Escape.

I want to get out of Livermore for a couple of days over winter break. It needs to be somewhere that a.) I would feel comfortable going alone (unless someone else wants to join me!) b.) Not too expensive (i.e. no airfare) c.) Somewhere I could go for just a day or two.

Help? Any ideas?

This is where I really want to go, but it might be a little out of my price-range ;)

Portland

I fell in love with Portland. There's plenty to love. I love the community, the beer, the culture, the friends who live there, and the amazing hotel where we stayed. Is it time to go back, yet?

Disneyland

The highlights of the Disneyland trip:

Roman running down the hall of the hotel saying, "We at Dineyland! Dis is great!"

Cameron's excitement and seriousness about pin trading; I was afraid that he was getting "too cool," but he proved me wrong.

Visiting with college-friends in Downtown Disney (and seeing my favorite baby girl, of course).

Roman's fascination with the characters in costume; he would grab their hands with both of his hands and smile the sweetest smile.

Kirk and I losing it on the ride home, once we reached the Altamont. We had been in the car for waaaay too long, so we entertained our mother with our rendition of "Carol of the Bells." It was lovely, I tell you.

Sleeping in my own bed the night we got home.

What have I been doing while I'm off work?

Teaching Baby Roman how to work a life jacket

Boating (this face means he loves me)

Reading (shoes with PJs are all the rage)

Squeezing Hope (in Nashville!)

Traveling with dear friends (and watching plays)

School's been blown to pieces

Kimberly: "You should blog. You're probably so antsy because you haven't blogged for so long."

Yeeeaaah. Either that, or because school is out in two friggin days! You pick.

This time of year greets me with odd, conflicting feelings. I'm so burned out that I can't imagine teaching for one more day. I know, however, as soon as the last kid files out of my room, I will be a little teary eyed and gloomy. It's a transition. By July 1st, I will hope I never have to go back to work. For now, though, I'm anxious about the school year ending.

Oh blessed, blessed solace

My dear friends from college came to Livermore for the Girls’ Annual Christmas Tea. I dubbed it “annual” the second year, and we’re still going strong on year four. It was a remarkable blessing to have my favorite people stay in my home for a few days. I laughed so hard that I had a pounding headache, I literally cried on their shoulders, and I got the esteemed honor of playing tea hostess. I will post pictures very soon.

I’m enjoying (in a very real way) my first week off for Winter Break. After I recovered from the high of having my girlfriends stay with me, Kimberly and I ran to the mall and Mervyn’s last night in search of that one last gift that’s hanging over Kim’s head. We ended up giggling in Mervyn’s and decided to go home. Today, Bre and I spent the day in Palo Alto with Baby Chandler. I’ve never been ultra attracted to wealth, but, I must admit, it was fun to go gaga over all the rich, educated, well-dressed men! Tonight, Kim and I had a date: Dinner, a movie at the NEW theatre in Livermore, and a walk downtown. We decided that it’s too much fun for both of us when I’m off work. I’m considering never going back. Okay, I’m sure I will be bored by Tuesday.

On a final note, Kimberly made it into the Woodworth Christmas letter. Congratulations, Kim. This blog post is sounding a bit Christmas letter-ish. Think I’ve read a few recently?