Being together

It was great having everyone visit during the holidays. A full house with lots of children laughing, grandparents smiling, and moms and dads drinking is all good! We were sorry to see everyone go and for about half a day our house seemed quiet in comparison. We are grateful for Papa, Ghio, Uncle Rhett, Aunt DeeCee, Callie and Addie for making the trip, putting up with the chaos and sharing their holiday cheer with us. Our holidays were extremely happy. Thanks for coming!!!!

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is a must-see in the area during the holidays. We went and enjoyed a walk through the conservatory and children's garden and all the lit trees. We also got tickets to the ice skating exhibition featuring former National Champion and Olympian pairs skaters Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn as well as the 11 year old US Boys Junior Champion, Emmanuel Savary. While the rest of us sat in the stands, Shawn chased Dylan around as he ran up to various folks sitting in the disabled section and proceeded to hit them. Thankfully he's not very strong and awfully cute! He has taken a flying leap into the terrible twos and we are trying to figure out what happened to the "gentle giant" who would just walk away from Nicolas' aggressive behavior with a sad look on his face.

Ice Skating

We went ice skating at an indoor rink near our house. It was Ellen and Anais's first time on the ice and they were a bit apprehensive. Ellen lasted about 30 seconds and Anais 1 minute - just long enough to take a photo. It was fun for the rest of us to be back on the ice, though and I think we all had a good time, blisters and all.

Uncle Rhett's girl

Ellen bonded with Uncle Rhett during his visit. I can see where they would connect as both can take certain things very seriously - puzzles being just one example. Neither is afraid to get a bit wacky and both come across as very quiet but once they start talking, watch out!

Gingerbread House

During the holidays, Shawn's family gets together when they can and decorates a gingerbread house. They take things fairly seriously with each sibling having a binder that includes instructions, photos from years past and a pattern. And as crazy as this may sound, when I first happened on this binder after moving in with Shawn, I knew fitting into the Bratt family wasn't going to be too difficult :-) The Bratt Gingerbread House historically includes things like an ice rink and a peppermint candy roof - once perfectly lined up but now mixed in with a variety of gumdrops, and any other sweet candy that doesn't land in the grandkids mouth first. A black santa is usually climbing up the chimney adding a bit of diversity to a seemingly snow white holiday. In 2002 the house mysteriously collapsed causing much speculation over the presence of weapons of mass destruction. Thankfully, faulty construction was discovered before any preemptive strike proved necessary. By all accounts we might still be at war if the truth hadn't come out :-) Although a bit off tradition this year in that we (gasp!) bought a gingerbread house kit, things went smoothly and everyone involved enjoyed working together. Santa didn't make the trek to the east coast to stand on the roof but at Ellen's request, Shawn built a princess tower for Ariel. It was a fun way to spend an afternoon together!

Ellen's new bike

Shawn took Ellen out to help her get used to her much bigger bike.

Santa Came!

Santa must think our kids are very well behaved based on what he brought. Ellen got a new 20" bike. Anais got a dollhouse with a Sleeping Beauty and Prince Philip doll. And the boys got a train table along with a Thomas the Train set. There were lots of smiles on Christmas morning at our house. Later that day when I was prompting Ellen to eat more peas, she asked me if Santa was still watching. She's no fool!

Soaking it all in

Ghio enjoying the morning.

Merry Christmas!

Nic and Dylan are calling to wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

Holiday Brunch

After Santa gifts and stockings, we sat down to brunch made by the Bratt Men. A nice hearty breakfast to get us through a day of unwrapping.

Little Cowboys!

Susan, Shawn's sister gave the boys hobby horses she found at a Christmas Market in Europe and these matching hats. They love them and roamed the house Christmas morning riding the horses and saying "neigh" Thanks Aunt Susan!!!

Christmas Eve

Everyone piled onto Shawn's lap as he read "The Night (mare) before Christmas" by the fireplace.

