I knit these over the last week. (It’s Carassius by Kristin Bellehumeur, from the Sock Yarnista Club by Three Irish Girls.)

Sooooo pretty. Love them.

Fronts of both socks

*smooch*

There are two fish kissing on the back of each leg

Love so much.

That’s my boy. The rocker. The guitar player. The musician extraordinaire.

We saw Uncle Darrell when we were in Anchorage. Uncle Darrell has an awesome collection of electric guitars, and let JR play them. Now I’m certain that I’m going to have to get him one (and kiss the rest of my sanity goodbye).

Warming up on the red guitar

Looking to Uncle Darrell for his next cue

Rockin' the gold one

Just loooook at this confidence. Wowza.

We went to Anchorage this past weekend for JR’s ophthalmic follow-up. (His eyes are great.) Camilla had gotten sick on the way down, but it cleared up late Friday night so we think it was just something icky she managed to eat. Saturday we went to Bouncin’ Bears to let JR play, and it was such a blast! An hour and a half of bouncing, and JR was worn the hell out. (So was daddy.)

Bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy

Jumping with Daddy

And they all fall down

She had to get in on the bouncing, too

So fun!

We will definitely be going back to Bouncin’ Bears every time we go down to Anchorage.

My kids love pasta. This much.

Yum yum!

Spaghetti!

More spaghetti. And JR is convinced he can still fit in his exersaucer.

Yeah, JR is in his exersaucer. Every now and then he gets into it and looks at me like, “What? I can sit here. It’s mine.” And since it was his first, who am I to argue? Besides, he looks damn cute.

Two of a kind

Camilla just adores her daddy. I mean, really. She gets super excited riding on his shoulders. She’s also looking more and more like him as she gets a little older. I have this picture set as my desktop right now, and Camilla LOVES looking at it. She points and says “a-da” and blushes.

He loves being on daddy's shoulders, too

JR wanted in on the fun. Everything is more fun on daddy’s shoulders. ♥

And a little little boy.

Poor little guy had picked up an icky bug and had been running a high fever when he took an impromptu nap in his new toddler armchair. Sure, it’s kind of a girly color, but he loves it so very much.

Sleepy little Jellybean

I was so grateful when his ever had broken and he was back to normal the next day!

This past Christmas was very special. It was Camilla’s first Christmas, and the first one where JR really understood about trees, decorations, and presents. Okay, he mostly was into the presents. It was a blast!

Camilla's First Christmas

JR's new blocks

After opening his new blocks from Aunt Cara & Uncle Mike, he wanted us to take pictures of every individual block. We indulged him for a few pics, but quickly gave that up.

Opening presents

Camilla's stuffed animals (that she picked out)

When we had gone Christmas shopping, Camilla picked out these stuffed animals herself. When I wrapped them up (while she watched me from her pack-n-play), she had such a sad, confused look, as though she were wondering why I’d cover them up and take them away. She was SOOO excited to open her package and find them!

Wearing jammies from Aunt Peach & Uncle Gary, showing off a new truck

I wanted a picture of John, and JR took the opportunity to show off another toy

Christmas was wonderful. ♥

A million thanks to Jenn for giving me the best jump start for this dish!

8 dried New Mexico red chilies, soaked in boiling water for about 20 minutes
1 small onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
3 chipotle chilis, chopped
2 cans diced fire roasted tomatoes
1 can diced green chiles
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp oregano
1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon
1 quart chicken broth
fresh cilantro
lime
avocado
sour cream
tortillas, sliced, oiled, baked until crisp
queso fresco

Blend first four items together with a little of the soaking water.

Heat soup pot with 2 tbsp canola oil. Combine next ingredients in soup pot. Add chili paste, chicken broth, and shredded chicken. Cook over medium-low heat for about an hour. Bake tortilla strips at 375 until crisp. Garnish with remaining ingredients.