Visiting Grandma Jo Ann

Everyone went to visit the grave where Great Grandmother Jo Ann is buried in Sacramento. It was a chance to clean the gravestone and reflect. Both SV and MV now understand how to behave at a grave and SV seems to understand why we visit graves. The girls also took a moment to sit quietly and think a little bit. After getting home they both tried on KT's old footy pajamas. They were still too big for both of them though.

Happy Mikulas for this year

The girls all woke up to check the shoes they left out for Saint Nicholas (Mikulas). They all got some chocies, but some of them also got a wooden spoon as a warning to be good next year.

Breakfast with Andrea and Jonathan

Uncle Jonathan and Auntie Andrea came to Sacramento to see the girls. It was really fun to catch up with them, but apparently the family was being too loud so SV fashioned some earplugs for herself. MV didn't mind the noise, in fact she was more than happy to contribute.

Decorating the house for Xmas

Again this year we decorated the house for Xmas. Instead of buying a xmas tree this year we simply decorated Pyme, our Norfolk Pine pot plant. We also decorated our little tree as well, which has been around for all 9 of our Aussie xmases. SV had a really good time as she is finding the fun in xmas. She even started to sew together her own stocking.

Fairytale Town revisited

The girls revisited Fairy Tale Town and got to got to the zoo as well in Sacramento. They had a little playmate who , Russell, who made it that much more fun. KT also had her good friend Kiki to catch up with. It was a great day out with fabulous weather and fun.

This year's gingerbread house

SV and MV got to work together on the gingerbread house this year. KT helped with the proceedings as well, especially making the sugar cement. It was a good activity for everyone and ended with good results. SV was very proud with the finished product.

SV's 5th birthday party

SV's 5th birthday was the first time she celebrated it in California. She was lucky because so many family and friends could attend. She and MV both enjoyed themselves and including playing with each other.Thank you to everyone who came and made SV's day special.