Santas in a cave

From the penguin exhibit at the zoo.

Location : 7467 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton, WA 98236,

Merry Christmas

Here are Liam and Crispin in Santa hats, which Santa put in their stockings.   They are having lunch before attending the Nutcracker in Seattle, which Santa and their grandfather made possible.   Maurice Sendak designed the sets and costumes for the production.   They were gorgeous and over the top.  Both boys really enjoyed the ballet.

Location : 7467 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton, WA 98236,

Advent Spiral

On Wednesday night, Crispin and Liam watched an angel light a central candle in a spiral of evergreens.   One by one, Crispin and classmates walked with a candle placed inside an apple, lit it from the central flame, and then placed their light for the group to see.

Location : Address not available

Crispin joins the orchestra

Because he had no school Thursday and Friday while I still had to teach strings and conduct orchestras for our school's Christmas Festival, Crispin joined our orchestras and played along.  He is particularly pleased with the process of carrying his cello on his back.

Location : Mukilteo Speedway, Mukilteo, WA 98275,

Birthday cello

Here is Crispin playing the cello he received from his grandparents and dad.

Location : 610 Front St, Mukilteo, WA 98275,

Jump for joy

Crispin jumping for joy while Liam opens Omaha steaks from Uncle Doug and Aunt Joan.

Location : 7467 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton, WA 98236,

Tree farm

Liam has fond memories of many cut your own tree farms.  This year Liam and Crispin got to visit Whidbey's Scattered Acres Tree Farm twice.  Liam chose this tree for the beach house and carried it to the car himself.   Crispin said merry things about being 8 himself and all he will do then.

The boys decorated the tree, and Liam strung and plugged in the lights.  I remember getting to take over tree decorating when I reached a certain age.  It is a fond memory.

Liam is very much enjoying the Chronicles of Narnia, which I am reading to him.  Crispin likes Eric Carle and Robert McCloskey.

Location : Mukilteo Speedway, Mukilteo, WA 98275,