Teamwork

Sometimes they all hit their stride at the same time, headed in the same direction. It’s so satisfying for me to witness. (They’re building a run for the hex bug.)

Bird watching

We’ve had lots of action at our bird feeders this winter. Conveniently, the birds’ meal times seem to coincide with ours, and we have a good view from our kitchen table. Hers is a sampling: bluebirds, house finches, a greenish/yellow mystery bird, and a red-bellied woodpecker. Pardon the photo quality.

 

Gymnastics at last!

Meg and Kate have waited a long time to take gymnastics and are having a great time in their class. Kate’s cartwheels are improving every week, and Meg has practically mastered the back walkover. Keep up the hard work, girls! It’s paying off!

Basketball

Nate had a great basketball season this year. His speed and aggressiveness in the game improved dramatically. He took lots of shots (in the bottom photo he is scoring the first points of the season for his team) and stayed tuned in to the game even while on the bench. He really enjoys this sport. Way to go Nate!

Holiday Outings

After all our trips, Pappy and Mema stayed in town to take care of the kids while Erik and I got caught up and ready for the new year (I undecorated the house and prepared lesson plans; Erik put the final touches on the sermon he was preaching at our church Jan 1.) They enjoyed three big outings with my parents: a movie at the theater, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the zoo. For months we were on the waiting list for our library’s free zoo pass. Somehow the week before Christmas we went from #1300 something in line to #1. Perfect timing.

The main attractions at the ABG were the miniature train sets and the “real” train ride around the grounds.

 

Meg at the zoo: she loves to feed any kind of animal.

Holiday Travels

The day after Christmas the six of us plus Pappy & Mema piled in the car and drove to Black Mountain, NC, to visit the Siegenthalers and Harrises. Besides enjoying our cousins we toured the Grove Park Inn to see the entries in the annual National Gingerbread House and spent some time at Biltmore Village.

A tasty supper by Aunt Bertha. (Not pictured: cooked-to-order breakfasts by Uncle Ron.)

One of the famous “walk-in” fireplaces at the Grove Park Inn.

Beautiful view from the porch.

 

Immediately upon returning to Atlanta, my mom and I flew to New York for the surprise birthday of our dear family friend Betty Vogt, who lives and works at the historic Crabtree’s Kittle house Inn in Chappaqua. Thanks to dad and Erik for holding down the fort at home.

Christmas Day

Stockings, traditional egg casserole and donuts for breakfast, and gift opening.

 

Christmas Morning Worship

 

After lunch (traditional pigs in a blanket) we finished opening gifts. Some highlights: egg incubator, Nature Friend subscription, Atlanta Botanical Garden family membership, and ….Xbox!

 

We enjoyed a simple but tasty Christmas supper of turkey*, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli casserole, cranberry sauce, and rolls, with pecan pie and ice cream for dessert.

*Our friend Norma taught me how to prepare her famous turkey injected with a garlic-orange juice-bullion potion; stuffed with beef, dried fruit, nuts, potatoes and carrots; and studded with almonds, prunes, and chips of bacon. Oh my. Thank you Norma!!