'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

It's Christmas Eve! We had such a wonderful afternoon and evening. The weather outside was gorgeous, so the girls and Brad went on a walk to the "San-Ei" (grocery/all things store) and got some last minute needs for our home (like fatabulous strawberries for tomorrow's breakfast) while I spent time finishing up food items for this evenings yummy spread.

The Walther's came to join us for dinner and we had a wonderful time. After exchanging gifts, the dad's and the girls headed upstairs to make sure we were set for Santa to come with our annual "Santa Landing Zone"

After the girls came back in, we said goodnight to our friends and got ready for bed.

But, don't you worry. The girls had plenty of thoughts about just what needed to be done before Santa comes tonight...

Alessandra getting ready to arrange the cookies...

 

Olivia pouring the milk...

 

Alessandra sniffing the cookies.. (we aren't really sure why...)

 

A note letting Santa know that he could take the carrots "to go"

Olivia's Santa letter

Alright, I know this is a short post, but I need to get a move on. Santa's elves have to get a move on (so we can get some sleep before the early morning wake up).

Lots of Love to you all. Merry Christmas.

Holidays' are the time for MUSIC!

This past weekend we had the honor of escorting Olivia to her second piano recital. If you remember, she began taking piano last spring and after taking a break over the summer, she started up with her fabulous teacher Melene again this fall.

Every year Melene has the kids put on a Christmas recital. We were all looking forward to it because Olivia has learned to read music this fall, and was tackling her Holiday music book with special zeal. She practices every day (without any argument at all!) and has progressively gotten better. She has now informed us that she wants to learn how to play the harp. (we told her that she had to learn to read music well and play the piano with some pretty good mastery and then we would support whichever instrument she would like to play. At least the girl has goals... I just keep trying to imagine a harpist in the school orchestra...)

Here she is, her two pieces, both alone and as a duet with her teacher Melene.