Christmas Joys

I got so many great gifts for Christmas, I could barely decide what to do first. Legos and my new iPod are a great combination!

Symphonic Snowman

Uncle Christian and Aunt Stephanie took me to the San Francisco Symphony's holiday show. The movie "The Snowman" was shown on a big screen while they played the music live. Plus, there was a hot chocolate bar!

Christmas Tree Shopping

Every year, we try to pick out a tree that's about as tall as I am.

Supergirls on the Run

Last weekend was our Girls on the Run 5K through Golden Gate Park. I flew through the course in 36 minutes with my running buddy, Lauren!

Don't bother me, I'm solving puzzles

No blog post this week – I'm too busy playing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box on Dad's Nintendo DS.

Beach Buddies

I'm so thankful that Emma is my cousin, and that I'm in San Diego for a visit! Both of our home towns have an Ocean Beach that's perfect at sunset.

Sewing Class

I'm really enjoying my sewing class after school. As a fifth grader, I get to help the younger kids use the sewing machine. I'm planning my own sewing projects at home, too.

Historic Vote!

Yesterday, Mom was really proud to cast her vote for the first woman president. Even though the election didn't turn out how we wanted, we're trying to stay positive today. Girl power!

Halloween Parade

I really enjoyed my final Halloween parade at Jefferson. I tried to give everyone a high-five all the way around the school yard!

Octoberfest Dance

I got all dressed up for the annual Octoberfest party at Uncle Christian's Rotary Club last weekend. It was fun, and Emilia and I won the chicken dance contest!

Gramalicia in the Sunset!

Gramalicia's finally here! Now I can't wait for Mom & Dad to go to Hawaii already, so we can start making trouble!

Up, Up and a Wave!

My class competed in the LEAP sandcastle contest again this year. Ale and I helped a little, and then spent most of the time in the water!

The finished sculpture was a water-powered rocket on a giant wave.

Camping Flashback

Here's another picture from the 5th grade camping trip. I set up my own tent (although Mom helped a little). It was exhausting! Just kidding. :)

Grape and Pommy

At Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Christian's house, I had a lot of fun. I took a selfie of me with a grape in my mouth and eating a spoonful of frozen pomegranates. 

Ukulele

On the 5th grade camping trip I played a few songs by the campfire. Everyone sang along to Gold Fever!

Presidio Camping Scavenger Hunt

At our class camping trip, we played a scavenger hunt along Lobos Creek Trail. It ended at the beach, and we finished third. My team was Fiona, Wendy, Basheera (hiding behind Wendy), Ale and me!

Bombed Photo Bomb

I had all kinds of fun during a quick weekend in San Diego. But I hate it when I'm trying to ruin Nonie's picture of Emma, and Dad gives me bunny ears.

My Birthday Party

Emma's Here!

Emma flew to San Francisco by herself, just to hang out with me. Today, I showed her some of my favorite spots in Japantown.

Tourist Time!

While our friends the Etters were visiting San Francisco, we got sundaes at Ghirardelli Square. I didn't even have to go to the Musée Mécanique first!

Making Cupcakes

Ale and I made these awesome little chocolate cupcakes with vanilla or peanut butter frosting. We also added tiny chocolate chips on top as decorations. I call them Reese's Peanut Butter Cup-cakes.

Last days of Summer

I spent the last day before school at the beach! It was fun and sandy. It's good to be home in San Francisco, and exciting to get back to Jefferson, too.

Happy birthday Ian!

When shopping for gifts, Emma and I think alike. Thanks for giving so many stuffed corgis a good home!

Playing the Game

Mom, Dad and I solved a bunch of puzzles while playing Ghost Patrol: Late Night Snack in Walnut Creek. This puzzle was disguised as a kids menu. Our team name was Dead Cat Bounce!

Yosemite

Emma and I used our National Park passes to get our parents and Nonie & Doc into Yosemite for free. The scenery was beautiful, but the weather was too hot! We also had tons of fun at the lake where we stayed in Groveland.

