A Few Random Shots for December

There was an end of year Gymnastics show RIGHT after we got back.  The girls had one day to practice after a two week break, then showtime!  They did very well.  We videoed their parts and Isaac offered to link the videos here, but for now, I'm going to show off Makenna's awesome hairdo!

The one still shot I have from her solo. 

When Jess finally stopped coughing, she invited Raven over for the day.  They swam, baked cookies and painted nails.  

Leaving Switzerland was hard, but there is also something wonderful about needing flip-flops and sunglasses in December. 

Merry Christmas 2014

Matt had to work Christmas Eve, but was happily home all day Christmas.  The girls set up sleeping quarters in Makenna's room for the three kids--Isaac was on the bottom bunk and Jess had the couch--and thanks to nighttime medicine for aches, coughs and noses, they all slept in late.  We were probably opening presents the same moment as the Americans in Germany.  In fact, Matt woke up a couple hours earlier and went downstairs to make himself some toast, then came back to bed and was able to go back to sleep!  When they all got up, the first thing we did was give Makenna another dose of Advil.  Jess was doing much better, but Makenna's germs were just getting started. As a result, she didn't want a lot of pictures.

This new BatHat flaps its wings when you squeeze the left tassel. 

There's a Kindle in the house!  Rather amazing really.  So lightweight and no back light.  Easy to read  during the day!

Huge breakfast of crepes, fresh fruit, whipped cream, eggs and bacon.  

The box from Amazon from Brian and Hilary was the first opened.  So perfect for my movie making crew!

Creative wrapping.....

And later the healthy family members (Makenna was told to go lie down) chipped in and made the now traditional steak with grilled pineapple salsa.  It was perfection! 

When you live overseas, sometimes Christmas gets spread out over a few days as a few extra packages trickle in.  Another thank you to Brian and Hilary.  The girls especially love the pillow cases with their names!  

Do You Want to Build a Sand Man?

We invited whoever was in town and wanted to join us in making the traditional sandman on Christmas Eve.  Stephanie, Jack and gRace Keffer came and so did Glynns, Issy and Rhys Thomas.  It was a little windy, but sunny and warm.  Both my girls were feeling a little fatigued, but wanted to go.  Maybe that wasn't so wise, as they spent the next few days much more miserable, but we didn't know that then.  We went home and they watched a Miracle on 34th Street (for the first time) while I made carmel corn.   Later Jess and I drove over to Allam's to drop off some of the carmel corn and a get well card for Jessica's friend Adam.  Their family was planning on coming to the beach too, but ended up spending the morning in the ER with Adam getting 6 stitches in his hand.  Big Bummer.

We tried using Dirhams for eyes at first, but then decided water bottle lids looked better.  

Jess, Issy, Makenna

 

A Late Wild Wadi

Our Scottish friends were in town visiting and we decided to tag along with them and the Allams for one last trip to Wild Wadi for 2014.  Jess was the most excited.  Makenna was a little dubious about water temperature, but with the temptation of a day with Teagan, she chose to go.  Isaac had been planning on spending some time on school to make up for some social days earlier, but I agreed to adjust his due date schedule.  The water was warmer than I expected, but unfortunately, Jess began showing symptoms of sickness after the first couple hours.  She was shivering and had a bit of a headache.  I dried her off and we hung out on the beach chairs in the sun.  Once she was dry and even had a bit of a nap, she felt quite a bit better, but didn't want to get wet again.  Her friends Adam and Sarah missed her.  Makenna went strong until our Scottish friends left, then she dried off and rested.  Isaac and the Allam boys were on the rides for another hour until the rest of us were all quite ready to go.

Isaac is ready to jump in.

Jess feeling a bit better. 

Makenna trying out her surfing skills.  Took to it like a natural.  

Christmas Fun Prep

December 21st the girls went to Craft Days at Rayyan's house to make a bunch of Cake Pops and watch a movie.

At 5, Isaac and I picked them up and drove over to Allam's for dinner and cookie decorating.  Stephanie and her kids were there too.  Hooray for our scout friends.

The next day the girls and I went on our semi annual trip to Ikea to buy candles for Matt and any other treasures we would find.  It is one of Makenna's happy places.  We drove to Mirdif for lunch and the last of the shopping afterwards.  After 6 hours of shopping, we were bushed.  

The Rest of Our Skiing

I stopped uploading each night after our second day of skiing.  We were cooking our own dinners and just worn out.  So since being home, I have gone through the GoPro stuff and tried to pick out some good stuff.  We really did not do a decent job of documenting to an equivalent level of how awesome the trip was.  The order is completely mixed up and I doubt I could put them straight even if I tried since the time stamps on the two camera are all mixed up.  But they still represent happy memories.

Lunch the last day, Switzerland side. 

Nice face, Jess

Me, I think day 3?

Isaac took it before heading out one morning. 

Last lunch again.

Isaac

This is lunch in Italy.  We were all laughing at Isaac.  He had flour all over his face.  

One more for good measure.  

Top of the mountain Italy side. 

View from the other side of the mountain.  Those are clouds floating between the peaks. 

The next bunch are just frames from the video.  I'll do my best to identify people, but as you can tell, we are well bundled!

Makenna is in black.

Isaac jumping

Isaac and Makenna

Ready to head up again.

Matt, me, Makenna

Jessica, Matt, Makenna, me

Jessica off the beaten path looking for a little jump.

Ski Dance.