Early this morning, before Zoe headed to Elena’s and Q and I began our work days, the three of us snuggled together to watch the inauguration. (At times like this, the three-hour time difference between us and Washington really comes in handy.) I know she’s too young to remember it, but I thought it was important that Zoe at least get a glimpse of this historic day.

The fact that Zoe won’t remember a time in which every U.S. president looked exactly the same is remarkable to me. Though it still pains me that we haven’t had a woman in the White House (I was, after all, a Hillary supporter), I’m hopeful that this will also change during Zoe’s lifetime. And I love that now when Zoe and every other kid in the country is told, “Anyone can grow up to become president,” there’s actual proof!

-M

Given the cold spell that most of the country is experiencing, and the fact that Jan. usually means rain here, our recent, summer-like weather feels a bit surreal. Unusual or not, we wanted to take full advantage of the warm temperatures – and we decided to head down south on Sun. for a little weekend get away. Our first top was the historic Billy Jones Wildcat Railrod in Los Gatos, where Zoe rode a real steam engine, enjoyed a Merry-Go-Round ride, and stole her dad’s ice cream cone. Next stop: Santa Cruz, where Zoe visited the Museum of Natural History and hit the beach on Sun. afternoon, and swam and relaxed on Mon. morning. Zoe took a three(!)-hour nap while Q and I enjoyed the sights of Route 1 on the way home yesterday; it’s safe to say she had a fun, but exhausting, trip!

-M

Riding the horsies with Daddy:

“I love choo choo rides:”

“Mmmm…. Ice-cream.”

Riding the whale:

Enjoying the beach:

Posing with Daddy:

“This vacation thing is so tiring!”