Christmas and New Year

Christmas 2012 has come and gone, but we have reason to think fondly on our time as a family this year.  At the Christmas Eve service all three girls held their own lit candles at the end while we sang "Silent Night," with plenty of adult supervision.  The next day Sapphire woke up totally oblivious to the delights of the day, and Pearl had to work to convince her it really was Christmas. 

We enjoyed our homemade scone breakfast (a family tradition) and liberated a few presents. Later we met family at my sister's house for a very nice afternoon and evening. We were able to see the rest of the family this last Saturday, although Jasper's dad had to miss out since he is sadly in the hospital.

I went out with my brother-in-law on Christmas day, scouring the countryside to find a yard-full of Amish buggies for the book.  We did find some!

Ruby figured out the present thing right away, and she ate so much on Christmas Day! She was pretty scared of the dogs my siblings had at the celebration, but hopefully in time she will learn to love these "cousins."

Sapphire received a swim suit, and she wore it most of the evening.

The two big girls got a treat--they stayed over in "their" room at their uncle's house. Jasper and I went into the city with Ruby for a nice Indian dinner. It sort of felt like we were back in China--fancy restaurant, just the three of us, Ruby stuffing her face with rice.

Then, this week, Pearl had a friend sleep over, which is a fun treat. The girls did very well. A yard full of snow helped.  And last night was New Year's Eve, so we had friends over, and Pearl's best buddy came too. The little girls went to bed, but Pearl kept running into the kitchen and pointing excitedly to the clock--thrilled that she was seeing 10pm and 11pm with no threats of bedtime. We had a nice time with our friends too!

We're not quite done opening presents. The girls don't seem to feel any pressure to finish, and we like to take our time. 

This morning Pearl and I resumed school after a two week break. I think we'll ease back into it. We watched several youtube videos on how to cure animal hides as part of our Pilgrim lesson.  She didn't flinch when we saw a deer brain blended up for the process. 

Worn out by the frozen fun