We’re home after two weeks in San Diego, struggling to get back into our routine. Yesterday, Mateo’s school was closed, and he and I spent the morning unpacking, doing laundry, paying bills, and shopping for groceries. Or at least I did, with Mateo happily bouncing beside me. I finally wised up and found a task to channel my son’s limitless energy: scouring the car, which, after the 10-hour trip up the central spine of California qualifies as its own formidable category.

The spilled juice! The smeared ketchup! The ground-in French fries! You don’t want to know. Plus, the job required the very loud Shop-Vac, much beloved by Mateo, who clamped on safety headphones to protect his little ears.

This year, for the first time, we spent New Year’s Eve in Legoland. Think Times Square in mini (photo above), and fireworks at 6 PM. Not to mention a fantastic rollercoaster, Project X, which Tim bravely endured with kids while I, the family coward, watched from the ground below. The snapshot here—of Mateo and Olivia in the front with Tim covering his eyes behind them—may be my all-time favorite.

Another first was ice-skating at the famed Hotel Del Coronado. The rink is small, and not the right venue if you’re an expert who likes to speed or do tricks. But for a leisurely spin against a gorgeous palm-tree-studded backdrop, the Del rink can’t be beat. We hope to return next season.

2013! How did that happen? ~

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