Getting into the Holiday Spirit

I am glad the my children like decorating the Christmas tree, because I don't enjoy it much anymore. It seems like a lot of work. Curtis and I spend a whole hour putting up a tree and getting all of its branches out and putting on lights evenly, just so that they can put on ornaments in 3 minutes flat. Where is the justice?They love this nativity, the only one that they can "touch"! It goes right below our Christmas tree, but inevitably I find shepherds in the kitchen, sheep in the bathroom, and Mary under the couch.Decorating for Christmas is like having Christmas twice. We open all these bins of things that we have forgotten about all year long! Jake had his band concert this week. He has been playing trumpet this year. Caleb loving the spotlight. He just had to wear his suit for the program. He is a charmer.Nick also had his concert. He has been working on the recorder. Thankfully for the rest of you, I just have pictures and not sound clips to third graders playing the recorder...

Going to the Ballet

On Friday Curtis and I surprised Megan with a trip to the Ballet. We watched The Nutcracker.

Megan loved being able to dress up and watch all of the dancers. It was a great time out with our little princess.

Jake Vs. the Sled Hill

The hill won...

Snowfort

A week ago we finally got some snow. We were glad to have it. If it is going to be cold, it may as well be snowy and pretty, right?

We got about 8 inches of snow so Curtis took the kids out to build a snow fort. They shovelled it all up into a huge mound.

And dug it out. They loved it and played with it all week.

We have gotten more snow since and it has even warmed up a bit. It is currently 27 degrees right now. Heatwave!!

Megan's 4th Birthday

Since this was a party year, Megan chose to have a princess party(because what 4 year old isn't obsessed with princesses?) We made princess skirt and crowns, played games, ate cake, and were protected by some little handsome princes. It was a great time. Now we just have to convince ourselves that our baby really is four years old...

He Looks Good in Orange

Nick received his orange belt last Friday at a Tae Kwon Do party. He is so excited to see the colors getting closer and closer to black! Good job, Nick; we are proud of you!

Finally Snow

For some crazy reason, we have not had much snow here in Alaska yet even though it is passed time for snow to be on the ground. This morning we finally woke up to snow on the ground. The boys were so excited to go outside and play. It is still snowing now. And the forecast for this winter is not pretty. With the mild autumn that we have had, they are predicting a snowy and COLD winter. Bring on the 70 below!!

Halloween

Tonight was the church Halloween Trunk-or-treat, or rather inside door to door here in Alaska. It was the first time that the children were able to wear their costumes. Halloween is so fun. It is great to get to dress up as whatever you want to for a day!

Tae Kwon Do

Nick tested for belt advancement in Tae kwon do on the 16th of the month. He did really well. He is very good at tae kwon do, but is shy and not very vocal. First, he demonstrated his form by himself. Then he had to demonstrate one-steps with an opponent. This Saturday, the 23rd, is a tournament that he can enter. He is not sure that he wants to do it. He just doesn't know what to expect. We will try to convince him to try one out. Hopefully we will be adding that post in a week or so.

I couldn't upload the second video of the one-steps. Sorry.

School Pictures

It seems like we just had them taken, but I suppose that it is time again.I sometimes wonder what is going on to make these children make these faces!But it is a great part of growing up; looking back at your school pictures and seeing how you have changed.Even Megan got hers taken. Photography studios are few and far between up here so we jump on it when an opportunity comes up.