Holiday Traditions

The month of December is always filled with fun times with family and friends as we prepare for the holiday season. This year Jason was on nights so he missed out on a lot of the festivities but he was off for Christmas which was great. 

We broke tradition and bought our tree from a local nursery since our Boy Scout lot was only open when Jason was working. The plus side is we discovered they have beautiful birds on the property and the trees were quite impressive.

Each year we celebrate Hannukah with the Chernys and this year the Funkhousers joined in on the festivities as well. The kids love playing the dreidel game and are fascinated by the Hebrew prayers.

Aunt Carla held court on 7th St saving us prime parade viewing spots. The Vance's joined in as well and with the addition of a firepit this year, we were all nice and warm.

Ellie was old enough to decorate the tree this year and was quite into decorating her own small tree for her room. With Jason gone minimal pictures were taken but we all had fun.

We learned from last year and built a pre-assembled house and the kids were able to decorate it all by themselves. A lot of candy went in their stomachs instead of the tree resulting in them being absolutely goofy while decorating. We surrounded the house with old mushy marshmallows and somehow throughout the month, the snow disappeared. (aka Ellie)

Ellie loved decorating cookies this year. Was so fun that she was old enough to get involved with all the festivities. We discovered a new favorite cookie: PB&J

On December 23rd we took the Weiss clan and Mom to Glendale Glitters and the Crazy Light House. Not too impressed by Glendale Glitters but the Crazy Light house impressed as always. 

November in Review

We had the honor of being guests at Jude and Erica's wedding. What an amazing day and couple!!!

One of the neatest parts of the ceremony was the lighting and releasing of the lanterns into the sky. A really touching homage to Erica's family heritage.

Willem played O Come Little Children for his solo at VSSA. His confidence grows each recital!

Willem's prepster look. Insisted on buying the white shoes and assembled the look himself.

Audrey's Baptism at All Saints. So glad to welcome her into such a nurturing and family oriented church community. 

Awesome God Parents!

Reverand Licia presided. She came to bless Audrey after her birth so it was especially touching that she performed her Baptism. 

Audrey

Soccer season came to a close. So far soccer is Willem's favorite sport. 

Opa, Lita and Oom Rik spent Thanksgiving week with us and were here for Wouter's birthday.

Family outing to Indian Steele Park with Lita and Opa.

Thanksgiving Day at Dad's.

Paw Paw's special bath for Audrey. Complete with dish washing soap. Huge hit in Audrey's books.

The annual hanging of the Christmas lights with Opa and Oom Rik. Without them there would be no lights!

Ellie wanted to play soccer on her school team so we gave it a go. Was a transition for her from being on the sidelines cheering to being front and center but she's looking forward to next year.

Willem and Mia's 2nd Suzuki Birthday.

1st play at Gammage Theater- The Lion King. We went on a double Mother/Son date with the Cherny's. 

We were eager to see what there day is like at their new school so I went a did an observation. Willem greeted me at the door and showed me to my seat, put on music and offered me a drink. Then he went and created a menu of food and beverage options and came back to take my order. I had a quesadilla and ice water on a nicely decorated tray that he carried over. Now if we could only get that service at home!! Ellie was focused on making nap mats and washing the classes dishes, she really enjoys the practical life areas right now.

Rainy day!

After much anticipation, Ellie began violin lessons. She's really happy to be participating after two years of watching Willem. 

Happy 1st Birthday Audrey!!

Our sweet Audrey turned 1, where did this year go?? Audrey is the first person Willem and Ellie want to see after school and she's the person they want to give hugs and kisses to before they go to bed at night. 

Audrey at 1 has a calm, loving nature. She likes to do whatever her brother and sister are doing. She already enjoys playing with baby dolls and is interested in walking though is just standing right now. She loves music and will sway and play with the music toys with Willem and Ellie.

Her actual birthday was during the week and Willem's last soccer game of the season so we celebrated after the game at MacAlpine's with the team. The next day we had the family over for a spaghetti dinner. 

Halloween