Ho Ho Ho 2007

We just completed phase 12 of the worldwind holiday tour at the Loewen house. From the holiday photos, you can tell that we had "Peace on Earth" if only for a moment. It took quite a few takes, several pieces of candy and lots of patience to finally get a keeper. The photo on the right was doctored by yours truly, but it looked almost too angelical. :)

Right now, Sydney and Aubrey are playing with their new Bratz dolls. Hadley is dumping old toys all over the playroom floor. Lisa is checking email (or entering pecan pie recipe contests online) and I am trying to capture the top concert moments of the season.

We have Aubrey asking why Santa didn't leave stocking stuffers for Mommy and Daddy. Yellow and Purple Floam gunk all over the place. That stuff definitely does not work like the commercials. It sticks to nothing you want it to and everything you don't want it to. Papa Carl spending the night on Christmas Eve and reading The Night Before Christmas to the kids. Plus spending Christmas morning with us reading his History of St. Boniface Chuch book from Lisa. And don't forget Brad The Elf and Joseph the Prophet delivering Lisa's new wine buffet on Christmas Eve.

As the girls are getting older, they are becoming more independent and seem like they're ready to spread their wings and fly away any day. I hope it's not soon. Aubrey is thinking the same thing as she just told lisa last week that she never wants to move out on her own. Must be her Godfather's influence. Hadley has hit two with the fervor of Dora the Explorer for maps. She loves Dora. Loves saying "No tanku!!!" and don't try to tell her no. She growls. And Princess Sydney is leading her Kindergarten class in smarts and behavior. If only she would be such a pillar of sweetness at home.

On a sad note, Marlys Harder, my Grandpa Loewen's second cousin (my third cousin) passed away this month from a stroke. She was an amazing person and I am saddened that I did not get to say goodbye. I am thankful that I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with her over the years during homecooked meals while at college, talking about family history and contemplating the future of The Jayhawks. We love you Marlys.