I think I probably say this every year, but I'm gonna say it again. What? It's another year already? Where did the time go?
So much to reflect on, but alas, between a toddler and 2 dogs- we're hosting Tube Dog for the holiday- reflection time seems hard to come by.
If I were to sum it up, I'll have to say that 2010 honestly hasn't been the greatest year. Don't get me wrong, we're beyond blessed to have our little family safe and happy for the most part. It just hasn't been easy constantly worried about Bryson's health, adjusting to life as a working mom for me and a stay-at-home-dad for hubby, dealing with all the changes with work (I went through 4 managers in 2010, yes, four), losing a friend earlier in the year...
On the other hand, there are always these little everyday, ordinary things to celebrate, to look forward to. Finishing a new sewing project (more on that later), finding that must-have pair of boots on sale (don't you love that when it happens?), watching Eva's amusing toddler antics (today's is holding up a strip of toast, jam-side up, to her ears saying "hello, hello?").
These small triumphs are too numerous to list, here are a couple to wrap up the year...
I mentioned this briefly on the last post, that we participated in Kelly and Gibson's Corgibutts secret santa gift exchange. Thanks to our secret santa, Jenna and Sully at corgipants, Bryson's now the proud owner of one awesome "singing" Christmas tie. I was really hoping to get a video of Bryson wearing it, singing and all, but it didn't quite work as planned. I'm gonna say that it's because of his Addison's... he scared of that tie. Everytime we put it on and press the "press me" spot, he'd jump and look for some place to hide. Subsequently, he looks quite grumpy as we try to put it on him:
Am I a mere source of entertainment to you? (Poor Bry...)
I'm also extremely grateful to have received this Dr. Pitcairn book (thanks, Sully!). If you're a pet owner and want to seriously understand your dog or cat's health from a more holistic perspective, this is a must-read. But yours won't come with a key fob with your initials, hee!
A side note to kindle users: I originally bought this book on my beloved kindle, but found the formatting to be less than ideal. If you have a kindle, you'll know that the page numbers shown does not correspond to paper versions at all, so when this book refers you to "page 72" for a recipe, you'd have no idea where to find it. Wondering if you have the same experience with reference books in general with the kindle?
Today, we had a brief break in the weather, so even though it's in the 40's out (cold for SF Bay Area standard), we decided to go all out and celebrate New Year's Eve in Napa Valley in style (that is, toddler- and doggie-style).
We started off at the burger joint Taylor's Automatic Refresher (which is now called "Gott's Roadside" because of some weird name dispute). It even has a big, heated tent for outdoor seating that's dog-friendly. Sweet...
This dulce de leche shake is soooo thick...
And ohhhhh so delicious...
After lunch, we came across this empty vineyard that's marked "8 acres- for sale". Guess it's never too early to start thinking about a career in horticulture...
And what's new year without a glass of bubbly? When we heard that Mumm is dog-friendly (even inside the sit-down tasting room), we had to drag the gang there for a visit.
Eva eyeing her potential first glass of champagne (or brut, to be accurate), while the boys under the table look longingly at the piece of treat the server's bringing to them (yes, they give all their doggie guests biscuits, too)
Yet another unsuccessful attempt at a mother-daughter picture...
We didn't realize it at first, but this winery also boasts a photo gallery featuring original work by Ansel Adams. I'll borrow Eva's favorite word these days: Wow.
Seriously, a winery that's toddler- and dog-friendly that let you stroll amongst masterpieces with a glass of brut in hand (provided you don't have to juggle a toddler and 2 dogs)? We're a family of happy campers (the bubbly helps too)!
Wish you all a very bubblicious happy new year! And hope 2011 will be a healthier, smoother-sailing year for all of us.
