Ella, Future Aviator

Last weekend, Ella and I went on a field trip to Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. I drive by the museum all the time (it's right by my work), but I'd never before had the occasion to visit. While it doesn't look like a whole lot from the outside, it's pretty impressive inside.



There are tons of full-size replicas inside, including plenty of interactive exhibits. Ella enjoyed checking them all out, but she really enjoyed the outside area behind the museum. Not only do they have the front end of a 747 and actual cockpit, the museum borders the San Carlos Airport, where you can watch small aircraft take off and land.

Part of the tour included decorating your own toy plane, which Ella promptly took for a test flight.


After mastering the test flight, she was ready for the 747.


Flaps? Check!


Engine? Check!

Snow Day in Auburn

Last weekend we went to Auburn to visit Megan's cousins and play in the snow.

It was the last time we'll see Laura, Jared and Dax as a family of three, as baby girl Sellers is due in about two weeks.


We hit the snow with Lisa, Kevin and Ryan on Saturday morning.


Everyone was interested in pulling the sled, but some had more success than others.


Ella fared a little better at pulling than Sarah, but only for short periods.


It turns out that the Mama pulling both girls was most effective.


Ella did take some time to make a snowball, but preferred eating it to throwing it.


Sarah was more into sledding.


It was a gorgeous day and the snow was fresh and deep.


Afterward, Sarah needed a coffee to warm up.


But Ella was happy with a video game.

AJ Portraits

When you have a camera-shy 4-year-old and a squirmy 1-year-old, getting a decent family portrait is difficult. We are speaking from experience. After a challenging time at Picture People last February, we decided that we might be more successful having a friend take photos in a familiar environment.

Luckily, AJ, who is one of our dearest friends and a favorite with our kids, is also an excellent photographer. So, back in November, we had him take some pictures in our backyard and at the park behind the house. Prevailing temperaments (and forgotten sunglasses) at the time prevented the perfect family shot, but AJ did get some great candids. Here are some of our favorites.

Ella's ever elusive natural smile:


Sarah sporting her two teeth:


Sisters.


Ella's beautiful profile.


Happy Sarah.


Tenderness.


Ella, bread, slide.


One pair of sunglasses shy of a formal family portrait.