Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

 Alex got a roll of ones from Nana.

 During our trip to Crown Center with Papa and Gma Pat, Alex also took some really good pictures.

 The Mayor's Christmas Tree

Ivan loved playing in the trucks.

Opening presents at Grandma Linda and Grandpa Jerry's house.

Dear Santa,

 

Ivan worked on his letter at school with his OT.  He told her our family would be going to the North Pole over Christmas Break.  We've got the fire truck, ambulance and balloons covered.  Anyone know where to find a storm chaser who will come sit under the tree Christmas morning?!

Thankful

 That is our #5 on top of the pile helping with the tackle!

 First place for the season and 2nd place in the post season tournament.

 Unbelievable!

Ivan participated in his 1st grade music program.  He sang, did the motions, added some rocking and flapping, kept his hands to himself and remembered his line.  

We were all a little worried that he would bolt when he heard the clapping and cheering, but he just kept smiling. 

 We have watched the video multiple times.  Ivan laughs so hard he cries and says, "Look at Ivan he can't stop rocking!" 

Happy Birthday Grandma Lucile!

Having fun on Papa's tractor. 

You are a beautiful 93 years!

teeth

Our jack-o-lantern lost his two top teeth yesterday.

The tooth fairy brought him a silver dollar.

He can't wait to get to the dollar store!

Russia Picnic

 James and Alex-both born May 2001 and the only kids from Shuya

(all the other kids are from Ivanovo)

 Lucas, Alex, Alex, Anton, Alex and Max

 twenty blessings

 Lauren (11) and Nick (7)

 Alex and Max (twins, 10)

 Ana (11 years) and Yuri (14 years)

 James (10) and Grace (7)

 Lucas (11), Alex (13) and Analyse (8)

 twin girls (9) and Sergei (11)

 Anton (13) and Lilya (9)

Ivan building a dam for the bikers on the trail to run over!

It was fantastic to see all our ABC Adoption families.  It is amazing to see all our healthy, vibrant kids.  Each one of them knows the true meaning of perseverance.  

The kids haven't seen each other for at least 6 years.  They were shy for about 5 minutes and then took off running like they'd been friends forever. 

The moms and dads...we couldn't stop talking!  We are already planning our next picnic and also a mom's weekend for this fall. 

Perfectly Awesome!

Choir

The Timber Creek 4th and 5th grade choirs had their first performance last week.

Below is a link to video of a couple songs.

www.bluevalleyk12.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=3729

Click on CHOIR.

The user name is timber and the password is creek.

Alex is on the second row toward the middle.

School