Maddie's Winter Concert

Maddie's Winter Concert was on Thursday morning. She sang Christmas and Hanukkah songs with the other Kindergarten classes and 1st grade. Maddie's favorite song is "Spin a Little Dreidl". She knew all the words, did all the actions, and looked so confident on stage. Except when she was clapping, Isabelle sat surprisingly still during the performance. She definitely enjoys a good show. As for the pictures, it's a definite bonus to have a friend with a great lens. So, I have Shannon to thank for a good seat and great pictures!

Isabelle's 1st Birthday

Isabelle's day began with a few gifts. She spent the morning pushing around her new stroller while the rest of us got ready for the day. After taking Maddie to school and Luke to work, we stopped to get her favorite breakfast - strawberries and a croissant.

During lunch, Isabelle tried on the birthday hat.

For dinner, she had another favorite - pasta and ciabatta. As you can see, the theme for the birthday celebration was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Isabelle is a huge Mickey Mouse fan. (We can't wait for her to see him in person at Disneyland Tokyo!) Thanks to Maddie, we all had a pair of ears to wear to the party.

While Isabelle finished dinner, Maddie provided the entertainment. She danced to "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "Hot Dog".

Isabelle needed Maddie's help to blow out the candle.

Isabelle loved her chocolate cake.

Isabelle finished off the day with a bath, more gifts, and of course, books. It was the perfect day for our birthday girl!

Maddie's 1st Tooth

Maddie lost her 1st tooth at school, today. Apparently, they were watching a movie on the carpet. Her friend, Nora, picked something off up off the rug and said, "Hey, I found a tooth." Maddie checked her wobbly tooth. To her surprise, it was missing. Nora, who is missing about five teeth, gladly turned it over to its rightful owner. Well, that's how Maddie and Nora tell the story, anyway. We're still a bit confused about how the tooth got from Maddie's mouth to the carpet without her knowing, but we're just glad Nora found it . Anyway, Maddie greeted us with a big smile after school and handed me an envelope that her teacher had labeled "Maddie's 1st Tooth". So now, we wait for the Tooth Fairy.

Happy Birthday, Isabelle!

It's been the best year!

Love,

Daddy, Mama, and Ayee

(As she so fondly refers to us all!)

Papa

Isabelle loves books. She'll bring you a book, say up, climb onto your lap, and want you to read it ten times. One of her favorite books is "Who Makes Me Smile". It's a book with pages for pictures that my mom gave her last spring. Lately, she's wanted to go through the pages over and over again while you repeat the names, "Maddie, Izzie, Bammy, Papa, Papa, Bammy." As a result, her word of the week is "Papa". So now, she brings you the book, says "Papa" and claps. So, this video is especially for Papa. See you on Monday!

Paddington Bear

Paddington Bear made a visit to our house, last week. He gets to spend a week with each child in Maddie's class. He went to a birthday party, a Christmas party, church, and swimming lessons. He enjoyed being carried around by Isabelle during the day and sleeping with Maddie at night. And even though he came dressed in his own clothes, Maddie couldn't resist adding a few accessories!

Putting on The Ritz

Once again, we were invited to the "Seasonal Festivities" hosted by a family at Maddie's school. We can now say that we have been to tea at The Ritz! In additon to cucumber sandwiches and scones, there were face painters, balloon makers, magicians, and of course, Santa.

Here is Mom with her two favorite girls in the Rachel Riley dresses they got just for the party.




Maddie with Cala, Teresa - Cala's mum, and Noah.




Maddie with Eli - a fellow Star Wars fan, and her teacher, Lynn.





Maddie with her pretty face paint and flower balloon.

Mom with Izzie by one of the gorgeous Christmas trees.

The Ritz must be a fabulous place all year round, but at Christmas, The Ritz is amazing. So, the next time you're here for the holidays, we'll gladly take you to tea at The Ritz!

Bavaria

We recently spent four days in Munich and vicinity. The highlights were the Bavarian Alps (snow capped and spectacular), the many castles, the Christmas markets, the walking tours of the city and the 'hearty' food and 'yummy' desserts.

Here are some of the highlights:

Christmas market in Marienplatz

Old Town Hall and Glockenspiel

In front of Hofbrauhaus, the world's most famous pub.

Neuschwanstein castle (the inspiration for Disneyland's castle)

From another angle. The inside is also spectacular - the view from each window is even more spectacular than the view from the last.

Maddie and Isabelle enjoyed the snow.

The Girls in front of Linderhof castle.

Isabelle on the way to Linderhof castle (she thinks she's such a big girl).



One of the shopping centers near Marienplatz had Star Wars characters made from Legos.

All warm and cozy and ready to explore.

Ally couldn't get enough of this shop that sold nothing but felt. I think it was her favourite part of the trip.