Hanukkah Dinner

Anais and Ellen's friend, Jacob, invited them over to his house for a Hanukkah celebration. We had a traditional dinner with brisket and latkes and the girls each lit a menorah candle. Sharon, Chris, Jacob and Sadie - Thanks for sharing the holiday with us! Happy Hanukkah!

Holiday Cheer

The Nutcracker

Phyllis, Dawn, Callie, Addie, Ellen and I had the pleasure of seeing the New York City Ballet's version of the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center this Sunday. We drove into the city, cabbed over to the American Girl Store at Rockefeller center and had lunch at Club Luxemburg near the theatre. We had excellent seats - 6th row orchestra - and could see all the details in the beautiful sets and costumes as well as the dancers. And standing in the lobby waiting to go in, Annie Leibowitz and her daughter were right next to us! It was a wonderful day. Thank you Ghio for giving Ellen her first Nutcracker experience in grand style!

California Cousins

Rhett, Dawn, Callie and Addie are here for the holidays. The kids are loving having their cousins here!

Trimming the Tree

The kids very much enjoyed decorating the tree with Papa and Ghio this year! We waited as long as we could in fear of the boys pulling off every ornament they could get their hands on. In the end, the tree proved inviting for about 24 hours and then they were on to the next distraction.

Christmas Tree

We went to a local tree farm to "cut down" our Christmas tree this year. In the end, we waited too long and chose a tree from their pre-cut stock because we were a bit too late in the season and they sold-out of the to-cut ones.

Papa and Ghio!

Reinforcements have arrived in Papa and Ghio. The kids are very excited and I am finally finding some time to update the blog :-)

Somersault!

Ellen learned how to do a somersault and now practices them whenever she has the chance. Before you know it she'll be working on her cartwheels - a feat her mother never quite accomplished!

Ellen's puzzle

Ellen loves doing puzzles and is very proud of this 100 piece floor puzzle she put together.

Grandma Sandy

Grandma Sandy came to help with the kids while I "escaped" to Mexico. I think she had a great time. I know the kids enjoyed their Happy Meals and sewing projects. Thanks, Mom!!!

Thanksgiving

After a hectic couple of weeks gearing up for the holidays, I've now found the time to update the blog again :-)
We had a full house for Thanksgiving with 18 people around an adult and kids table and a 20 lbs turkey. It was a really nice day, the food tasted good and was relatively hot by the time all the adults sat down - after getting the kids situated.

Good times in Cabo

I'm just coming home from my much needed and greatly appreciated vacation with my best friends Jodi and Sherrie to Cabo San Lucas. We hatched the plan a year ago when we decided we needed to do something to celebrate our (cough) BIG birthdays coming up. We spent 5 days together hanging out at the beach and by the pool. We hit Happy Hour at the swim up bar most afternoons swimming away with a pina colada in each hand (got to love 2 for 1!) We treated ourselves to a massage and mani/pedi. And we went on a few adventures - riding horses on the beach and ATVs in the desert. We even debated the idea of getting tattoos while there - do something crazy and mid-life crisis like. In the end I couldn't decide what to get - the same reason I didn't get a tattoo when I was in my 20s. And we decided that a "tramp stamp" would quickly turn into a "gramp stamp" given our age:-) It was a wonderful break for me and a chance to spend quality time with 2 of my favorite people who I have often missed since moving from the Bay Area. Thanks for the laughs, ladies! I miss you already!!!!

Back in the saddle

The 3 of us went horseback riding one late afternoon. Truth be told it was after happy hour so we were a bit tipsy. Sherrie and I - being the most experienced of the bunch (and probably the most drunk) spent part of the ride cantering along the beach. Jodi just held on for dear life :-) And Sherrie couldn't help but check email on her iPhone while waiting for the lovely woman who wore a skirt and open toed HEELS get settled on her horse :-) And yes that is a sheep - not to be confused with a goat - following us along the beach. Gotta love Mexico!