Ashton is six!

Yes, there is now a six year old in the house. This years party was again at Safari Run as our popular daughter invited so many kids we needed a big location. What a great time everyone had with both parents noticing that while there were more kids, having them older really makes a difference for the party chaos. While I wouldn't go so far as to say it was a "relaxing" event, there was very little actual stress involved.

Snaps to Judy of course who did all the hard stuff (party favors, cupcakes, snacks, decorations, food prep, etc. etc.) as I think on it, no wonder it seemed so stress-free!


Since this is a Bear birthday, it had to span several days. Sunday was the family party. Both parties had the theme "Kung Fu Panda" as we've officially grown to an age where princess themes are somehow obsolete.

Grandpa Bob dressed for the occasion as "Kung Fu Grandpa". As you can see he was showing Dan a few of his super secret moves. Don't try this at home boys and girls, it requires special training, appropriate beverages and, of course, the proper clothing.

With so many people attending her party there were so many gifts. From mom and dad (ok lets be honest, dad did all the work) Ashton got her first computer. A mini computer that is just her size and that happens to be the source of severe jealousy from her sister (those who remember being a kid, this was obviously a big part of the appeal for Ashton).

Grandpa Bob helped set up a skype account for her so that they can webcam-communicate to each other. Mom and dad feel left out of the whole technology thing as this is our very first webcam for the house.



Once again, we are amazed that time has gone by so quickly and at how blessed we are to have such a wonderful child. Ashton has grown into a very generous and beautiful person who is very comfortable in her own skin. It was amazing to see her "work the crowd" at the party, helping out her mom in keeping straight all the guests names, their parents names, their siblings names, etc. etc.

What a wonderful girl and what a great birthday. Thanks to everyone for making it such a special day for her.

Neighborhood Playdates Rule

We are so fortunate to have a lot of kids on our block. This makes neighborhood play-dates a regular thing. Of course playing in Bob's car is a favorite of Jacqueline's so she decided that her friend's Sophie and Julia should join her.

Julia agreed to drive and Jacqueline insisted on sitting in her car seat for the drive (according to J. they were going to Park City, I think this is to win points with Dad and make him happy to share his car)


Of course no play date would be complete without some jumping in the bounce house. Sophie and Jacqueline are clearly lucky to have each other. While they are in different preschools now, they will be in the same kindergarten class year after next.

What a great life.

Day at San Mateo Japanese Gardens

Somehow on a Sunday we found ourselves at Central Park in San Mateo. I have never seen it myself (although the girls and Bob had). The [very old] train runs on the weekend and the girls were thrilled to be getting a ride.
Before the train ride we went to the Japanese gardens. Wow, who would have guessed such a pretty park exists right in the middle of town. I've heard it was even more gorgeous years ago but it sure impressed me and the several dozen other families that were going through the park.
We managed to get a photo of me and the girls together. While I attempt this move on a regular basis we are rarely successful having all three heads in the same direction.
Of course it wouldn't be much of a zen garden without koi. These fish seemed very very healthy to my untrained eye. I guess San Mateo takes good care of these guys.
Of course, one of the big attractions was the several different bridges to cross. Dad and the girls were enjoying viewing the fish.

Jacqueline hearts Joe Paley

Jacqueline Bear knows her own mind. She likes going fast, she likes driving cars and she likes Joe Paley. It's true, she really likes him.

When Joe comes over to Dan and Jani's, Jacqueline is quick to remind him that she likes Pepperoni Pizza like he does and asks him when they can have their next sleep over.

She has even been known to ask him to dance with her. She can't help herself she likes Joe.

We are pretty sure that Jacqueline knows that Joe and Shan are going to be married soon but I think she doesn't plan to let that get in the way. Hey, it's hard to find someone who will share their pepperoni pizza. When you find them it's best to make your feelings clear.

Happy Holidays 2008

Here it is, the second annual Bear family blog posting [instead of a Christmas letter]. As luck would have it I really don't need to write a summary letter since I've been pretty good this year posting blog entries for the majority of our major life events (at least those that I was smart enough to remember to capture in photos).
Since I'm sure you got the Christmas card already, here are a few "outtake" photos on the same day. The story of the photo was that grandma came through at the last minute with the beautiful dresses (with matching doll dress) and we took the opportunity to take another photo. I was actually set to go with a "backup plan" from our Disney trip. We took a break to get some breakfast and came back to find the fedex shipment of dresses on our doorstep. Instead of troubling ourselves with baths we decided that the dirty bodies would be hidden under the dresses so we did a quick hair fix-up and headed out back for a quick photo.
It is actually very hard to get a good photo of both girls together. They both take good photographs easily, just not together! The process of getting them both looking at the camera with a good expression takes a LOT of tries. I honestly don't know how anyone did that before a digital camera.
In thinking back through the year with this blog, I realize I haven't been as good at capturing the generally interesting things that happen (or that the girls say and/or do). I seem to mostly capture the places we go and holidays since those seem logical to take a photo and that is what prompts me to blog.
So in the new year I'll attempt to blog a few "hey this is what cool things they can do now" posts even if they didn't go anywhere interesting or have a cute photo to accompany the topic (I'm SURE I'll have some file footage to dig up to cover for the photo part). So there you have it, a news years goal for the blog. I suggest you check back and keep me honest on that one.

Otherwise, I must say that we are fortunate to be moving right along with our family. Bob has been successfully self-employed for most of the year and I'm still at ORCL doing more blogging and general work stuff there. Time is marching on quickly and we are blessed every day with our great family.

For all of our family and friends who are stopping by the blog for the first time we are hopeful that you have a wonderful holiday season and we are looking forward to all the photos, letters and updates from you as well. And for those of my friends who still use the telephone and call on occasion, I know I am not worthy of you and yet I am really grateful you don't give up on me!

Love to all this holiday season. We wish you health and joy (and a safe passage through the recession) in 2009.

Bob, Meg, Ashton and Jacqueline Bear

Potty training holiday

We've been making progress on the potty training this holiday season, spurred on by the need to be able to attend ski school in January. Jacqueline is very happy to let everyone know that she and daddy are "big" and "strong". She is also very keen on doing things the same.

• Daddy and Me are wearing gray socks
• Mommy you are wearing boots, I can wear my boots
• and so on

For the last week the Santa hats have been a big deal, we are each given our hat on entry to the house and ordered to put it on. She herself does not take hers off. I'm actually pretty happy about this as there is something (that she will keep on) that keeps her hair out of her eyes.
The wearing of the Santa hat wearing is very serious business these days so I couldn't resist snapping a few of the "fashion photos" as well. We have all the required elements: our princess slippers, our Santa hat and a smile!


Turns out she even sleeps with her Santa hat. This thing is going to need a serious washing before we put it up for the year.

Nutcracker

This was the second year that Dan took Ashton to the Nutcracker. They go on the BART train into the city and enjoy the show together.

Jani found a gorgeous dress for Ashton and Jordyn's coat made another trip with mom even pitching in to sew the muff so it could go as well.

This year they got 5th row seats and Ashton told me that her favorite part was the Russian dancers (I agree that is cool). She also got her sister her own nutcracker so now they each can have one on the mantle for the holiday.