Winter crop

 

Broccoli on the left

 

 

(From the other way) Kale and Arugula on the left Broccoli on the Right.  These were taken a while ago.... November maybe?  We have eaten some Arugula and I think we can get some Kale!  Must do that.

A memory from 11/2009

Tonight, Tia (4-years) got frustrated when her sisters weren't listening to her so she said, "Natalie, Kira, FOCUS!" It was hilarious. (The mystery is where did she get the word "focus?" I don't get their attention with the word focus, so is that Katie, or is that one of her teachers at school?)

Comments from FB:
Kelly: Do they say "chop, chop" when they want someone to hurry up?
Me: They do say chop, chop! They say several other things too of mine. Katie, did you see this? Do you say focus?
Katie:  lol i do say "focus" sometimes, but only to N when she is having trouble keeping on track, usually there is a buddy cat in the picture causing the distraction. the other day T said it in the car cause she wanted to get everyone's attention, but the boys and K & N were cracking up at a sill joke. the other day T said to jake, "jake, you are not helping the situation here." it was pretty funny. = )
Me:  T's been saying some pretty funny things lately... "Darn it," "Mamma Mia," and other things, but I can't remember them. She's so bossy too... Someone told me that's part of her astrological sign. 

Horse

 
Nat riding English learning to jump.  Caramia is the sweet horse.

Holiday Card

Happy Holidays to everyone.  

2017 -- We hope to end it smiling -- it was kind of crazy.

Most of the highlights from the year were recorded here on the blog. Bullet points by Judi:

• January -- A broken foot and a very sick kitty.
• February -- Recovery for both of the tall boys and skiing for the girls.
• March -- Almost back to normal -- the first part of the year went by very quickly; a dance show.
• April -- Yosemite! 
• May -- Ballet and more dance!
• June -- More dance! A trip to Philly and NY to see friends and family.
• July -- More ballet! Lots of horse, hanging out, and rock climbing. (Kelly, Gerard, and Kristina visit and a hike with Heather!)
• August -- Seattle, 75, and School -- Happy Birthday Ted. And then a broken leg (poor Tia).
• September -- Sickness, losing Sedona, and a big meeting 
• October -- I (Judi) left my company after 20 years and joined a new one with 7 of the same people--we are having a lot of fun setting up our new research center.
• November -- Trying to get into a new groove, Thanksgiving, friends, family!  (Joe visits)
• December -- more dance -- Nutcracker for Kira and Nat starts tapping with the Company.  Of course it's crazy getting ready for Christmas with lots of baking of cookies.

The girls are working super hard.  Nat is a sophomore, Kira is an 8th grader, and Tia is a 7th grader. Next year, we have to start visiting colleges.  Yikes! 

Thoughts from the rest of the crew...Nick:

I appreciate walking like I never have before.  I celebrated 30 years of programming bliss with the same company.

Natalie:

I started playing Ukulele this fall and am hoping to learn guitar soon!  Tap is super fun--come to my show in March!  I started riding English last winter (after riding Western for many years) and am learning to jump.

Kira:

I'm hoping to see Hamilton in 2018!  (Life goal.)  Lots of ballet all year and high school for me in the fall.

Tia:

I discovered rock climbing this year and really got into it this fall!  I am working hard and hope to join a team next year. 

The Kitties:

Yay, you finally started instagramming us.  About time lazy hoomins. 

Nutcracker

 

'tis the season!  Can you spot the Kira soldier?