Happy 1st Birthday, Zoe!

On December 18th, a sweet, little girl turned one year old! She's so special that she even got to have two birthday parties, both with different sets of grandparents! Here's Z demolishing her very own strawberry cake (that at one point was a kitty face), a family tradition.



A hilarious kitty balloon (mmm, someone must like animals a lot?).


A little cruiser.

What a little joy she is!

Christmas Is In The Air...

Our little decorator.

Marine Band San Diego's annual Christmas concert outside at MCRD.


Z was not a fan of A's cover ("hat" in Marine language).

A bit of baking and decorating Christmas cookies and coconut macaroons, an old Meadows family tradition.

Playing Christmas music.


A couple of visits with different Santas (and not totally sure about either one of them).

Washington DC

We got the opportunity to attend A's sister's wedding in Washington DC, and in addition to a fun-filled weekend of family/wedding festivities, we also re-visited the wonderful monuments and memorials. Our hotel (also the wedding location) was only a few blocks away from White House, which put us within walking-distance from the National Mall. (The WWII Memorial above).

The haunting Korean War Memorial.


Lovely fall colors in Arlington National Cemetery


The historic Marine Barracks at "8th and I," also the home of the Commandant of the Marine Corps . Last time we were here, A wasn't a Marine yet, so we had to stop by again!


A nice view of the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool from the Lincoln Memorial stairs.

A attacking the original Kermit the Frog in the Smithsonian Museum.

And as for the big event...
Congratulations to the happy couple!


The now five Panos "siblings."

What an eventful weekend in an exciting city!

Fall Fun Continued

Happy 235th Marine Corps Birthday!! Another year of celebrating at the USMC Birthday Ball.

Sgt. Panos and Sgt. Jones, doing whatever it is that they usually do...

Our friends, the Robbas.
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The week before Thanksgiving, L and Z's Thea (Greek aunt) participated in the annual Turkey Trot Run at MCRD. Z enjoyed the ride in the stroller.

And have we mentioned just how much Z loves animals, especially dogs? She laughs hysterically every time she sees a dog. Too cute!

Cousin Time!

This month, Z's Aunt M and cousin P came out for a visit from Illinois. The Southern California weather was perfect, and the sisters and cousins enjoyed hanging out together.

Playing around at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.

Gigi with the kiddos.
Just playing around.

Thanks, M and P, for flying all the way out here!

Fall Fun

Well, this Halloween, we actually dressed up and brought homemade chili to our friends' house for a little get-together. Abrought back the 1970's look, wearing a vintage, brown leisure suit, while L also dressed retro, though a decade earlier with her 1960's go-go boots.

However, the real star of the night was Z as our little mouse! Not only was she super-cute, but this particular mouse costume was very special. Z's Gigi actually made this costume 27 years ago for L to wear as a baby!




A side-by-side look at L and Z in the same costume, both 10 months old!

Have we ever mentioned just how much Z loves dogs?
Playing with the Siletzky's pups.

Nice suit, A.



"These boots were made for walking, and that's just what they'll do..."

Because Fall Is Sometimes Warmer Than Summer...

...At least that's true for Southern California this year! We definitely made a few more visits to the pool.

Wave to the camera, Z!

A few Marines totally excited about the CFT (combat fitness test). Nice hat, Ryan.

A happy 9-month old cruiser with 4 teeth, finally.
L now bespectacled, as a new member of the blindman's club.

A and Ryan running into some old friends downtown (and no, it wasn't Comic-Con).

And sometimes the only way you're going to get through the day is with a 5-minute catnap.

Music As Usual

Concerts in the park.

Marine Band San Diego performing under the gazebo in Coronado.

Trombone section feature.


Harp playing in downtown San Diego.

Another Marine Band concert at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.

Playing at weddings.

Uh-oh, looks like someone's taking an interest in the Celtic harp!
Look out: we may have a future musician on our hands.