Merry Christmas!

We've had a wonderful couple of days, starting with baking cookies on Friday where Julia wore the apron Grandma Felton made for Mommy 30 years ago.  On Saturday, we went ice skating and then had dinner with Sophie and Caroline.  On Monday we had a brunch with the Feltons, and Alex and Julia loved playing with their cousins.  Today we discovered that Santa left presents while we were sleeping.  Julia was a little disappointed she didn't get to see his sleigh, but Alex reassured her that she wouldn't get presents if she actually saw Santa.  Everyone got great gifts.  And we've eaten really well: cookies, lasagna, egg casserole, lamb...

Merry Christmas!

School Break Has Begun!

Everyone is excited that the holiday break has begun.  Alex has 17 days off, Julia has 12, John has 11, and Joanna has 9.  So far we've baked cookies, played with play dough, had a long bath, and wrestled.  Last weekend we went to a party where Santa showed up.  Alex got a Magic Science kit and Julia got a princess dress.  Everyone is excited for "real Santa" next week.  Julia has written him at least 10 letters all by herself.  We also had a nice brunch with the Feltons and  got a decent group shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Ready for Christmas

We have been busy getting ready for Christmas.  A&J have:

• Written wish lists for Santa.  Julia even wrote "Princess" in the top picture below.  We did not know she was such a good writer.
• Decorated a gingerbread house
• Saw the Garden D'Lights in Bellevue
• Visited Snowflake Lane.  Julia wanted to meet all the costumed characters.
• Saw The Nutcraker with Alex's friend Sophia and her family.
• Julia wanted to meet all the ballerinas in The Nutcracker as you can see in the pictures below.
• Julia's gymnastics team did a holiday show for the parents (the bottom picture and video)

Thanksgiving in Minneapolis

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Minneapolis.  Alex and Julia loved seeing their grandparents and other relatives.  And it was fun to catch up with Jeff and his family.  Highlights:

• Playing at the park when it was 50 and sunny
• Playing with Harry and Ava
• Julia leading the band with the lead twirler into the Gopher football game
• Watching Diane in the band
• Cheering for the Gophers
• Cooking pizza and other yummy things with Grandma Jane
• Playing chess, other board games, and stomp rockets with Grandpa
• Watching movies with Grandma Brady
• A night out with friends for John & Joanna
• Chasing the kitty
• Rides at Mall of America
• Birthday party for Maggie and Grandma Brady with cake
• Bubble wrap