Zoo Camp!

I had so much fun at SF Zoo Camp last week! My group (the kudus) went behind the scenes, fed animals and even toured the zoo hospital.

Happy birthday Gramalicia!

I picked out the rainbow bouquet of roses for Gramalicia. It was great to celebrate with her on her birthday!

Not Impressed

I met the president today.

Tarzan Escape Room

I had a great time in Salt Lake City with a bunch of nerds. Oops, I mean puzzlers! Before the NPL Con even started, we escaped 2 rooms. This one was my favorite-- we saved a baby gorilla! He looks like Curious George though. . .

Chefology

Ale and I were on the same team at Chefology camp this week, along with Leah and Naomi. Our signature fusion dish was Ravishing Greek Ravioli (with feta and spinach)!

Bluegrass Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day on the tarp, with Rich and Kiki, too! I got Dad a Fish Creek hat in Shinteki colors.

Taste of Success

At Telluride Bluegrass Festival, I sold lots of hand-made rainbow loom bracelets. I made enough to buy a treat every day, and still bring home $50 in savings!

Nail Salon

Mom lets me practice my skills, and she gets pretty toes. Stop taking pictures, Dad!

Studio Selfie

I went to Illinois and Wisconsin to visit Mimi and Papi. Here I am in Mimi's weaving studio, after we completed my awesome new scarf. We were done in a flash!

School's Out – Time to Escape!

Along with Rich and Kiki, we crushed the Blind Tiger speakeasy at EscapeSF!  Don't ask about Rich's shirt, he lost a bet.

Girls on the Run

I was so excited to run the Girls on the Run 5 K with my running coach, Sophia. Our theme this year was glitter.

Awesome Face Paint

At the San Francisco Zoo's KidsFest party, I got this awesome professional face paint. I call it "peacock eyes."

Sharing Cokes

A picnic in the Presidio last weekend was the perfect time to drink our personalized Holman Cokes. Thanks for getting them, Steph and Christian!

Mother's Day at AT&T Park

We celebrated Mom at the Giants game this weekend!

DASH

Last weekend I volunteered to help run the DASH 8 puzzle hunt. There were over 500 teams in 16 cities around the world! Mom and I worked at a pocket park location in San Francisco, handing out puzzles. Dad played in Palo Alto, and his team won first place!

Perfect spring day!

This weekend we played Ogo Sport, and the lawn was covered in flowers. We're so lucky that Golden Gate Park is our backyard!

Sushi Date

While Mom was on a 3-city business trip, Dad and I went out for sushi at Kiki. California rolls get a thumbs up!

Zoo Tour for Jefferson Kids

I helped Mom with her private tour of the zoo. It was an auction item at the Jefferson Gala! It rained during our tour, but we made sure the kids still had a great time.

What Happened to the Hills?

There are a whole bunch of orange flowers growing on the hills. This is very inspiring, huh? 

So Much Family!

During spring break in San Diego, I spent lots of time with Emma. I also visited with Nonie, Doc, Robert, Misha and Ian, of course. To top it off, I even got to see Daylen, Griffin and Uncle Christian at the Stone Bistro in Liberty Station. What?!

Pajama Day

The Jefferson spirit day theme was pajamas and stuffed animals. Go Jaguars! I am making my Totoro face.

Bowling Party

At the Jefferson auction, I won a bowling party with Ms. Peterson and 12 students at Presidio Bowl. It was so fun, and I got the highest score, too! My score was 126 points.

Gramalicia's in Town!

I'm so excited to spend the week with Gramalicia! We're going to have lots of fun as soon as my parents leave for Hawaii.

Startup

At Jefferson, I started a drawing company along with my friends Ale, Karen and Jennifer. It's called Hotschool Designs. I also created the webpage. Check out our portfolio!

Half Birthday

Today I turned nine and a half! We made red velvet cupcakes with home made chocolate frosting to celebrate. I spent most of the day reading and drawing, which are my favorite things to do!