Year in Review

It's the time of year for champagne, celebration and relaxation.  My Grandma Alice likes to take time at the end of each year to think back on what she's done, where she's been and who she has connected with.  :)  I like to follow her example in most things, so here it is, our year in review. 

The Oakland Cecchins celebrated another stellar year!


Our 1928 home keeps us busy and continues to improve – most notably, our pizza oven and outdoor kitchen has been an excellent addition!

We made memories in Catalina, Hawaii, Twain Harte and many long weekends at Silver Lake. 

We have a legitimate crew.  Jeff and I are so fortunate to have many close friends and wonderful families and fill our weekends with them.  We are never, ever, at a loss for a babysitter.  Ever.  Marco is spoiled with a huge group of buddies and includes his cousins when he lists his best friends (especially the two boys).

Marco is shaping up to be a little bit of a jock. The year was filled with swimming classes, soccer lessons, circus class and golf. He loved trying boogie boarding this year in Hawaii and recently started t-ball. Jeff is almost more excited than Marco.

Marco has dubbed himself a “little big boy.”  This year, he transitioned to a very big boy bed, had a successful start at pre-school and cut his own hair. The bad news is that he probably doesn’t have a career as a barber like his great-grandfather, but the good news is, he has an easygoing nature, is honing his skills for negotiation and perfecting his sense of humor. He insists that when he turns four in January 23rd and has a Batman party, he’ll be as tall as his Dad.

Sending you all our best for a 2012 filled with health, fun and friends. You’re in our thoughts this holiday season and always.

And for your viewing pleasure, saving the best for last, Marco's very first school pictures. 

Thanksgiving

We could spend a day making a list of things we're thankful for, but since I didn't post anything from Thanksgiving on Poseidon last month, let's simplify.  We're thankful for cute pics.

Batcave, CA

No one can beat a superhero with friends... super friends!!


(Thanks to Grammy for the costumes.)

Full bellies.

We may have overdone the holidays.


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Santa Claus is Coming to City

We were invited to participate in this year's SI Santa sighting once again!  Joey, Marco and Bridget Stecher were invited up to lead the group in a rousing rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town (it helps when your Papa is in charge). 

Papa said, "I think I hear hooves and jingle bells!  Maybe if we sing really loudly, Santa will come."

Well, Santa snuck up behind the three of them as they were singing and I'm pretty sure Marco was the last person in the room to notice.  When he finally did notice, his jaw dropped and he froze.  He took a brief, somewhat pompous moment to relish in his accomplishment, and then started jumping up and down screaming, "Joey!  IT WORKED!"

Santa sat on his throne (no idea) and called up the kids one by one to receive a gift.  I was convinced of Santa's magic as soon as he pronounced 'Cecchin' correctly.  I caught this photo of Marco receiving his gift, which was a miracle because he jetted full speed to him and swiftly snatched it out of Santa's hand.  Appreciative child, I know.  He was high on Santa and candy canes.

After things started to calm, he realized that he hadn't told Santa what he wanted this year, so we snuck up for a second visit.  "I want a lightsaver (lightsaber), that Hippo game and light-up shoes."  Look how his fingers are crinkled up like he'd been shocked - he was sooooo excited!

Finally, the whole crew, including, but not limited to, four Cecchins, five Stechers, two Galvins, a Jacobson and another Marco!  That's Marco as close to Santa as he could get, on Santa's left (your right), peeking his head out from behind someone else.

Marco slept 12 hours after the day's excitement... and to all a good night.

Lil' Sluggers

Indoor t-ball started at the Bladium in Alameda and Jeff, err, I mean, Marco couldn’t be more excited!

Marco and Nikos snatched up the last two spots in their class. A stroke of luck also placed Marco’s school friend, Alex, in the same session. So, he’s in good company and he makes sure to position himself at least an inch from Niko as often as possible.

Marco did run off the (indoor roller hockey) field once to cry that he didn’t want to wait his turn. Jeff nonchalantly muttered, “Well, I guess Niko and Alex are going to be best friends now.” He gasped and SPRINTED back to line. Cruel, maybe – but effective!

You might also be surprised to know that Jeff has some opinions about baseball. The coaching methods, time management and general ability to path the boys to the Show are in question. Why are they making Niko hit right??! However, he manages to keep his cool and hasn’t once stepped foot on the “field.”

The hour-long class practices movement, throwing, fielding and hitting. But above all, it affords me an hour a week to catch up with Heather in the bleachers. :) Plus, I’m a sucker for a baseball uniform. Obviously.




















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"Christmas" Concert

Marco participated in his first pre-school holiday concert last week! It was 10 songs, 60 kids and a gaggle of parents grinning crazily like we were watching American Idol. He knew *most* of the songs, but saved his highest level of gusto for a song about a dreidel. :)

Here's my star..











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Aloha Maui!

We jetted off to Maui for a quick, last-minute trip. We swam all day and ate fish for every meal. Marco was happily exhausted, falling asleep every night at the dinner table. Oops.

The other Cecchins showed up with Super Grandma in tow. Barbara treated us to two nights out, keeping the kids in for room service, "go fish" and cartoons. Marco was thrilled to play with his cousins and woke up disappointed, "I thought I was sharing a bed with Joey!"

The five hour flight was easy, floaties are a mom's best friend and the Cecchins love Hawaii. At school, Marco's Thanksgiving "thankful feather" said, "I'm thankful for my Mom and Dad and taking me to Hawaii." Well said.