Because of the impending megasnowstorm, YaYa declared the day after we arrived to be Scenic Driving Day. She happily woke up her brother far before dawn, and we piled into her car to drive just a bit to Mono Lake at sunrise. It was amazing. Mono Lake is a crazy…

During our February break from school Mr. TOF and I hopped on an airport shuttle and a couple of airplanes to visit YaYa. Mr. TOF loved traveling with his analog parent. Ha! We brought along the flip phone and a lot of paper printed boarding passes and travel confirmation papers!…

Peanut Maximus has an imaginary friend. Actually, he has a few imaginary friends, but the one who shows up consistently these days is Paul E. Cello. Paul E. Cello does indeed play an imaginary cello, and he also seems to teach numerous other musical instruments. He also spends a lot…

He really, really loves his dad.

Last Sunday was the youth orchestra Lollipop Concert. It’s a many decade tradition here, and for the first time I only had one kid playing in it! That made me a little sad, actually. I was missing my big kidlets. But I still enjoyed the music and and loved seeing…

Last semester Mr. TOF needed a half-year elective that fit into his schedule, and the class that seemed the most interesting that would fit with the other things he needed to take ended up being stained glass. He made this lovely creation, along with a beautiful collage that I’m still…

Has he figured out how to open the baby gate? Yes. Yes, he has. Has he figured out how to drag a step stool or small chair anywhere he wants (including up the stairs) and reach things that should be far too high for him to reach? Yes. Yes, he…