tales from a far-land

On the eighth night of Hanukkah, we invited over friends and family to celebrate with us by having a traditional Jewish meal and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah.  We are truly blessed to have so many people we call "family" in our home on this holiday evening.  The kids loved opening their gifts and lighting the menorah.  The adults loved lively conversation and story telling.  And, hopefully, all of our guests left feeling full of brisket, latkes, kugel, salad, carrots, sweet potatoes, apple cake, cookies and much, much more.  I am already looking forward to next year's annual event since I know that it holds a special place in everyone's hearts. Silly faces ... Our full table Madi and a menorah Papa and Aiden Christy, Brandon and Madi Mary Beth and Charles Alisha and Josh Paul Melinda Christy and Madi Papa, Madi and Grandma A CBS Channel 5 Promo The Hortons

We were lucky enough to visit "Christmas at the Princess" twice this holiday season.  Once with our good friends, the Bukatas, and the other time with our neighbors, the Hortons.  What an experience! The Princess turns into a holiday winter wonderland with so many things to do and see.  Here are just a few of the activities that we visited during our evenings there: Princess Express Train Christmas Carousel S'Mores Land and Bonfire Holiday Character Appearances Kringle's Korner Hot Chocolate Hanukkah Menorah Lighting and Latkes Desert Ice Skating Rink We had so much fun both nights and cannot wait to visit there again next year! Dan and Logan  Madi and Brooke  Aiden, Madi and Brooke  Aboard the Princess Express Train Lighting the menorah   Cool menorah  Madilyn with the menorah  Brooke and Madi  Peppermint the Penguin Christmas Carousel  Stephanie with all of the kids ...

The sixth night of Hanukkah was also my dad's birthday, so we had them over for dinner to celebrate both occasions.  Every year I try to theme the kids' Hanukkah gifts.  This year's theme was Lego. So, each night when the kids opened their gifts, it was a different Lego set.  Knowing that the kids were going to have a plethora of Lego sets, I recruited my dad to build them a Lego table.  He presented it to them on the sixth night.  They loved it and immediately began to build on it.  They didn't even want to eat dinner.  They just wanted to play with their Legos.  Too.much.fun. Aiden and Papa lighting the menorah  Miss Madi  Grandma and Aiden learning about the sixth night of Hanukkah  The Lego table  Madi organizing her Legos  Everyone playing  Papa and Aiden constructing

Every year Anderson Preparatory Academy has a holiday show.  Sadly, this will be our last preschool holiday performance.  Still cannot believe how grown up my kids are becoming!  The entire show was adorable and Aiden performed all of his songs without a single tear nor fear. Before the show... Aiden's Class  During the show ...  After the show ... "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" "Jingle Bells" "Little Snowflake"

Hanukkah is a special holiday for our family.  It is a time to light the menorah, say the traditional blessing and reflect on all of the miracles that we have to celebrate in our lives. Lighting the menorah on the 1st night  Aiden and Iron Man Bear  The kids looking at the menorah  Happy Hanukkah!  Being silly! Family Selfie Opening gifts