We're mixing it up a bit this year and are actually choosing to stay close to home (more or less) at the beginning of this new year.   As much as I miss the boys (Jack and Owen) and, I really do -- it's been nice to not be on a plane.  Instead we have spent the last few weekends on long overdue home improvement projects.  It's been quite satisfying to have a little closure.   There is still much to be done, but we are making progress!

Beyond the home improvement efforts - we've had a couple of highlights.  Joy and Collin brought little Mila down to visit one Sunday evening.  We are grateful they are "local" and we get to see them every so often. Especially now that there is a little girl to love!  

Our friends the Burgons have also returned to California and we were able to spend a Sunday afternoon and evening with them and their darling little girls in San Rafael.  

And this last weekend we took advantage of the sunshine and warmth and walked through Coyote Hills.  It was the first time Lee had been there - so he brought his camera and had fun playing around.   When the hills of the bay are green (and it doesn't last for long) it really is beautiful.