The Fabulous World of VK: December 2005

Fulfilling a promise and being hearty Pac-NW'ers

The Oregon Zoo does itself up in lights for the Holiday Season, and it really is something to see. We had intended to go in the weeks leading up to Christmas, but were unable to make it.

We promised each other and VK that we would get there and see it, but time was slipping by very quickly. Zoo Lights ends on the 3qst, so on Friday the 30th we loaded up the car with our rain gear and ourselves and drove up to the zoo.

It was cold and wet, and it rained V E R Y hard at times, but it was amazing. It felt like a great family experience on many different levels:
1) The Zoo was awesome all lit up.
2) VK dug it.
3) It was such an Oregonian thing to be out in the rain and the cold and the dark looking at lights . . . at the Zoo.
4) VK's rain gear paid off and she looks awfully cute in it.
5) We fulfilled our promise to each other that we would go and do it this year.

Happy New Year!!

She loves the lights

VK in full Pacific NW gear.

Zoo Lights in the rain.

Which is better . . . the legos or the container that they came in?

Rear Seat Entertainment System goodness

The new car has a rear seat entertainment system which is good news for VK (not so good for me because I cannot watch it and drive at the same time).

She just learned to use headphones, and will watch a movie most of the way to Mt. Hood for snowboarding, or on longer trips around town.

One magical thing that comes of this situation is that occasionally she will break out into a genuine giggle fit because of what she is watching. A laughing toddler is tremendous therapy.

VK laughing her self silly in the back seat. She loves watching movies in the car.

Christmas 2005

This Christmas being VK's 2nd Christmas we felt that it was important to be home and make a medium big deal out of Christmas. She quickly learned some simple things about Christmas, Santa, reindeer, Jingle Bells, etc.

She was immune however from the commercialization of Christmas and wasn't present crazed which was nice. We were able to have a nice relaxed Christmas at home with Gramma John & Gramma Diane.

VK slowly learned to open presents in a timely manner, the first couple were all about tearing little bits of paper off of the package, but she finally figured out that there were good things inside.

I think we that she has a good foundation for Christmas' to come and will enjoy the break, the togetherness and the giving that the Holiday season is about (either that or it will be all about the toys, who knows?).

2. VK takes up photography (self-portrait)