Christmas and After Celebrations

On Christmas Eve we went to see the new Grinch movie with the Joneses.

Poor Ben was sick, so he couldn't participate in most of the festivities.
The kids got together and played games, and we had dinner with our friends the Hardies.

Susan made an amazing yule log, among other things.

The kids had lots of fun on Christmas morning!

So did the grownups!

And in the afternoon we got together with the cousins again.

After Christmas, Aunty Mala and family came down to visit from Austin. We went to the Cockrell Butterfly Center in downtown Houston and out to a few other places.

After Aunty left, the kids, Ben, and Uncle David went to an indoor rock climbing place.

The party's not over yet! It's New Year's Eve tomorrow! Happy New Year!

One More Sleep 'Til Christmas!

All the kids and I had our recital this week. Savitri sang and the boys and I played the Christmas songs we've been working on. Savitri performed with a group and also did a solo of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Everyone did a great job.

We also have Ben's brother David visiting with us for a few days over the holiday.

We are having a great time, except it's Ben's turn to be sick this week. At least he doesn't have to work too.

Savitri is learning how to crochet. So far she's been doing really long chains.

I've been working on a few baby blankets for friends.

The kids also made even more gingerbread houses with Aunt Susan. They turned out great!

We are so excited for Christmas tomorrow. Merry Christmas everyone!

And So It Begins

Well, it's official. Ben and I have a teenager! Rohan turned 13 on Saturday.

Besides the birthday festivities, we managed to have some Christmas fun too, in spite of the kids being sick all week.

We decorated gingerbread houses. They are half-eaten now, especially Savitri's.

We also drove to a fun neighborhood in Houston to look at their Christmas lights. This was my personal favorite, but there were lots to see.

 We also stopped at Gallery Furniture, which had its whole parking lot lit up with these fun trees.

We are looking forward to a healthier week and the end of school and work for the year. Yay!

Bye Bye Braces

Bruce got his braces off! Yay! 

 He was especially excited to get a candy poster from the orthodontist as he left. He's been looking forward to that poster ever since Rohan got one when he got his braces off!

I made Savitri a new apron this week. It's a little big, but she grows so fast!

It's close time at work, so Ben has been working crazy hours. We are excited for him to have time off at Christmas.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Well, no, not really. There are Christmas trees up, and lots of toys out, but it's a balmy 78 degrees today! We're loving the beautiful weather.
Besides decorating the trees, we've been playing outside for the last few days before it starts raining again. Winter is wet in Houston.

 Ben was happy when No-Shave November was over. Here's what he looked like before he shaved it.

We're looking forward to the Christmas season, even thought it's already shaping up to be really busy. Happy December everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

We were so excited to have Ben's sister Leonora and her family stay with us last week. It's a long drive from Colorado, and we appreciate them making it!

Savitri and cousins Katelynn, Jane, Clara, and Matthias had waaaay too much fun together. We will be cleaning up for at least a week!

 We all joined the Jones cousins to go to the Bluebell Ice Cream factory in Brenham, TX. Yummy.

 We moms were able to go to the temple together while Uncle Kevin watched the kids.

Uncle Kevin also made some wicked good butter tarts--a Canadian Thanksgiving treat which has become a tradition for us too.

 Ben jerked the turkey.

 The spread was delicious.

 After Leonora's family left to drive home, we headed to Austin to visit Aunty Mala and Uncle Nyron. We played soccer. Well, everyone else played. I photographed and avoided injuries.

Getting Ready for Pie!

It was a little cold here last week, especially in the morning on the way to school.

 These two bundles are Bruce and Savitri.

 Ben's sister Leonora and her family arrived on Saturday to spend Thanksgiving week with us. We are sooooo … well, thankful!