Looking Back

We are always looking ahead. We schedule activities, mark them down on our calendars and lament the fact that time is too slow (or too fast) to that day. We are always looking ahead and anticipating.

When I look back at what had happened thus far, I feel amazed that we as a family was able to cram in so many things: piano lessons, dance classes, soccer games, baseball at Fenway, meetings and studio times. In between those, we were able to squeeze in trips together to New Orleans, Hawaii, Toronto and Munich not to mention business trips to countless of cities and countries.

This past week had been quick but we opted to slow down. No trips, no flights, no rush. We woke up when we wanted. Made meals of our favorite things. Played video and board games. Watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sled down the hill by the side of house.

There is nothing wrong with looking ahead but sometimes looking back and slowing down is good.


Kolachy cookies for Santa








5:30AM Peeking on Christmas morning








At the threshold








Emma amidst the presents







Chef Lauren
















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Happy Holidays

Gingerbread Cookies












Emma with her creation












Lauren doing an extreme makeover on her gingerbread house that fell apart during an "earthquaking" move.





Showing Santa their Christmas list








Lounging in the snow sucking on icicles








Colin's garden peeking through the snow








We always wondered what is Turkish Delight after reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.




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Realm of Tweens

Whenever I think about it, I get goosebumps. The tween years are upon us. And nothing can prepare you more than being in the Hannah Montana concert. Oh, yes, the most coveted ticket in town (some going for thousands of $$$). Our good friends and neighbors treated Lauren, Emma and me for a night of HM/Miley Cyrus (thank you, Jim, Sabra & Cady!).

The girls (Lauren, Emma and Cady) were feeling the groove, knew the songs by heart and dancing. Watching them enjoying themselves was fascinating and equally entertaining.













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Four-Oh, Oh, Boy!

Yes, Colin entered the big four-oh earlier this month. To celebrate this momentous event, we took a trip to Oktoberfest in September. He had always wanted to experience it and we thought that this year would be ideal.

To continue the theme, we went out for drinks with our good friends, Jim & Sabra, at Watch City Brewing Co to sample and compare their beer. We all agreed that Pumpkin Ale should be thrown down the gutter but their Belgian Blonde Bombshell was, well, the bomb.

On the night of his birthday, Lauren, Emma and I took him out for dinner at the Melting Pot. We all agreed that the dark chocolate fondue was decadent and, if we could have, would love to just wallow in it in bliss. Although we were "chocolated out" (should be a verb!), we had to have a Mochaccino Cake (chocolate cake with coffee mousse filling and coffee buttercream) from Verrill Farm. We ordered a 6" cake so there was no spare room for 40 candles. Lauren and Emma decided just to put 20! Happy Birthday, Colin!














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Off with Their Hair!

It's been two years since their last haircut. With exception of minor trims, there had not been a major date with the scissors or with one who can professionally wield one. Lauren and Emma decided to grow their hair the moment they had it cut two years ago for Locks for Love. What this all mean is that I probably cornered the market on hair conditioner.

Yesterday, they marched into Moodz Spa and had their long beautiful hair measured (10 inches minimum) and cut by Karen and Mallory. They came with their friend Sophia who was hoping that her hair was long enough. Alas, she came a couple of inches short but she will continue growing her hair for Locks for Love. That's the spirit, Sophia!

Lauren and Emma really like their new short styles and promised to grow out their hair again. They feel good that their hair will make someone happy. I'm proud of them and don't mind buying hair conditioner at all.















Long hair and smiles




















Getting measured...















The BIG cut and still smiling.














Aahhh...

















The new do...


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Bah Humbug! or Let it Snow (3x)?

School had a 2-hour school delay. So what to do when you have 2 extra hours before school? Play in it.

This is our tree by the entrance of the driveway(above) and this is the house (below). Notice the orange Thanksgiving wreath (right of the door) and the lumps of frozen pumpkins on the steps (left of the door). I'm a bit slow on these holiday changes.














The cats wanted to get some fresh air but they only stayed out on the screened porch for a couple of minutes.
















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I Can See Clearly Now

When I get a letter from school, I try to guess what it contains. Is the letter about Lauren or Emma or worst yet, from the principal (gasp!)? The most recent letter is from the school nurse with most official letterhead. Emma had a vision screening at school. She encouraged us to have Emma be evaluated by vision specialist.

So off we trot we go to the nearest eye guy. He blew puffs of air into her eye (scared her a bit)and had her look at letters in the dark. The verdict: yup! eyeglasses.

Her favorite part was looking for the right frame. That one is too big, that one is too narrow and that one is too small or too pink or has Spiderman on the side. Finally, she choose one that is just slightly pink.

An hour later, she marveled at seeing so much clearly.













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