Winter Sing and Zoo Lights

Last week the Christmas spirit really amped up around here with Henry and Clara's winter sings at school. Clara's was first. Here she is with her pals, getting ready to sing her heart out on four adorable songs. We're fortunate that at Meadowbrook they do the sings in the big gym, so grandparents are able to come (unlike at my school, where we use the lovely auditorium, but only 2 family members can attend). Grandma and Bampa are always enthusiastic audience members. The rest of you can come enjoy the video. 

 Henry's sing was the next morning. That's one of his buddies giving him bunny ears behind him. This was not during the sing, but rather the 'Kodak moment' photo opportunity beforehand. Henry had a speaking part this year. We were quite proud.

 We were supposed to have gone to Iowa City this past weekend to celebrate with everyone there, but the weather looked daunting for making the drive, so we all (Will's family and ours) decided to postpone Christmas until MLK weekend. It's made for a bit more of a relaxing weekend. We were able to go to Brookfield last night to see the ZooLights. My favorite part was the polar bear sleigh.

 Rob would have been excited to see this giant talking tree.

 Clara enjoyed the giant ornaments.

 After the zoo we pushed our tired kids a bit and went to Hackney's for dinner. Hackney's never disappoints, with it's festive decorations and entertainment. I like this picture because Frederick is watching the carolers walk by, but also because I love his hat hair. The giant pitcher of Green River behind him is sort of a fun bonus as well.

 Henry was not actually this pouty about the carolers. He just didn't want his picture taken.

 There was also a balloon guy. The kids got a wreath and a candy cane. He was running low on white and red, so they got more colorful combinations. Fritz wanted to head to the foosball table instead of staying put for the photo.

Today the kids have a lunch date with Grandma and Bampa. Pete and I will be doing some last minute tidying and other preparations. There are probably more Christmas movies and popcorn and treats in our future tonight. Pete and I may or may not be planning to have a pre-Christmas Eve martini. Oh, and, in keeping with our typical timeline...we have to have one major household appliance with issues at Christmastime. This year it appears to be the furnace, which stopped blowing for a portion of the night last night. So, we'll be dealing with that and Pete's check engine light as well. (Not Pete's check engine light...the light of his car.)