December 2013

Uncle Steven's train set up around the tree. 

where Zack likes to spend the snow days

Darcie decorating Christmas cookies.  She has taken to wearing this mob cap (from an old Colonial costume I think) at home all the time.
 

Some of the Christmas Cookies.

 Kara and Marlee

 

 Arik decorating cookies

 



 and posing for the camera. 

 

The finished product!  We gave most of them away to the neighbors as an early Christmas gift, but enjoyed scarfing down the rest. 

 

Another favorite sleeping spot.  Gary's side of the bed is the warmest spot in the house - 3rd floor and in the sun most of the day.   

Celebrating Aunt Terry's 49th birthday at Red Robin. 

 

Bob took this picture when we went out to celebrate Terry's birthday.  Kara missed it because of basketball practice but joined us for dessert and presents. 

 

Terry opening presents

 

Arik became a Wolf Cub Scout when he turned eight and started attending den meetings.  Charlene and Arik went with the pack to tour the Sheriff's office at the Dulles South Safety Center. 

 





Checking out the patrol car.

Cool gear in Deputy Craig's trunk. 

 

Cook stuff in the front of the car. 

 

Listening to the Lieutenant. 

Charlene volunteered to help with Arik's class party the last day of school before the holiday break and organized the games.  In this game, the kids had to help their blind folded teammate change into coat, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf and then race to throw a "snowball" into the basket before the other team. 

Racing to get their teammate dressed. 



It was very entertaining.

 

 The kids also did a "Snow Ball Fight" and raced carrying snowball "ping pong balls" or "cotton balls" in spoons from one end of the room to the other.  We also did ice skating races with the kids wearing shoeboxes and having to toss a "snowball" made of tissue into a basket.  It was loud and raucous. Kids also decorated cookies and made a snowman ornament craft.