Catch-Up .... Thanksgiving trip to Ohio

For whatever reason, I never posted any pictures from Thanksgiving. Here are some. It is my favorite trip of the year. I first went to Boston, for a conference, then Steve and Carolyn met me in Ohio. We spent lots of time with Jason, Heather, Addie, Emerson. Great Granny showed us her new wellness center. Steve's parents were able to come for a visit, too. And, of course, there were all the antics and delicious food on Thanksgiving day.

Fun, family.

Little Red Hen

In the fall, Carolyn wanted to be in "Musical Theater Club" at her school. The little kids did a performance of the Little Red Hen. And, guess what, Carolyn was the little red hen! Right as the show was starting, the camera battery died. So, I took a few videos and pictures on my phone, but have yet to figure out how to get the videos off of my phone. Here are a few pictures of her broadway debut.

This semester, she decided to do ballet instead of Musical Theater Club. (She has to pick only one activity at a time). I do not think they have a performance, but she has done lots of dance preformances for us lately at home. I think her favorite part of ballet class is the pink leotard.

New Year's Eve -- 2012

Over the New Year's holiday, we had house guests. Michaela, Martin, and their kids Viktoria and Konstantin. They used to live a block away from us, but now are back home in Germany. We miss having them as neighbors, but enjoyed their visit with us. The girls got along swimmingly. The adults enjoyed a fantastic meal at Forage, without the kids. One day, Carolyn convinced me to buy some flowers so that the guests could have fresh flowers in their bedroom. Then, as soon as we arranged them, the two little girls came out with new dresses on, walking very slowly, each holding a bunch of the flowers. When we asked what they were doing.... it was a wedding.

For New Year's Eve, we stayed in. Dave, Elle, and their girls (Carly, Lauren, Sabrina) also joined us. Steve cooked up a big pot of Gumbo. Elle made a delicious salad. And Michaela made a trifle. We played lots of games, including charades. Martin's impression of an ostrich was the best. I wish I caught it on film.

And everyone ended up wearing the same color.

We all made it up to midnight. We banged pots outside and let off a few fireworks.

By 1215, good byes were said and everyone was in bed. Here is Carolyn at 1200 the next day, when she decided to finally wake up.

Family Photo Challenge (January)

It is not a very flattering picture of any of us, but we are all in the same frame. It was indeed taken during the month of January ... so it counts.

We are at our house, a few minutes after midnight, on New Year's Eve. We said goodbye to our friends a few minutes later, and were all sound asleep by 1230.

Carolyn & June

June is Carolyn's favorite stuffed friend. She especially likes her when the two of them have matching hair bows.

Steve bought June when Carolyn patiently went with us to buy a new closet at Ikea right after Christmas. I ended up buying her a larger version of this friend, who she named Charlie, a few weeks ago when she went back to Ikean with me to look for potential baby-room items. As soon as we got there, she saw the big version of June and asked if she could hold him in the cart. I said yes, but reminded her that we would probably not be able to buy him and that she would have to put him back before we left. She agreed. At the end of our shopping trip, she said goodbye to Charlie and bravely put him back on the shelf. No whining. I was amazed. As she gave the dog the biggest most sincere hug, she said, "I love you Charlie. I will come back as soon as I can with my piggy bank so you can come home with me and June. You would like it there." I was so impressed with her ability to so maturely put him back, and noticed a big fat tear running down her face and a quivering lip as I steered the cart toward the cash register. It broke my heart. I just had to grab Charlie, hide him in the bottom of the cart, and buy him. I surprised her with Charlie when we got to the car. I am not sure I ever saw her so grateful. In fact, she has thanked me everyday since for letting her buy Charlie, the big dog.

Still delayed ....

.... This time by illness. Carolyn and I have had our share of the cooties lately. I have pneumonia, strep throat. Carolyn had the stomach flu. We are on the mend, but of course, Carolyn has to end this adventure with an ear infection. Let's hope the illnesses are just about gone. Now, if only I could find a few extra days to sleep and get caught up on my missed days at work.