Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Holiday skating

My young bride and I took the day off (of work, and kids) to spend some time together. We went to Union square to go ice skating to get in the holiday mood!!

A fantastic lunch at "out the door" and some window shopping rounded out our day.

Then, back home to find the kids (who we missed!) and a yummy home-made turkey and stuffing dinner.

The happy fireman

Nathan dressed up as a fireman this year for "pre-Halloween" (the Lycee is on vacance during the real Halloween, so they do a party the week before)

Happy New Year

Hannukah at the H's

Joe and Betty invited us to their home to celebrate the 7th night of Hannukah.

On the way in, Nathan was impresed that Papa could carry Nathan, the backback, Lila's present, the braised fennel and the chocolate chip cookies.  For a minute, I became "super Papa."  It was nice.  Alex took a photo to commemorate the occasion.

Sidney was extra comfy with Maman, and Nathan had a lot of fun playing with the older kids.

Christmas Smörgåsbord @ The Moontros

The Moontros invited us over to their house to partake in their self-proclaimed Swedish "pagan" traditions (eating... drinking... what's not to like?)

Scott and Janice slaved away before the meal... and Janice watched the kids throughout most of the actual eating part.  In fact, she overheard Nathan and Max plotting to tip over the play kitchen in the living room.  Obviously these two boys will be trouble as they grow up together.

After we had all eaten our fill, Scott took over and kept both Max and Nathan entertained with countless tickles and giggles!

For the most part I got to just hang out, drink "glögg" and talk with other grown-ups for a change.

This is a tradition I can really get behind!

Nathan commence a aimer les cadeaux

For a long time Nathan didn't really "get" the idea of a cadeaux.  He seems to understand much better, now.

Tis the season...

Frosty the Snowman

After seeing "Frosty the snowman" on TV, Nathan has really taken an interest in all  things "snow-manly."  Whether it's a bonhomme de neige, or a snowman he can't get enough.

For your viewing pleasure, here we are singing our (probably not correct) version of the song in 2 (and sometimes 4) part harmony!  Enjoy!

Break Fast at the H.

As per the now yearly tradition, we broke fast at Deborah's parents, which gave Nathan an opportunity for chasing Amber (their dog) around and touching everything he could get his hands on.

Then, it was time for music...

Sidney just enjoyed being in the sling... Mamie was with us, but Papie unfortunately fellt too sick to come and had preferred staying home.

Happy Holidays and Prosperous New Year

From our family to yours, happy holidays!

Thanksgiving with Debbie and Betsy

A Thanksgiving so nice -- we ate it twice!

6We visited my mom in Asheville, NC (we flew Delta -- our new favorite!) for Thanksgiving this year.

In order to make sure we had an opportunity to eat tooooo much (and to have time to thoroughly enjoy each other's company both at the table, and in the kitchen) we celebrated Thanksgiving "en famille" on its proper day, Thursday, and then again with my Aunt Debbie, and Aunt Betsy at Debbie's house.

What we lack in pictures we made up for in videos...which will be rolled out as time permits... Suffice to say that we had a fantastic time seeing everyone, and ate more than our share of turkey!

The Halloween Party

Monica, Bill, and Sophia invited us all over to their home for a halloween potluck. The kids and the parents all had a great time, and Maggie (the dog) managed to get out alive!

Breaking the Fast with the Hartogs

The Hartogs invited us over the their house for Yom Kippur to break the fast with them. They had a beautiful table, and their house was filled with friends and family who gathered to join in the festivities.

After fasting all day, we ate our fill and drank in the wine and conversation. We had a wonderful time, and are looking forward to spending many more holidays with the Hartogs!

Rosh Hashannah chez nous

We invited family and friends over to our house to celebrate the new year. Lois, Deborah, Steve (and Lila) joined Robert, Linda, Alex, Nathan and I at a glorious fete! Linda (and Alex) prepared some absolutely wonderful sephardic delicacies, and Robert lead us in a traditional service with lots of symbolism which my cousin, Lois, and I had never heard of before.

After the traditional "eating of the onion" (to liquidate anyone who wishes us harm) and the dates (to further liquidate anyone meaning us harm) we ate a little apple to have a happy and sweet year, were ready to attack the main course.

Nathan, the Ham

While at Grandma's house, Nathan discovered his skills as an orator lend themselves equally well to lectures, or comedy.

Passover with the Hartog's

Alex's new friend from Day One, Deborah, thoughtfully invited our family to join her husband Steve and their daughter Lila for a seder at her parent's house. We were delighted to participate, and met many friends and members of her family. Nathan sat on my knees through most of the seder, intently watching all the festivities... until he practically fell asleep sitting on my lap!