Santa Visits

Merry Christmas Everyone! This year was a lot of fun. Since Alexandra was a little older, she was actually able to help open the gifts. In true Christmas Eve Tradition - Santa Claus stopped by the house to make sure Alexandra was being good. She was so excited.

Alexandra got really spoiled this year between Santa, Gamma, Oma and us - I do not think there was a single thing she did not get. She loved playing with everything on Christmas morning - and afterall, that is what is important.

Big Girl Room

Alexandra has officially moved out of her crib and into a big girl room. We wanted to make sure this happened well in advance of Anthony's arrival - so she did not feel like she was getting kicked out for the new baby. We decided to make the room fun and paint it her favorite color - HOT PINK!

We went to Ikea to pick out all new furniture - which is good because it is low to the ground so if she tumbles out of bed, she will not get hurt. The transition went beautifully, she loves her new room and loves being a big girl.

Sea World

We went to Sea World this weekend with Aunt Daniela and Hailey and Oma. It was a lot of fun. The girls loved playing together and loved the Shamu show. Although I was pregnant, the weather was nice and cool and I also really enjoyed myself. Since it was around Christmas time, they had a visit Santa thing which was great for the kids.

Daddy played basket ball and was able to win Alexandra a huge Shamu. Great - this should be fun trying to get this thing back to Jacksonville

Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

Today we went to pick out our Christmas Tree. This is my favorite thing to do around the holidays. I love going through and smelling all of the fresh cut trees. Alexandra really enjoyed it and picked out a nice tall fluffy tree.

Happy 60th Birthday Gamma

Today was the big surprise party for Gamma's 60th birthday. We had it all planned out. I was going to drive seperate with Alexandra and we would be meeting Gamma, Daddy, and Papa Gelles downtown at the University Club. At first Gamma thought it was strange I wanted to take my own car, but we just explained that I might need to leave early since I was pregnant and not feeling great - not really the truth but it worked!

I got there a little early to help greet the guests and make sure everything was set up. Tons of people came, and the event was a lot of fun. I think Gamma was very surrpised and had a great time!

Happy Birthday Gamma - you are the best!

Family Ties

We had a great time with the family over the last week. Alexandra did not even really seem to notice the language barrier with all of her cousins. Sibylle came with the girls and Christian. Amelia spoke limited at best English. The twins, Carole and Pascle, did not really talk at all - or at least not anything I could understand.

We went to the Alligator Farm in St Augustine, played at the house and just really enjoyed some quality family time. I hate that the world separates us, but we have made an agreement to try and keep the next generation close as well. It is always good to stay in touch with family.

Tinker Bell

Alexandra was Tinker Bell this year for Halloween. It was an extra special time because we had a lot of company from Switzerland visiting. Our cousin Sibylle and her husband and three girls had been doing a road trip in the US for a few weeks and stopped by to pay us a visit. We had a great time, and all the girls loved dressing up and going door to door gathering candy.