Santa!

Tonight we went to the Hannah Community Center for the annual Holiday Bash. The first stop was to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Joe was so excited he couldn't wait to give santa and hug and a kiss. What does Joe want this year? "Toy Story 3." Has he been good? "Sure."

Banquette day #2

Treats for the teachers

It's that time of year again! The kids went to the last day of school with cards and homemade treats for their teachers and bus drivers.

Banquette

Here is the beginning of the banquette. We will have long pull-out drawers on the ends of the benches. Alison Glass (who did our downstairs) will make cushions and curtains for the windows.

Snow day

the view from our kitchen

making christmas cookies

trying to nap

Another birthday?

Remodel 3.0

Christmas ornament

Joe pointing to a Toy Story 3 Christmas ornament sent from Tutu and Papou.

Christmas Tea

Charlie, Joe, Emma, Daniel, Molly

Charlie, Daniel, Molly, Joe, Emma

Joe, Molly, Charlie

Listening to "The Grinch who Stole Christmas."

Snow storm

Emma's friend Lauren slept over last night. This morning we woke up to a big snowstorm. The public school has already canceled school for tomorrow. Emma built a snowman and went sledding with the Conlins on Mickey Mouse Hill. Tomorrow is wide open!

Dinner and dancing

Emma and Joe continue our family tradition of dancing for a few minutes after every dinner.

Remodeling continues

Mr. Whiskers being helpful as always

It's starting to look like a usable room.

Now we're getting closer!

Emma's Debate Team

Claire, Jessa and Emma preparing for round #1

Tess, Emma, Jessa, Claire

Emma had her first debate tournament on Saturday. Her team came in second place! She had a great time and is looking forward to the next tournament in February.

CHUM annual open house and award ceremony

Joe accepting his award from Bonnie

Adult, youth and child riders of the year.

Amy and Joe

Joe enjoying the applause

Joe and his riding coach Matt (who won staff of the year)

Joe and Tim at the open house dinner

Last night we went to the CHUM annual open house. CHUM is the organization where Joe and Emma ride horses. Joe has been riding with CHUM since he was 14 months old. Joe's class at school also rides with CHUM about once a month. This year he has made a lot of progress and is now riding independently. Every year Bonnie gives out an award to a volunteer, staff, adult rider, youth rider, and child rider. This year Joe won child rider of the year for 2010! Way to go, Joe!

Let's Jam Together

Joe participated in the jam session at the community music school last night sponsored by CADSA. This is a monthly event led by music therapist Cindy Edgerton. Joe had a blast. He kept saying, "this is so fun!" These two photos were taken during the Christmas carol drumming, singing and bell ringing part of the evening. The second half was the rock and roll session that I watched behind the closed door to save my eardrums from the electric guitars.

Getting ready for Christmas!

This weekend we unpacked the Christmas books and some of the decorations. The kids enjoyed thumbing through their favorite holiday books and listening to the holiday CDs. Tonight we went to the zoo to see the all of the lights and to do a few crafts. The weather is colder and the predictions are for snow this week!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So much to be thankful for today.

myths and facts about the first t-giving

On Tuesday I brought a few of my graduate students and one undergraduate to talk with the fifth graders at Emma's school about myths and facts about the first thanksgiving. We had four separate stations where the kids could explore primary sources, language, and general myths about Puritans and the Wampanoag. For the rest of the day the kids had an authentic thanksgiving meal (venison, eel, berries, corn, fish) and then played games that might have been played at the first t-giving.

Mary Poppins

Joe's class on a fall walk looking for leaves.

more work on the front of the house

Remodel: Day #1

Happy Halloween!

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