Portland - Cousins

Portland - Lego Exhibit

Our first day in Portland, we went to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry).  One of the cool exhibits was the Lego exhibit.....so cool to see all these neat exhibits!

Danjela is an Artist!

So last week, I was leaving Danjela's parent/teacher conference and ran into her art teacher in the hallway.  He looked at me and said, "Congratulations!"  The confused look on my face must have shown because he went on to explain that one of Danjela's pieces of art was chosen to represent her school for the Youth Art Month Celebration which would be displayed during the Arts and Humanities Center's Annual Art Show.

Needless to say, we're so, so proud of her!!

So tonight was the private reception and viewing for the "artists" and their families.  Danjela's art teacher, Mr. Lopez, also presented her with a Certificate of Achievement recognizing her hard work.

Her art - "Pattern Elephant" done in water colors

See!  That one's mine!

Danjela and her AMAZING art teacher, Mr. Lopez

Her "Certificate of Achievement" and her Happy Meal (her choice for dinner!)

So now we'll be off this weekend to get her some more art supplies!!

The Many Faces of Nudgie

How I LOVE This Girl

Where does Nadija end and Cookie Monster begin?

I'm learning to pick my battles when it comes to dressing her.  This outfit was completely her choice.
At least she somewhat matches.

Someone is loving the Kindle just as much as mommy does!
(She's figuring it out much quicker than mommy too!)

Fare Thee Well Chippy......

Our last photo of Chippy until Thanksgiving!

On Christmas Eve, we found him on the roof with his suitcase waiting for Santa to come pick him up.  His little sign says "Send Beer (crossed out), Send Help!"

Christmas - So Far.......

A few photos from Danjela's Christmas break - so far!

Chippy (who made a miraculous recovery.......)

Marc's Christmas party at work.  He had to wear an "ugly" sweater.  I couldn't find one, so I made one for him.  I sewed a stocking to the front of a pastel green sweater with purple trim on the neck and wrists.  Not only was the sweater ugly - but functional as you can see!  (We didn't win - darn it!)

Cookie baking.  Yesterday we made chocolate chips and sugar cutouts.  Instead of icing the cookies, I had the girls "paint" them with evaporated milk and food coloring.  They LOVED it!  (And it wasn't so messy either!)

Danjela drew a picture of her teacher, Ms. Prutch, to give to her for Christmas, along with the crayon wreath that we made for her.  She did a great job, I think!

You know the holidays are coming closer when I start to put the Christmas craft box away.  We did our last Christmas craft yesterday -- yarn wrapped Christmas trees.