Monday, December 31, 2012

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year!

We just got back from Oma's house where we celebrated Christmas and Alex's birthday with the family. Oma's plates are always full of delicious cookies and chocolate for the holidays. Hard to resist!

Hug time!

Christmas program from Alex and Sophie

I was a good girl this year. Look at all these presents!

Are there some cars and dinosaurs in there?

Presents everywhere! We now need a bigger playroom...

Ahhh... T-Rex is trying to eat me!

Maman made a Baekeoffe for Christmas Day. Yum!

Cousins' time at Oma's house

John is learning to play the trombone

Kristin is a pro at violin already

I'm celebrating my birthday a couple of days in advance

Happy Birthday, Alex!

Oma got me a cash register. Awesome!

Christmas dinner at Glen and Linda's house

Is that a Lamborghini, Oma?

Sophie found John's tickle spot

Hoppe hoppe Reiter

Hoppe hoppe Reiter
Hoppe hoppe Reiter wenn er fällt, dann schreit er, fällt er in den Teich, find't ihn keiner gleich.
Hoppe hoppe Reiter wenn er fällt, dann schreit er, fällt er in den Graben, fressen ihn die Raben.
Hoppe hoppe Reiter wenn er fällt, dann schreit er, fällt er in den Sumpf, dann macht der Reiter... Plumps! (Kind "fallen lassen")

ENGLISH Prose Translation
Bumpety bump, rider, if he falls, then he cries out should he fall into the pond, no one will find him soon.
Bumpety bump, rider...
should he fall into the ditch, then the ravens will eat him.
Should he fall into the swamp, then the rider goes... splash! ("Drop" child)

We love you, Oma! Happy New Year, everyone!!!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Let it snow

We had our first (and hopefully last) snow storm a couple of days ago. Alex had a great time helping papa remove the snow from the driveway. But Sophie wasn't so sure about this cold wet stuff...

We went to Crown Center to see Santa one last time (to double-check on our Xmas list) and to Union Station to take a train ride. We also visited the zoo on a sunny Saturday morning.

With this cold weather, it's time to get out the pretty sweaters Mamy knitted for us. Check them out!

Check out our Xmas mittens from Dolores!

I want to move to Florida!

Santa said I may get some cars and a watch...

Crown Center

Turn turn turn

We're on a train!

The top bunk is just the best

Find the monkey on the picture

Carrousel time


Not sure about this warthog

Mowgli and Kaa (Jungle Book)

Candy Land time

Arranging letters

Mamy knitted this one just for me

And mine has rabbits and snow flakes

Are there some presents behind the tree?

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Is it Xmas yet?

The best part of the holiday - according to the kids - is eating the little chocolate in the advent calendar each morning. Someone couldn't and got a few days ahead already.  We let you guess who that is...

We took a stroll on the Plaza to check out the pretty horses and Christmas lights. Here are the other activities while waiting for Christmas.

One learns how to play Connect 4 a lot faster on the table

Decorating our very first gingerbread house

Can you tell Papa has lots of practice decorating cakes?!?

Voila !

I just want Nutella for Xmas...

Xmas program at church

Peace on Earth

I put on my pretty dress to see Alex sing

Monday, December 10, 2012

Getting ready for Christmas

What a fun time of the year for kids to get ready for the holidays. Alex and Sophie enjoy opening up their advent calendar and get their little chocolate every morning. They are both chocoholic. They had fun making Christmas cookies for teachers, friends and mom's coworkers. They are counting the days as they see more packages coming from overseas.

Are you ready for the holidays?

Enjoying s'mores in Mission

Is that Santa's sleigh? Where are the reindeers?

Master decorators

Can we add more ornaments?

Santa, do you have any Bugattis left?

Families Blessed Xmas Party

I got a present!

I'm back, so my sister isn't so scared of you, Santa

Fete de Noel entre francophones
 

Enough singing, let's play!

Row, row, row your boat

Je fouille dans les placards

Snooping into kitchen cabinets

I'm papa's Xmas cookies tester. Yum!