It's the Most Wonderful Time Of the Year

Today we trimmed the tree.  Don't worry...Mommy didn't give me any scissors.  She did let me put the decorations on the tree though.  We put on Christmas music and holiday cheer and the whole family decorated the tree.  We are lucky, not only do we have a tree upstairs for everyone to see, we also put a second tree downstairs in my room.  It is the tree that we put up in our house last year in Africa and it is decorated with ALL Tanzanian decorations....banana leaf angels, masai beaded stars and snowflakes, ribbons, beads and a banana leaf tree topper angel.  How amanzing to have our American tree and our African tree all in one house.  Just like us....

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Happy Turkey Day from your favorite turkey...

Let's face it....I'm an animal.  A squirrel, a monkey, a turkey....mommy is always calling me some funny animal name....I kinda like it. 

In any case, today was Thanksgiving.  I did not eat any turkey though...that's for sure.  Mommy, Clara Shei and I don't eat meat.   My uncle does though....and I'm always trying to explain to him that cows give us milk and say moo and are nice to us and we shouln't eat them.  He hasn't yet been convinced.  He ate turkey today, but not me!  Don't think I missed out though...there was so much food and it was sure good (in case you are not aware, I am RULED by food). 

I had mashed potates, cranberries, veggie stuffing, coconut sweet potatoes, green beans, home made rolls and PUMPKIN PIE!  Yummy....I love Thanksgiving.

Clara Shei turns 2

I can hardly believe it myself!  How did my sister get so big so fast? 

Well...somehow she did.  And, we celebrated this special event all day.  After church we headed out to.....(drum roll please).......THE MALL! 

WHAT?  The mall?  We spent a two year old birthday at the mall?  Well, my sister is clearly a fashionista, but we didn't really do any shopping.  Instead we started out at Nordstrom Cafe, which is one of Clara Shei and my favorite places to eat.  After that...Mommy took us to the Build a Bear workshop (where she swore she would NEVER set foot in) and let us each build a reindeer.  Clara Shei wasn't very sure about how to get the stuffing into her reindeer (Clarice).  I had no problem stuffing my Rudolph.  After we had given our reindeers hearts, and baths and birth certificates, we headed out to the play area at the mall and had so much fun running around with all the crazy kids there. 

All in all...this was a pretty great day!  I only have a bit of trouble with the idea that it is a day just for Clara Shei.  It's really hard for me to share the spotlight, much less give it over to her for a whole day!  Still...I guess it is Clara Shei's day after all....and at least she shares her cake with me. 

Museum time...

Mommy returned! And, to celebrate....we went to the California Academy of Sciences.  We saw the penguines getting fed....one funny little penguin just kept coming back for more.  He was so silly.  We also got to visit the tidepools and we touched starfish and sea urchins!  AND....we got to go in the fish tube again and see lots of catfish.  My Mommy explained to me that these fish got into a fight with kitty cats and won...and took the cats whiskers when they left.  Wow...those are some mean fish....I'm going home and checking my Bada's kitty cats to make sure those fish didn't steal THEIR whiskers.  If so....I know where to find em! 

Taking a break!

Mommy took a break and went to DC for a week to take care of some grown up things and see some of her friends. 

But before she left, we got the chance to go to my friend, George's 4th birthday party!  It was such fun.  He has a very fun backyard with a playhouse complete with climbing wall.  And, he has a whole lot of very cool friends.  AND...his mommy made some fabulous food and yummy cupcakes.  All in all, it was a great party and I hope he had a wonderful 4th birthday!

And, Mommy....having so much fun with Uncle Gogo and Bada....but I miss you.  I love your daily phone calls and wonder if you are in the phone.  I always ask Bada, "what is in there?  Is Mommy in there?" and point to the phone when she calls.  Wherever you are Mommy....I miss you.  Come home soon!