Merry Christmas

We were preparing for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner with Oma, our children, grandchildren, and neighbor. The turkey was in the oven, the table ready to be set, and Keith was going to help me with the Christmas Tree. I went down stairs, and in the hall my foot went squishhhhh! Ah oh, Keith must have tromped snow in. The next foot went squish as well. I hollered for Keith and we traced it to the hot water heater. Needless to say, we had cleaning up to do, and the tree didn't get put up until after dinner, and our guests left. The grandchildren had a wonderful time and we were entertained with their enthusiasm.

After it was all over Keith put up this fantastic tree to surprise me. I think it is adorable.

On Christmas day we went to Oma Allart's where we had dinner with my siblings and their family members. We had a short program. Cirrus sang "Jingle Bells".

I read a story, Lindsay played the piano, Kyle told a story, and played the piano while we sang. It was fun. At home, Cirrus received a princess crown, necklace, and mirror.My favorite part of the evening was when Cirrus adorned Ariana with her crown, necklace, and mirror. Isn't it amazing that little girls just do these things naturally?

Then there are boys, in particular, Crimsel. Without saying a word he seems to say, "Don't touch my cars!"

Great Oma with Ariana.

A Snowy Day and A Fun Time

We woke up to a picture card snow fall. It was beautiful, but cold.

Thank goodness we have a brave soul who is willing to clean up the snow. He loves wearing his "klompen" for yard work and snow removal. He says he feet stay warm!

I decided that sugar cookies are the thing to serve with vanilla ice cream and ligon berries for dessert for Christmas Eve Dinner. So I enlisted the help of little bakers. Ari didn't want anything to do with her apron or hat.

Sampling the cookies was the best of all!

Sinter Klaas

Sinter Klaas Day is on December 5th. we gather as an Allart clan and celebrate Dutch Christmas. This year we invited our Thai friends Judy and Jensen. If you ever want Thai food you ought to go to Judy's restaurant. It is the best Thai food I have ever had.

We hear a presentation about Sinter Klaas and Swarte Pete, sing Dutch Songs, put out our shoes, and go to "sleep". It really is a time for giggles and whisperings. When the children "wake up", they find their shoes filled with goodies.

Arianna is a girl after my own heart. She was very excited about the madrin orange, but you'll notice what she decided to eat first.

Mary Jane had surgery for a torn tendon, Daniel is demonstrating is lively side, and we had a surprise visitor. All in all we had a wonderful evening.