Christmas is coming

Our church put on a musical presentation of the nativity story call "Joy has come". It was a special way to start the Christmas season. Our kids were included in singing one of the songs. It was a big thing for them to be on stage with all the adults, and they did beautifully.

Fireplace

After living here for nearly three years, we finally started using our fireplace. It is wonderful! It has become a family tradition to light it on Sunday nights and sit around together to chat.

Aussie friend

My friend Tan came to visit me for three weeks. We had a great time together. We spent a night downtown, where some of the fall leaves were still on the trees, and all the Christmas lights were up. We went to a little town called Galena in the north-west of Illinois. We crossed the Mississippi river into Iowa, then into Wisconsin. We enjoyed staying at an Irish hotel, and listening to an Irish singer in the pub. We shopped lots, ate fun food, and enjoyed spending time together. Thanks to Tan for visiting, and big thanks to her family for enabling her to come.

Halloween

Angie as Hermione, Dante as Harry Potter, and Grace as Luna Lovegood. Dante has recently been reading the Harry Potter books - hence the costumes.


Trick or treating with the kids from our street.Our favourite house - because they serve hot apple cider, and give you a marshmellow to cook in their firepit.

New Glasses

Toothless Twins

In the past two months Angie lost her two front teeth, and just this week Gracie lost both of her front teeth. Very exciting for little girls.

School Again

The kids went back to school today. Dante is in 3rd grade, and Grace and Angela are in first. They are all very happy with their teachers. The second photo is nearlyall the kids on our street, waiting for the morning bus.

Spring tulips

At the Botanic Gardens

Spring

Gracie is in an outfit sent by her Auntie Cristina over a year ago. Now it fits, and she looks so beautiful in it. Angie's new colours for spring - Aussie green and gold! Go socceroos!!! (In anticipation of the World Cup game)

Angie in a local park. This is actually a picture to show off the beautiful trees in blossom.

Dante dressed for church - not too happy with the shirt that Dad picked out for him (too many stripes apparently), or with Mum for taking a photo (please don't tell him you saw this!!!). I love it that he still has the curl on his forehead that he was born with.

At Easter, Dante and Mum went to a Sedar meal, where they explained all the Jewish traditions. When we got home, Dante got on a chair and did his first sermon for his Mum and Dad, using the burnt egg as an illustration. He had practised it all the way home in the car.

Front tooth

Angie lost her first top front tooth. She has been working at it for a while, and gave it the final pull at school. The tooth fairy was very kind and not only left a dollar under her pillow, but also paid off her $6 debt to her brother.

Soccer

The soccer season has started. Dante is in a team with kids in grade 3 & 4, so it was a fun game to watch. He did really well. He played goalie for one quarter, with Dad standing next to the net offering "encouragement". Grace and Angie have a squad of 6 girls, most of the from their classes at school. They play three a side, with no goalie. They were so excited, and both did really well. Their team is called the blue ladybugs. Scott and I had a new aspect added to our parenthood as "soccer parents". I think we did a good job. We got them there on time with all the right gear. Cheered loudly without going overboard. Took lots of photos and video. Met some of the other parents, and didn't abuse the coach or umpire.

Our smart pet

While Dante does his reading for school on his bed, the lizard is doing her reading too. She has good taste in reading material.

Iceskating

We gave the kids ice-skates for Christmas. At the local park they create an ice-rink for people to use. The main ice-rink is often taken up with people playing ice-hockey. This rink has sort of naturally developed. Scott often takes the kids on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. It is a great way to get them to enjoy the outdoors even when it's freezing cold. (Angie was at a birthday party when these photos were taken).

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up. We know this for sure because:

• Houses are decorated with hearts
• There is lots of valentines candy and chocolates in the shops
• The kids have each had to write a card for every peron in their class
• Our dining room table has been covered in craft to make Valentine's Day cards for the past two weeks,
• Dante had to decorate a box to take to school in which to receive all his Valentines
• The girls' teacher were collecting cereal boxes, for the parents to then go in a decorate, so each child had a postbox to receive their Valentines,
• The kids are talking about the Valentines Day parties they will be having at school on Friday,
• Scott and I are going to a Valentine's Day dinner for adults only :) at a church Scott spoke at
• This year, I am prepared for the event and have bought a card and Valentine chocolate for each of my children, so they don't come home from school and complain that other parents gave their kids stuff, and they missed out (momentarily forgetting all the candy they received from the other kids in their class

Most of all, I know it is nearly Valentine's Day because I have already received three cards for my birthday - and they make me feel loved.

"Love on"

Another American phrase - to "love on" someone. I think it basically means to shower someone with love. As my father-in-law would say, "nice idea really". Bring it on!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Scott's birthday was beautiful and sunny. With the kids in school, we took the opportunity to go to the city for lunch. Still being freezing cold, there weren't many people around. We liked being able to see the river frozen over, and the skating rink at Millenium Park.

A moment of Gracie-bean

Gracie - in her dress-ups, showing her lizard her game.

Melting Ice

After having an icycle drop on my head (it hurt enough to need stiches, but unfortunately there was no blood, so I didn't really need stiches), I was happy to see the icycles melt in the sunshine. These were hanging off the eaves of our house.

Hobbit house

Chicago is known for its architecture. Besides the beautiful city skyline, there are also lots of interesting houses. I still drive around with my head swivelling from side to side looking at everything. It is a bit hard to get photos of houses, because of the one-lane roads, and suspicious owners.

Here are a few of our favourites.

The first one I like because it is the colours of my old school - Wesley. How often do you see a bright yellow house with a purple door?

The second one I just like. It's got a kind of English village feel to it, and again, I like the mix of colours and textures.

The third one just looks so cosy, and like a Hobbit house. It just needs a plume of smoke coming out of the chimney.

Grace's new haircut

Tired of having Mum yanking at the knots of her long hair, Gracie decided she wanted it cut short. It had to be short enough so it wouldn't go in her mouth when she tries to eat. She also wanted "bangs" (a fringe) so it wouldn't go in her eyes. Poor mummy misses her beautiful long hair, but Gracie loves her new haircut that is the same as a "Chipette" from the latest "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie - and it does save time in the mornings before school!

Changing rooms

Moving the furniture is a good as a holiday - well, maybe not, but hopefully it makes life run more smoothly. Dante now has a bedroom to himself (until any guests come), the girls are sharing, and Scott has a better organised study space (when he gets it organised).