first time skiing

Yesterday we went to Brantling (a ski place in Sodus). The plan was for Ambrose to get on skis for the first time. While he was getting fitted Blaise kept saying 'I ki, I ki' (translation: I ski, I ski). So we got a pair of skis for him too, the smallest pair they own which just happen to be 2 sizes larger then what he wears. Both Ambrose and Blaise had an hour lesson with a private instructor. Funny thing, when the instructor for Blaise came up you could almost read what he was thinking in his head - 'this is going to be the longest hour of my life'. I'm sure Justin (Blaise's instructor) was much more willing to teach someone interested in snowboarding or someone older. But Blaise turned on his charm, giggled through the hour and had Justin in the palm of his hand. He learned how to 'pizza' his skis and put his hands on his knees and went down a tiny slope with the biggest smile on his face, fell and got right back up and did it again . . . repeat, repeat, repeat.

Ambrose also learned to 'pizza' and 'french fry' during his lesson while also getting assistance to go up the tow. He did a great job and showed me after lunch how he loves to french fry or go really fast down the hill. He would fly down and stop at the last second, smile and go do it all again.

No fear, all fun, what a great day!

Christmas in South Carolina

South Carolina where it is normally warm,
we spent the days wrapped up in blankets reading and playing.
This year it snowed on Christmas Day (it hasn't done that in 46 years!)

Santa arrived and brought a 'special' set of Lego's for Ambrose.
Who has since put it together a number of times,
according to the directions and his own creations.
And Santa brought a clementine for Blaise . . . funny story, Blaise opened up another gift first (a small set of duplo legos and was just crying out - where is my clementine???) Don't worry he found it in his stocking.

Lights were dancing, capes on, super heroes came to life.

Four boys dressed alike, giggling/drooling/not sitting still/looking/not looking at the camera/some loving the camera . . . how incredibly cute!

visiting with the cousins in SC

We spent some time in South Carolina visiting my family over the holidays. These two handsome guys were two of the best gifts over the holidays. It was wonderful to sit back and watch the two of them move, smile, giggle and have fun with their two older cousins. Since coming back home, Blaise and Ambrose ask all the time when they can see Victor and Sam again. They look at pictures daily on our frig of their cousins in South Carolina.

Sam is busy trying to take a few steps and is not content to sit still. Victor sits back and takes everything in, nothing gets past this guy. What a wonderful treat to spend the holidays with the four boys!

letter for Santa

After visiting Santa last week, Ambrose keeps asking Damian and I what we want for Christmas. I keep asking for a new camera and Damian just keeps telling him that he hasn't decided yet.

There is something magical about being 5 and seeing Santa. As we grow older we may not 'hear the bells' (according to Polar Express) or we may not 'believe'. I'm going to argue we see magic in different ways . . . for instance I love receiving hand written cards/letters at the holidays. Or how about watching my son last night watch 'Polar Express' and smile from ear to ear when Santa handed the boy the bell and we all heard it ring. AHHHH, so many magical things . . . we just need to stop and enjoy them.

So I decided I need to write a letter to Santa too . . . I just hope I've been a good girl.

simply divine

Favorite ornament from Betsy that she handmade
Blaise praying at lunch
Willow nativity set, a gift from my parents
Handmade ornament from Sarah
Playmobil nativity set from a neighbor
Cross hanging in our entrance way
Statue of Jesus from my parents

So many illustrations, so many blessings.
(my assignment today for my photo class)

the last couple of days

Sunday afternoon I took the boys to Barnes and Noble for a holiday story time. Can you tell someone is excited to see . . .



SANTA! Ambrose told Santa we would be in South Carolina and asked if he could deliver our presents there. He asked Santa for a special Lego set and Blaise asked for a clementine (yeah, you read that right).


Afterwards we drove around looking at Christmas lights and drove down to Main Street to look at the Liberty Pole all lit up.

Today, after preschool we did some shoveling and I found these angels . . .

Park Avenue Holiday Open House

After school Ambrose mentioned that he asked his teacher if they could go caroling down the halls of the school and each kid carry an instrument. I love this idea but I'm guessing this might disrupt the other grades (K-6) and their classes. We (Damian and I) often comment on how much he has matured since the beginning of school . . . sharing his ideas, participating in circle time and so much more! How wonderful!

Tonight we went to the annual Park Avenue Holiday Open House. We strolled down the avenue to take in the lights, saw horses pulling a wagon full of people, warmed ourselves by a bonfire, window shopped and listened to some carolers. Although it may not have been Ambrose strolling down the school halls singing he enjoyed the music filling Park Avenue this evening. And now he is all nestled in bed.

A wreath framing a light along Park Avenue. Today's 'Picture Holiday' assignment was to 'frame' an image of the season.

Another framed photo - looking into our house as the window frames our Christmas tree.