Lily's Post-Treatment Frolics at Mémère's

Mémère always played the Nutcracker for Lily during her treatments. This was the twice-daily site upon removing Lily's vest...

Road Trip!

We drove to Tucson, Arizona, to visit Mémère for Chrismas. Why did we drive when we had plane tickets in our pockets-you might ask? Well, for the gorgeous views of course....and because Lily and Mama have caught every cold and flu under the sun this winter and the idea of even more plane germies made us (ok, Mama) nervous. Anyways, the sites were wonderful and it turns out that Lily is the most delightful long term- travel companion...this of course did not come as a surprise to us :)

We had a wonderful time with Mémère. We devoured her holiday sweets, enjoyed cozy evening mule-towed hay rides through beautifully decorated Winterhaven (in Tucson), took naps in her beautiful canope bed, and spent hours chit chatting and giggling near her beautiful Christmas tree.

 

Thank you, Mémère!

 

 

 

Must be Mémère's house!

We were greeted with Whoopie Pies and Petit Tarts- YUM!

Winter Wonderland, in Tilden (of Course)

 

 

What a delightful tradition.

BIG Girl!

 

Thank you, Nana and Papa!

My Future Colleague!

Lily wants to teach Algebra next door to me at King Middle School when she grows up. I am the teacher with hazel eyes and she is the one with blue eyes. Love.

Lily's First Santa Photo!

We cannot wait to include this photo on the Brimhall mantel, along with the many other Santa photos of Lara, Hilary and Nana as youngsters.

Working Mama

Lily was able to pick up her feet and get a little respite after a full day's work  of running her store  while caring for her many children. Her "latte" (frothed milk with a shake of cinnamon) also offered her some soothing warmth.

Cousins+Dadas+Balloons=

Awesomeness.

Mama and Dada go on a date!$#??

Mama's student, Amara, came over and Lily had a BLAST.

Have I mentioned lately how wonderful teaching middle school is?

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

I've been known to be a little grinch-y during the holidays (I cannot stand the greed, the wealth, the commercialism) but when you have kiddos there is something sweet, innocent and spiritual about Christmas.

Brian, Lily and I enjoyed cutting down our own tree and trimming it while sipping eggnog, listening to Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite." Lily especially loves sorting through our childhood ornaments and shaking "mutneg"  on her "nog."

Neighbors are Wonderful.

 

Just sayin'



Benny!



 

Rascal. Food vacuum. Explorer. Entertainer. Lovie.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

 

November, 2012

Halloween!

Cowgirl Lily!

(A close up- Brian and I had fun making her pants)

It has become tradition to join forces with the Jew family and stroll through Trestle Glen!

Brian was a climber.

Tanja and her little owl.

Before the stroll

Ready to ride...Round up?

Just one of Lily's costumes....

I always make fun of Nana for keeping everything...but then I often ask her for things (such as Auntie's old homemade clown costume). I suppose I should keep my mouth shut and be appreciative.

We think Nana's Mama, Nanny, would love all of Lily's poses.

Ummmm, Papa?

I think the afternoon story telling is intended to tire Lily.

Lovely Lady

This past week, Lily had her annual CF blood work done, got her flu shot and ended up  with a rip-roaring cold and then sleep deprivation due to her congestion. Somehow she has managed to remain jolly through it all!

Weekend Mornings

When Lily wakes up on weekend mornings, she keeps to herself until we wake up. She turns on her lights, goes potty, dresses herself, grabs a snack if necessary and stays very busy educating all of her children. It is wonderful.

Why we don't all tuck our frog pajamas into our red boots...

 

is beyond me!

Fall est arrivé!

Hold on!



Where is she?



There she is!



Not very "swan" like...



Taking a little break...



Happy Mama!

Lily decided to celebrate the begining of Fall by climbing the tower of pumpkins at Monterey Market (just like her Mama and Auntie did when they were four).

Chapter Books!

We decided to start with Ms. Quimby....Lily thinks she is such a rascal!

A nice picture...

We took Lily to her first night party. We were celebrating Nini's 65th year. The party started at 7:30 (now that it is dark early, Lily likes to go to bed at 7:00, if not earlier). Not only was it a party, it was a DANCE PARTY.  It was awesome. Lily danced the night away until 10:30. At that time, she politely whispered "guys, I am getting a little tired. Is it ok if we head home now?"

The girl likes her some bugs!

Now that I have my own set of wheels (Lily gave me a pair of rollerskates for my birthday), we like to pack a picnic dinner and roll along the Bay in Point Richmond-Lily in tow, in her "office," behind Brian on his bike. On our last trip, we came across a praying mantice. Lily was stoked. As was Mama. Dada, not so much :)

Potty Perusing

 

The Collins ladies are happy campers when their new Boden catalogues come in.

P.S. Please remind us to delete this post when Lily turns 13.