The Polklahoman Digest: 2021 Begins! January

January began with Agnieszka receiving her first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine. There was a big celebration and the whole family came along (though they had to wait in the car, as the hospital remained closed to visitors.)

We rewarded ourselves by finding the one remaining heat lamp in the Bay Area and buying it on the spot - at the Vallejo Home Depot close to Agnieszka's work. We spent the next few hours looking for propane, which turned out to be in severe shortage. Fortunately, our neighbors had a spare and we were able to invite good friends over for the evening.

Yep, outdoor Thai dinner in the middle of January!!

A few days later, we had a rare day of rain. The kids were very excited and trip that began as a puddle jumping break turned into a spontaneous hike and expedition. Auggie and Ella led the way, hiking all the way up to Auggie's elementary school and back around to our house. The hike included a stream crossing and many mushroom sightings.

We then launched into a serious of January birthday celebrations, from Katy to Ella and Daniel.

Auggie also got to show us a toolbox he had put together with Dziadek.

Babcia had gotten some dress up clothes from a friend and the kids had a great time dressing up in different costumes.

The day we celebrated Ella's birthday, we also got to go to a birthday party of a friend who was born 1 day before Ella. Both kids loved dressing up for the occasion.

Back at Babcia and Dziadek's house for Ella and Daniel's birthday celebration:

January also brought the exciting Inauguration Day. We got up to watch President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris get sworn into office. Everyone was very excited.

In the evening, we had a party for our neighbors; one of them even brought a projector, so we could watch the celebration on a sheet hung from a fence. The heat lamp -and some red, white and blue outdoor lights - set up a cozy and festive mood.