Despite not sharing a nanny any longer, Cara and Megan still manage to get together regularly. On school holidays we often try to get the girls try to together, and this year Megan's family joined us for one evening of the Chinese New Year.
Cara has learned how to make goofy faces for the camera.
Hanging out with Megan
At New Year's, Cara enjoyed the sticky rice dessert.
While Megan cracked peanuts.
The happy friends.
Cara had exhibited interest in skiing, and seemed sufficiently coordinated to pick herself up when she fell down. So we decided to try out ski lessons at Snoqualmie Pass. After renting some skis for the season we realized it might be a good idea to try Cara on the skis before starting the lessons. About 20 minutes on the freshly groomed slopes at Hyak gave Cara her first taste of sking, and she seemed ready for more.
At first just standing up was a challenge.
But she got the idea and could stand without holding hands.
And then do some gliding!
Sledding with Dad is still pretty fun, though!
Christmas saw Grandpa back for a longer visit. Cara enjoyed her very first ballet, with a trip to the Nutcracker. The Pacific Northwest Ballet does a wonderful production with sets designed by Maurice Sendak. Cara had a chance to preview the Nutcracker on Netflix a few times before she saw the live production. She was captivated by the costumes and dance. Christmas itself was the usual fun of special food, stories and of course presents. Some friends joined us for Christmas dinner, so Cara was able to show off some of her favorite toys.
Cara, Grandpa and the Mouse King.
Cara, Mom and the Nutcracker.
The Christmas Tree.
A special mug for Grandpa
Helping Mom open her present
What does Grandpa have?
Hanging out with Grandpa.
Cara has been taking gymnastics lessons at Seattle Gymnastics Academy (SGA) for the last year, so when a birthday party at SGA came up at her school's annual auction, we jumped at the opportunity. And that had Cara and her friends jumping, running, leaping and generally having a great time at her birthday party. Her new pink skirt stood up to the action.
Running on the tumble track.
Leaping down.
Swinging.
Spinning.
Blowing out 4 candles. Another carrot cake!
Eating cake with friend Megan.
No, Cara didn't make it to Antarctica, but her primary photographer did, and got some photos as good as those he usually gets of Cara. The trip didn't quite go as intended, and some equipment delays gave C extra time to help with some seal research, visit Captain Scott's Hut and take a walk over the the NZ Scott Base. Combined with an introductory ice survival course and unexpected penguin visit, the trip inspired close to 1000 photos. Here's a sample.
Arriving at McMurdo International Airport.
Ground transportation, also known as 'Ivan the Terra Bus'.
The snow camp from a distance.
Carefully designed igloos. Note the flags marking the door.
Baby seal hanging out.
Mom and pup.
That's a lot of seal!
Interior of Scott's Hut - ski storage.
The pantry in Scott's Hut.
Good taste in hot chocolate!
The penguins came to check out the scientists at work.
Hanging out.
C visiting the Kiwi's.
Economy plus seating on the flight out.
Thanksgiving weekend is another busy time for the family. A big meal for Thanksgiving Day, a cake and presents for Cara's birthday and maybe a dinner out for Mom's birthday. And for extra thanksgiving, Craig made it home from his trip to Antarctica a day early. The preferred cake was carrot this year.
Oops - hair is lighting up along with the candles!
Mom got the hair out of the way - and helps with the candles, too.
Dad brought a penguin back from Antarctica, an instant favorite, nicknamed Pingüino.
The skirt was another hit. You'll see it again!
And our girl is ready to hit the road in style!
Halloween can be a busy weekend for us. Ida, one of Cara's friends, has a birthday that weekend, it is Grandpa Fay's birthday, and of course it is a fun event as a kid anyway. Lots of sugar, definitely!
At some point Cara asked twice in a row to be a giraffe for Halloween, so we decided that was workable and set out to make a costume. Mom made the tunic, and dad the mask. People could recognize what she was supposed to be, and Cara even enjoyed wearing the costume.
A birthday party at a farm - complete with a corn bin to play in. What fun!
Holding a kitten at the farm.
The giraffe ready for some trick-or-treating.
The spoils of the evening.
Excited about Grandpa's cake.
Cara is a good helper when it comes to opening presents.
