December and Christmas

Campbell ran the Seattle half marathon after Thanksgiving.  He had been training and did really well.  The kids and I hopped on the monorail to the finish line to cheer him over.  They loved it and we had a great morning.  It was a chilly start but lots of fun.  It is nice that the kids are old enough now we can manage doing these things without too much effort.

With December come Christmas!  So I was eager to get our decorations and start more "traditions", similar to what I remember as a kid.  We put up decorations as well as put together our German tree ornament.

And of course, more funny faces with Daddy.  Campbell decided to turn hipster and grow a well manicured beard.  He loved it and he was definitely looking city hip.  The family actually liked it too.

The School put on a Christmas concert where the kids classes did songs together.  It was super fun and both kids sang.  Archie didn't get shy and sang the songs although he looked angry the entire time.  They love the school and we continue to enjoy seeing them thrive.  Both Sylvie and Archie love to sing.  We make it a part of our days in different ways.  

Our beauty.  Her first "Christmas" dress was hit.  She picked it out and it was so cute.

So lucky to get a shot of them both smiling and dressed up!

Our eager little man.  He tried so hard to smile for the camera.  Used to stick his tongue out.  Now he strains to smile!

Christmas tradition: new pajamas on Christmas eve.  Jimmy came and visited and dropped a nice book off for the kids.  

We went to Mary and Emitt's for Christmas dinner.  It was a really nice family event and we really enjoyed it.  Becca and James were there as well as Josh (Emitt's one) Laura, Makhuni, Annie, David and a few other cousins.  The kids had a great time and we really enjoyed being with family on the day.  It was relaxed and a great meal. 

We headed to Carkeek park to enjoy the beach and views.  The added bonus is the train tracks that the kids get to watch the trains roll by.  There is a bridge of the top you can stand on.  Best park ever.  Amazing views this day to enjoy the mountains and water.

A rare photo of the two of us together!

And speaking of traditions....I decided that each year I will add to my cooking repetoire.  This year it is mince pies.  I used a Mary Berry classic and this was the result.  They were perfect.  I am going to try and get some classic British dishes that we can enjoy each year as part of our holiday traditions.  These are things that Campbell has enjoyed as his traditions growing up and I hope to make them ours as well.  And being in Breda with our Brit friends and the UK for Christmas, I loved seeing and eating all the great dishes they make every year.  So this is one.  Not sure what next year will bring but I hope another success.