Christmas 2004

The family shot. We got up at 7:30, Spencer woke us and I immediately made the coffee. Lauren was in a frenzy (can you blame her?). We had gotten to bed at a reasonable time and were all relatively coherent. We exchanged half the presents and Erik called from the Philippines. We had a great time talking with him ... almost for an hour! During that time Andrew called from Taiwan and spoke to his mom til his card ran out. We were all very uplifted by the boys calls. We returned to the presents and then had a big breakfast.



After breakfast Sissy had to bake a cake with her new appliance. When her cake was finished she had chocolate icing all over her...I missed that Kodak moment! Drats!



Spencer poses with his new skateboard. Cool graphics, no?



Here's the food shot. Not seen were my cookie cutter tree bisquits. Erik wants us to send him home recipes and the products to make his mom's Marinara sauce and my Clams Carltonni. Expect a box, buddy!

I have been pacing myself with the food, but we all went overboard. I have yet to have a slice of the apple crumb pie with a generous scoop of Hagen-Daas ice cream.

Oh Christmas Tree

As the holiday approaches, we frantically drive back and forth to the malls. It's nice just to relax and look at the tree sitting brightly in the corner. We went to the lot and found this grand little noble. In its stand it nearly reached the ceiling. The girls attacked it with all our pretties past and present. I haven't noticed the smell of the tree this year!

Happy Birthday Dawn!

Here's mama as we celebrate her ** birthday. Earlier Linda came by and watched Lauren and the mom and dad went out for some Mexican seafood. Dawn had a shrimp and chilli pepper dish and I had crab enchiladas...yum! We also enjoyed a magarita, too.




When we returned to the house Linda, Lauren and Spencer had made plates full of Christmas cookies. We lit the candles on top of the Death by Chocolate cake I had made and sang Happy Birthday to mom. And... and... Erik called from the Philippines to wish his mom a happy birthday. What a good boy!

Erik's going to Thailand

Erik, Andre and Caio say their prayers for fun on the upcoming trip to Thailand. I hope the Thais take pity on this rambunchous group.



Here's the whole crew, in uniforms at Tato's house against the backdrop of the Philippines flag. School uniforms, prayer ... it's a long way from Kansas.



More like it. These dudes are ready to take a break from their 7am to 5pm school schedule. I hope I can get some great pictures of Erik's adventure.

Lauren's Ballet Practice

Aren't they precious? Every Wednesday the girls troop down to the dance studio and practice ballet. Lauren said she prefers gymnastics, but is warming up to ballet.

In Mom's Clothes

Earlier this evening Lauren decided to dress up. Althought the size may not be the best fit, she had the poise and charm of a New York model. She insisted that I take a picture and put it on the blog. What a kid!