Happy Holidays

The holiday season felt a little different this year. We thought about the loved ones who are no longer with us and are watching over us now.

We had a quiet Christmas at home for the first time.  Then we spent the weekend in Nebraska to celebrate with the cousins. It was bittersweet to empty out Oma's house and say goodbye to a place where we had so many fond memories as a family.

More Monsieur/Madame books for my collection.
For the record, I'm not "Madame Canaille"!

My favorite is "Madame Pricesse"

Oma thought about everything,
including a card to her grandkids for Christmas

Merci Mamy pour les Playmobil !

OMG! A snake book! Awesome!!!

Got a football too. Way to go, Santa!

Here is the unicorn I have been waiting for

Trying out the chemistry set from uncle Gilles

Thanks Linda & Glen for hosting the Jantzen Christmas this year

That's one big long table, folks!

Alex and Austin distributing gifts

Opening presents at uncle Glen's house with the Jantzen gang

What fun to be all together

Reading with Kristin

Uncle Glen's cool little truck
Did he really buy this for the grandkids?!?

Riding with Johnny was a ton of fun!
Can we do it again?

Uncle Gilles' Visit

We had a fun time with uncle Gilles who came to visit for a few days. We showed him the Kansan way of life: where maman works, Science City, Union Station, shopping at Costco and The Legends outlet mall, eating BBQ at Arthur Bryant and much more. What fun it was to have uncle Gilles at home with us!

Trying to hack into maman's work computer

Visiting maman at work

Beautiful Xmas tree at work

Science City building blocks

Cool sandbox at Science City

Riding the little train was fun!

Showing Gilles how to race! My favorite game.

Je suis le garcon le plus chatouilleu au monde

FaceTime with mamy

Sophie shoe shopping queen

Riding the turtle was more fun than shopping

What a beautiful tree at The Legends

T-Rex Cafe

I found a unicorn mask! How about that?!?

Uncle Gilles was hungry, or what?!?

Checking out the soccer stadium

After the BBQ meal, a little basketball game was a welcome treat

I have the best papa in the world

Can we sit still for the picture here?!? Hardly.

Thanks, uncle Gilles, for the great visit!

Christmas Programs

We enjoyed watching the kids participate in the Christmas programs at church and school. Sophie still played shy girl for the most part. Alex had to nudge her a little. Check it out.

Waiting for the show to start

Rehearsal

Presenting the Rainbow worship arts choir

Nice job Sophie, Alex and friends!

What a crew!

Can't wait to see my little sister's performance!

Pre-K choir

A good thing I brought doudou rose with me!

Way to go Sophie!

boy-trapped (if you don't know what it means, ask Alex)

Last song and I'm gonna get a cookie

I have the best papa in the world

Can't wait to check out all the presents behind the tree

December Fun

The month is flying by and the blogger of the house is playing catch up.

Indoor gym

Extreme Bugs exhibit at Union Station

Chasing butterflies

Basketball practice started again. Who's ready?

New team of second graders

Evening party at Prairiefire Museum

I got a unicorn!

I can't believe he made a unicorn in a few seconds for me

Ninja turtle for Alex

Cynthia gets me the best presents: helicopter

Kiss the frog and it'll turn into a prince!

Hanging out with Walker

The boy who was so scared of dogs is well past his initial fear!

Thanks Cynthia for the great lunch and chocolates!