Huntington Gardens with Nana

Nana and Bob had never been to the gorgeous Huntington Gardens in San Marino, so we gave them a tour. It was a delightfully overcast and brisk day, and we all got a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise. Mellow Lily snoozed soundly as Appa and Kate checked out the seed exhibits in the background. Kate couldn't wait to show Nana the Children's Garden. In the Chinese garden, Appa and Kate stopped at every entrance and pretended they were scary Fu Dogs warding off evil. Two cuties. Kate striking a pose. And another.

And one more. "Oh, let me sit like this on the tree now, Momma. It's better!"

Kate feeling zen-tastic.

Namaste with Nana.

Buddha fingers.

Of course, after all that meditative reflection, Kate couldn't resist reaching under the bar and messing up the rocks in the garden (gasp!). If we were actually in Japan, we probably would've been peacefully booted out the door.

As Kate and Appa checked out the bonsai trees, Lily woke up and said, "Whatchu talkin' about, Willis?"

My sweetie pie.

Lily's face always lights up when you talk to her. Just like Kate, she's got the gift to gab.

Kate thought Lily was lonely and offered Gabriella Weyant Dolly for company.

More fu dog fun.

Next it was Mom's turn. Unfortunately, I look like I'm going to the bathroom.

We bought Kate a toy dreidel the other day, and Kate couldn't wait to play. She learned the game at school and reminded us that it was "shin, put one in." The first night, we couldn't find the chocolate Chanukkah gelt Nana had sent, so we improvised with Cheerios. Or as Chris called them, "Cheeri-oys."

Nana, with her left-handed, counter-clockwise spin cleaned up, but Kate was still over the moon. "The whole family is playing!" Forget fun outings, dumplings, or even presents. Kate is most happy when family gathers around and plays together.

Before Nana flew back to Tucson, Kate finally sat down and dictated her letter to Santa, something we had been asking her to do for weeks. When I read that she asked for nothing we had bought for her, I told her that sometimes Santa gives you things that aren't exactly what you want, but things he has in the workshop. Kate said, "That's OK! I'll like anything he gives me!" That's my girl.

Kate addressed the envelope to "Santa Claus, North Pole," put a stamp on it, and mailed it herself.

Rockstar Kate at her dental check-up (they put sunglasses on her so the bright light wouldn't bother her). Throughout the cleaning, Kate was happy as a clam watching "Beauty and the Beast" playing on the ceiling.

Kate was even brave enough to get her X-rays taken. The technican was very impressed with how Kate was able to withstand those nasty cardboard pieces in her mouth, and for her courage, gave her two prizes. Yea, Kate!

I was happy to see that Kate had no cavities, and thrilled to see pictures of her adult teeth waiting to come in!

Meanwhile, 10-week old Lily smiled away at Appa....