OUCH!

A few days ago I was in the front yard watching the kids play. We have a bike path right next to our house and Mallory was riding her bike. As she was riding towards me a man passed me riding his bike with his dog on a leash. Do you see where this is going? His dog crossed in front of Mallory and the leash caught her on the neck. The rider didn't notice at first and the dog yanked Mallory right off her bike. She landed on the back of her head. Thank goodness she was wearing a helmet. The man felt terrible and was very sorry and hopefully learned his lesson. Mallory had a very sore neck the next day but is healing nicely.

A good lesson came out of this though. My older kids never want to wear their helmets. They say, "I promise I'll be careful." I think they understand now that even if they're as careful as possible, accidents can still happen.

First Pinewood Derby

Connor, dad, and grandpa were all very excited about the Pinewood Derby. All three were instrumental in the design and construction of the car (Papa especially). It was a fun night and Connor came in 4th. Pretty good for his first time. He really liked winning a few races.

The Nativity Story

The kids dressed up in nativity costumes and they acted out the story as we read Luke 2.

Jesus Dinner

On the eve of Christmas eve we planned a Jesus dinner with our family. We had lamb, salmon, unleavened bread, dried fruit, nuts, cheeses and lots of yummy goodies we thought they might have eaten during Christ's time. We ate by candlelight and the kids had a great time. I think the adults did too.

Aaron, with his sophisticated pallete, and wanting to be authentic bought us some Gefilte fish. It came in a jar packed in some kind of clear jelly. Yum!! I had one bite just to say that I tasted it.


Daniel and me, Mimi, Aaron, Sarah, and Courtney


Ethan and Megan


Aaron trying to make the Gefilte fish not look so scary, and Daniel


Our table


the spread

Chuck E Cheese with Cousins

We went to Cali for Christmas break and it rained and rained and rained. We tried to find fun indoor activities to keep the kids occupied because cabin fever is not pretty.

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Mallory's Preschool Christmas Performance

The Nutcracker

I went to see The Nutcracker with my preschool kids and some of their parents. It was so much fun! We got to see one act (the second one) which I think is the perfect amount of time. We had primo seats and our tickets were only $4. It was fabulous. My favorite part was watching Mallory's awe-stricken face. She was riveted the entire time. Guess I need to sign someone up for ballet lessons...


The dancers warming up


Amelia and her mom Tina, Olivia and Sasha


Danielle, Sasha, Gabi, and Megan

Christmas fun

My new gingerbread residential community


The homeless public waiting for their houses to be finished.


The Construction team


All she asked for was a candy cane