January 2, 2017 A Day with Uncle John and Aunt LInda

Uncle John Aunt Linda, Bubba and Ponies

We had huge cookies and good coffee and great conversation.

We love our family. Thank you cousin Bubba,  Aunt Linda and Uncle John for a great afternoon. 

 Katie had a blast playing with Ashley and Abbey

 Cousin Bubba arrived on snow mobile to visit with us.

 Eileen visiting with her Auntie Linda and showing off Katie's beloved walkie talkies from Uncle Jerry. Katie says, "have walkie talkie will travel."

 Aunt Linda gave us some very big chocolate chip cookies.

 Katie got to visit with the ponies and her namesake pony Katie

 Katie kept warm wearing one of the lovely hats Grandma Naomi made for her.

Another wonderful day with my sweet girls. 

New Years January 2017

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Our Christmas and Holidays were full of joy because we had our two girls here with us to celebrate. Of course Eileen celebrated the new year with her friends Tonya and Sonja. It was delightful to see them both here to enjoy the holidays. They had a great time over dinner and girl talk. 

Early on New Years Eve Katie, Eileen and I went to the 5th Avenue Mall where Katie spent her Christmas money on glittery smelly stuff which she proceeded to squirt at everyone. She threatened to sneak up on "pa pa" while he was sleeping and squirt him with perfumed glitter. LOL. Our car smells like a perfume factory. However, she was told to buy what she wanted and she did. Also she bought a silver head band and some pretty hair clips. We ate Chinese food and walked the mall just having fun. We stopped at Auntie Tonya's on the way home. 

Katie received beautiful gifts from Tonya and Joey.

 Tonya watching Katie open her American doll clothing kit.

Eileen's Birthday was December 29 and we celebrated with a cake from North Country Bakery. Eileen and Katie blew out the candles together.

December 26, 2016 Chanukah Celebration Anchorage Alaska

Cirque Tacular Chanukah

Egan Convention Center Anchorage

We saw an article in the paper about this event. We are Catholic and not Jewish. However, this was too wonderful to pass up and another cross-cultural learning experience for Katie. This is a web site that tells about the celebration and its meaning. It goes back to a battle with the Macabees and it is symbolic for religious freedom and tolerance of others. 

The tables were set like a circus and tickets were sold for $1. a piece for food and activities. The food was genuine Hebrew Falafel food.

 Katie stood in front of the stage background.

 This was an ice menorah.

Dreidel Pinata broken at evenings conclusion. 

In addition, Katie made two colored candles. 

Katie made a candle  menorah with Ma Ma's help

 Katie decorated cupcakes which are a traditional Hanukah food.

 Katie wen into the the meltdown spinning game.

Katie shows off her completed menorah

The entertainment was provided by a young choir, a movie made by the Hebrew students, and a performance by The "Cirque Tacular" Aerial Athletes from New York City. The acrobats were just fabulous.

At the evenings conclusion the balloons were let loose and every child got a chance to strike the dreidel and in the end received two gifts from the pinata. 

Katie taking her turn at the Pinata

This was an end to a lovely evening with the Jewish community of Anchorage. Thank you so much for sharing with your Christian neighbors.