Aint No Mountain High...

Rainy Sunday. Aunt Elsie and Uncle Charlie are in town. What else are we going to do?

Rock Climbing of course!

We got suited up, harnessed up, and trained and then the two of you little mountain goats were off! You were brave and strong, wisely hesitant at times, and very supportive of all the climbers and rules.

You each took two turns climbing the 'big walls' and did a fantastic job!

Aunt Elsie even climbed up alongside both of you while Mommy or I 'belayed' you (managed the ropes keeping you safe!) while you did your ascents! 

Even Mommy and I got in on the action (and you guys were so supportive and cheered us on, gave us hugs and high-fives when we got down, and quickly learned the verbiage- "good climb!"

Look at those legs!

Then, we went into the bouldering room (aka "the cave") where you guys went climbing without safety ropes (but with a lot of safety hands). Even though this room was theoretically more dangerous, you guys were much more willing and able to climb here. Time after time you nailed and climbed very well!

What strength and bravery and skill... and fun!!! And you looked really cool doing it!

On the First Night of Hanukkah

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!

On a beautiful fall/winterish with springish weather afternoon, we went to Mimi and Pops' house (but first the park at the end of their street) for the first night of Hanukkah!

We had fun in the sun...

...and took some family pictures...

Then it was back to the house for some Hanukkah dinner, singing, and fun:

Mimi's delicious briskets and latkes were big hits!

...and Aidan and Julia, you served the traditional Hanukkah donuts... and then enjoyed them yourself!

Then we gathered together to light the menorah. Mimi took your hands and you all lit the candles together.

And then we retired to the living room to dig into the magical, silver, giant dreidel for some really thoughtful and wonderful gifts. Just like with Santa, Hanukkah gifts are only given to children who behave well; and you two have behaved wonderfully.

And Mimi and Pops behaved wonderfully too! You two got them presents as well.

Julia, you had wanted to get Mimi and Pops some bracelets. So you and Aidan each made a bracelet for them!

Aidan, you wanted to give Mimi and Pops 'a song' for Hanukkah. So we did!

And then Mimi and Pops returned the favor with the coolest gift: a piano and microphone, so you two will always be able to give the gift of music. 

This was a big hit: you sang, you played, you shared, you called special guests up to the stage ("anyone with purple hair? come on up, come on up. now go. you're done"), you sang beautiful songs, and rocked on well into the night.

By this point, the candles were burning low; and with hugs and kisses, and a few more sneaky bites of donuts, we said goodnight to the first night of Hanukkah.

Instrumental Day

Just by luck, we saw that the Richardson Symphony Orchestra was having a children's concert featuring the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsy, oh and John Williams (STAR WARS!)

But...before the show, was the REAL show...an instrument 'petting zoo.'

And boy did you guys 'pet!'

The concert was great! You were very happy about Star Wars, considering we've been listening to the score in Mommy's car for like 6 weeks straight.

You both mostly sat still, and really enjoyed the music! The orchestra got a standing ovation. But the true applause goes to both of you for trying so many instruments and loving it.

Aidan, you said your favorite instrument was the trumpet or the bass.

Julia, you said your favorite instrument was the tuba...because it was the biggest, shiniest thing up there!

We hope you love music as much as we do. If you want to play an instrument or five, we will support you all the way. Music is very instrumental...and you guys are naturals!