzel wig - lol! :) What fun!

I LOVE Christmas and all......

But seriously? Hmm.....Ho Ho Ho Huggies?

The Toddler Brain....

LOL, LOVE THIS! Being the parent of what "they" call a "high-spirited" kid is a mix of emotions everyday - but our love and laughter triumph over the moments of frustration and insanity. Love you Zoey! : )

The weekend is here....

Don't forget to RELAX! : )