Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't posted anything for quite some time. It's been a busy few months so I thought I would include a few activities we've been involved in since Thanksgiving. We went to the states in September and I still plan on blogging about that, but it will have to wait for the time being.
I'm going a bit backwards here, so if you are the type that needs order than start at the bottom and work your way up:)
I added some of my favorite Italian/ European decorations and tree ornaments we've collected the past two years. Time is not on our side and I see a few boxes needing to be opened and gone through for our finishing touches but these will do for now.
The above picture was Ike's pick last year. Each year we choose a new ornament hoping that when the kids leave the house they will have their very own first set of Christmas decorations. We have all grown to love this part of our Christmas tradition and finding that special ornament that represents our year brings great joy to us. It's so much fun placing them on the tree the next year "remembering when".
This month we have decided to study Giotto, an Italian artist. We thought it would be fun to make our very own fresco. If they turn out, you will get to see the end results. If they do not...well thank goodness for blogs, I get to choose and pick what you will see:)
I love these two books. They compliment each other perfectly. The book above tells a bit of information about the artist and the book below gives the actual Christmas story with all of Giotto's own work going along with the story.
Jana and Samantha have the privilege of being a part of the theater this season. The musical they have been working on is good ol' Dickens "A Christmas Carol". We went to opening night which included dinner and the musical. It was a special night for all of us and to sit back and watch a good classic being performed by those we know and love was such a treat.
Since they are in the play, I thought we had better read the book. Reading and watching their faces light up and start singing a familiar song they know from the play or tell me "that's what scrooge says in the play" after reading a quote from the book has been such a delight.
Guess we better get to know who this Charles Dickens is.
I'm no Martha Stewart! I thought this would be an "easy" craft project for the girls and I to make this year. Ha! Was I mistaken. Those of you in Italy or that have lived in Italy know it's not easy to find the exact crafting material you need. I thought I could improvise. We (or I should say I'm because it's too difficult for the girls now) am trying to make a poinsettia wreath. (You know with all that spare time I have.) Well, it's taking me A LOT longer than I thought it would and I've realized the material will probably fray. So I promise you, if this project gets done, you will see the results:)
... and this is our lovely stocking mantle. I just love to sit by the fire with the candles lit looking up at my four favorite people captured in their sweet smiles. Brings a bit of peace to a mamas heart during a busy season of life.
We do make time for games and hanging out. Rummikub is one of our favorite games which is known to the Williams clan, especially Grandma Russell. Her and Grandma Williams always kick our booties with this game, but we're practicing for next time. Watch out- little Williams' is getting pretty good.
Taking time out of school to watch this cute little bird swim and dive, using only his wings to push him along under the water, to retrieve a worm for himself in the Gorgazzo. We were all fascinated by this swimming bird.
I had to post Isaac's castle. This was just after staying overnight in a castle for Thanksgiving. James is helping by adding some knights (Lego men.)
This is our mantle for Thanksgiving. Ah...peaceful...smiling children.
We went to Austria with our church family on a retreat for Thanksgiving. Had a wonderful and relaxing time. Gorgeous area!
Isn't this a cute roll! As you can see in the bottom picture, Isaac tore the head off his bird rather fast. The two sitting next to us are our wonderful pastor and his wife. Love them to pieces. Sure will miss this family of ours! We had Italians cooking in Austria for Americans on an American holiday which was our Thanksgiving dinner. I wonder why they were a bit nervous for this meal? They did a spectacular job cooking Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing (which I found out our crew brought for them to cook with the recipe), cranberry sauce etc... I think we all asked for more. Delicious and made us all feel at "home."
For every child in the family that learns to read, we encourage them to read by setting a goal that once they read their first 50 books we will celebrate. Samantha's was only a year overdue so we celebrated her first 150 books:) We got our first manicure and went to a horse ranch and stayed overnight. The memories made and relationship built was worth every penny. The manicure lasted an evening- sort of. She had to repaint one of the fingers before we left, but otherwise, we got a good few hours of pretty nails.
We enjoy hiking along the many trails in the Dolomites. This is the mountain we hiked up. We were in the clouds and it was very interesting watching the mist and fog start forming around us. Here we are trying to peak through the fog to find our house.
We made it to the top. Nothing was open, no Gelato, no covering, just kept hiking in the rain until we hit the bottom of the trail again. Fun memories! We were soaked, but thankful towards the end of the hike the sun came out and warmed us up. The picture does not do justice. We were soaked!
This is the Gorgazzo. We ended up here on our hike. Yes, this is flooded. We had to jump the creek and try NOT to get our feet wet???
There goes Obi.
Who's next?
The end of our hike. Magnificent!
