Christmas Traditions in the Making

The Bruno's.

The kids had a great time dancing around to carols.
(And spying on the cat)

Clara's wearing a candy-cane stripped legging to match her cast. I love Emily's dance moves and crazy hair. And Heather's piano playing.


My alto miraculously and instantly improves whenever I sing with Heather (and Grant).


You can see the Bruno's fun Christmas season (and then stalk the blog). I also include it here so you can notice our pictures from our 2010 and 2011 version of Sleigh Bells. It's about half-way down. Also, I want you to notice how fat my face was in 2010 compared to 2011. Now that I'm eating treats again, that 2010 face is coming right back. It only took 4 days. And six truffles. And a Burgerville Chocolate Hazelnut milkshake. And a ...


The Grotto.
The kids are looking at the nativity. This was a very powerful moment. I think you can get a sense for it by Syd's expression.

True to a stable-style, The Grotto also features animals. Above: a very, very patient rabbit.

And popcorn after the puppet show.

Gingerbread Houses.
The kids double-teamed on the houses. ... except for Clara who did not go through the charade of decorating a house to get to the candy.

Talmage and Joseph's forested abode.

Sydney and Isaac's .... Contemporary Modern Vintage Classic abode.

Pittock Mansion.
Christmas Eve morning courteous of the Cultural Pass. But first, a look at our living room - I finally finished the holiday decorating. In the NICK of time!

Briton had a fun time with the kids at the Pittock Mansion while I scurried around town finishing up shopping for our "12 Days" family. In retrospect, I could have been a lot more organized about Christmas.

A fancy bathroom, dressed in holiday style.

"Clara, say bidet."


Sydney making an "owl face" (intuitively).

Mt Hood.


Then they went to the park.

Cleaning up on Christmas Eve eve:

Caught on candid camera.

That's all for now.