Willy Wonka

Craig, Chloe and I went to see Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the NW Children's theater today.    It was probably the 10th play Chloe and I have seen together.  She really enjoys seeing plays and the best part about the children's theater is that the kids can meet the actors after the play.  Chloe insisted on having her picture taken with as many as possible.

With Mike TV and his Mom

With Augustus Gloop who was totally awesome in the play, making great facial expressions like the one above

With Violet 

With Veruca Salt, who had the fanciest dress according to Chloe

with an oompa loompa

with a squirrel

with Charlie

with Willy Wonka. . he was awesome!

Christmas Brunch

at Mark & Carol's house.. what a treat. . and Chloe got a special treat, a new pink and purple pillow pet! And we got to share our annual cinnamon roll tradition with some wonderful friends..

With Uncle Mark & Aunt Carol

Post brunch walk around the block

Merry Christmas

We had a blast on Christmas morning opening up presents. Chloe discovered the fine art of slowing removing the tape one piece at a time. . so the unwrapping was definitely at a slower pace than in the past.

Here is the picture we had on our Christmas card this year. . first year for Mr. Leo who was a good sport about the headband. .  .we sure miss Mr. Zacky though!

Chloe actually slept in until about 7:30 and I had time to make coffee before she even came downstairs.  Here she is with her newly found stash from Santa. . 7 presents!!

The first stocking gift - new headbands.  Headbands are suddenly all the rage in her preschool classroom

Snuggling with Craig as they open their stockings. . .

Craig got 2 t-shirts from our friend Maya .. when she dropped them off I promptly wrapped them up as Christmas gifts from her two kids.

Chloe's favorite activity - Sticker Dolly books.  She got 2 of them.  One from Santa and the prized Christmas one from Leo.

Very cute princess puzzle from her cousing Carly!

Craig's annual Dartmouth shirt.  Usually he gets a Tuck shirt so this is a new style he will be sporting.  He's proud to wear the Ivy!

New PJs (important for those pajama days at school) and a barbie movie.  Score!

This year Chloe got a bunch of crafty gifts .. sticker books, 2 mosiac art kits, a sewing kit, sock puppet kit, crown making kit, and a french knitting thing. Thing? Looks like fun anyway.

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas Eve with our good friends the Springgates and had a wonderful time. The food, as expected, was amazing and the company, divine.

Hanukkah Party at the Temple

We went to our first Hanukkah party at the temple. Chloe had a blast. Lots of crafts, latkes, and good food and fun!

Chloe and I baked a very chocolate cake to share!



Chloe and Franny loved the crafts!

Hanukkah!

Lighting the candles with the kids . . 

Place setting

Challah!

Kids Table

Hanukkah started on December 20th this year, so it has been a busy holiday season, to say the least. We held our annual Hanukkah party and had a blast with friends. The menu, as usual, included brisket, brussels sprouts and cauliflower gratin and challah. Liza made her famous latkes and Carol made a delicious pumpkin ice cream cake. Mark brought cupcakes for the kids. Everyone had a blast!


Chloe and I have been singing the Hanukkah blessing together each night which has been fun too!

School breaks . .

We are so fortunate that we are able to have one of Chloe's student teachers, Christina, watch her during the school breaks.   They have a blast together as they both love some of the same things, most importantly, art & dogs!