Christmas

Christmas this year didn't "feel" quite like Christmas for several reasons.  For one, I didn't see any extended family. Two, Micah had to work Christmas Eve and then two days after Christmas so the whole week just seemed like our regular routine.  And, three, it was sunny and like 60 degrees outside.  Weird.  Thankfully, as I was reminded by our pastor, Jesus makes Christmas happen.  Christmas does not happen because of how we feel, what we do, what we eat, the present we buy, etc.  Christmas happens because Jesus was born!  

Anyways, despite the "non-normal" Christmas, we did participate in some lovely activities.  Juliet and I had Christmas Eve dinner with some good friends (by way of Micah's work).   Christmas morning the three of us opened presents and made/ate Cinnamon Rolls.  Then we all had Christmas dinner with some of Micah's co-workers and families. 

Oh, and a few night before Christmas we went to "Santa's Ranch" which is this amazing display of lights that you pay to drive through.  Pretty impressive!

 

Fall!, finally

The leaves in Texas have recently turned beautiful colors and now most of them are falling off.  So, since we live in a house now!, we have been raking.  And of course Juliet has been "jumping" into the piles.  She also like to help rake which she calls "brushing the leaves".  

Another perk of living in a house with a yard is being able to roast marshmallows and make s'mores.  Juliet has her first one this week and I'm pretty sure it was a hit!

Busted

Juliet has been giving us a run for our money at night.  I think she is turning into a night-owl.  We put her to bed, and then continue putting her to bed over the next two hours.  And because she is up at night I have to wake her up each morning or she'd sleep till brunch. 

She is getting smarter about playing quietly in her room so we don't hear her, since she gets in trouble if she gets caught.  Last night after assuming she was asleep, as she had been silent [in her pitch-dark room] for about an hour, she slipped-up and I heard a noise.  I checked on her to find her all dressed-up. 

It totally cracked me up, so I chose to forgo punishment, took a picture, and laid her back in bed.

Krishnan Christmas Cookies 2013

So I tried to have a Christmas Party.  But the only person that came was my sweet neighbor RuthMary (and her little guy, Aleck).  Since our group was so small, Micah and the kids joined in and we made some pretty awesome cookies. 

They lasted about a two days, tops.   Sad, I know.  Tis the season to eat lots of sugar!

Bilingual Child Academy: Polar Express

Juliet's pre-school did the coolest little Christmas party.  The created a Polar Express each little class went around to different "countries" (ie: other classrooms).  In each country they learned about that countries Christmas celebrations, did a related craft, got a stamp on their passport, and received a "souvenir" to go in their travel bag.  It was awesome!!! So much detail! 

Once it group rotated back to their original room they had a pizza party and a book exchange with their own classmates.  Juliet's teachers also gave each child a bag of Christmas goodies and gifts that they had made each child.  Her teachers also gave ME a gift because I "help out" a lot.  Seriously?  They do so much work and I only volunteer on the party days ;) 

We could not find a better pre-school!

 

Italy

China

Juliet's Class - England

Eating Tamales - Mexico

France - Cheese, bread, grapes, and crepes!!!

Class book exchange :)

Church Christmas Party

We made it to our first annual church Christmas dinner/party.  A childless night of dinner, music, short sermon, fellowship, and dancing.

It's beginng to look like Christmas (although, still feeling like summer!)

Our dinning room table and first ever Christmas decorations.  Thank you, Micah, for the flowers!

Juliet not cooperating during a "photo shoot"

Her Christmas dress from Nini and Thatha :)

The tree lighting celebration on post: lots of kid friendly activities!

Cookie decorating and eating!

The big tree on post

I made her sit on Santa's lap.  Seriously.  At least she didn't cry...

[man made] SNOW!

Socks

I found my sock-stealer!

Thanksgiving

We cooked it all from scratch and had all the "classic" Thanksgiving foods! Yum.  I think the preparations/cooking were my favorite parts of the whole day.