As it goes for most people the days leading up to Christmas were gone before we knew it. Lost of preparation trying to make sure Santa would visit. Mostly by the parents while the girls prepared for the Christmas programs at Montessori and Saint Catherine. Bella had been chosen to play Mary and had to endure the spotlight for almost 30 min. Not that she’s uncomfortable being the center of attention… She did great and stand-in baby Jesus remained quiet until they departed Bethlehem. Isabella and Pia sang together with the first graders and got a big round of applause when they revealed their banners in the middle of “All you need is love”.
Ain’t that the truth!
We sent out Christmas cards early December once all four girls gave John one moment of sitting-still time. They all protested and all got very frustrated at some point during the shoot but the result was worth it. Thank you for the lovely comments we’ve received and for the many, many cards that trickled in during the last month of the year.
In between modeling for John Adriana managed the construction site of the gingerbread house and was instrumental in securing a solidly built candy cabin. Four dollars at Trader Joe’s – an instant classic and approximately one hundred times better than the kit we got from Ikea a couple of years ago.
Olivia’s siblings started to arrive in the Bay Area in the days before Christmas and with that great dinners in ditto company. We had some really good times at the local restaurants and we are kind of maxed out when it comes to dining. We’ll find the spirit again early January. Speaking of food: We had (almost) everybody over for Christmas dinner of December 25. Olivia served a delicious three-course meal that was finished off with supreme tiramisu and caramel covered ice cream. Adriana went down with a bug half-way through but refused to stay in bed, and she got increasingly better once the bug had been shown the Exit sign a couple of times. Secret Santa gifts got exchanged and the grand parents even gave the kids a very special treat that hopefully will stay in the safe for years to come.
