Christmas Eve at Our House

 

Friendly Competition

 Kailei bought these for us and encouraged a little friendly competition.  Kailei and I against Zeb and Keara.  We did the oreo house which was suitable for Halloween and Christmas depending on which way you look at it, and personally, I think we won. 

Cookie Day

 Today was Cookie Day! Lynn, Caroline, the girls and I enjoyed our day of baking. Chocolate chip, sugar, split seconds, rice krispie treats, coconut haystacks, peanut butter balls, oatmeal, meringue, caramel corn and fudge.  The fudge was a dud - threw out that recipe.  I burnt a tray of coconut which was the big fail for the year (always have one). Memories made and laughter shared.  

Dinner and Lights

Managed to get the girls and Zeb together so we can have dinner and go to the Hudson Garden Lights. Kinda forgot that walking was hard for Zeb, but he was a trooper and it wasn't too big.  

 

 

Celebratory Lunch

 Celebrating a successful end of the semester for both girls at Mt. Fugi.

Piano Recital

 Finally a piano recital!  Seems like forever since there was one.  So good to hear her play.  She loves her teacher and they have been buddies since she was little.  

Christmas Card & Letter 2021

Dear Family and Friends,


With the final clarity of 2020 in our rearview, there was hope for better things to come in the new year.  We looked forward to in-person schooling, occasionally dining out, and maybe not having to wear a mask *everywhere*.  Two out of three ain't bad!

It has been a crazy year!  Keara turned 20! (I can't be that old!)  Kailei is now a high school senior!  (Apparently, I *am* that old.)  Chris retired!  Then Zeb foolishly quit his job!  But we're still standing!  Well, except for Zeb, given his recent hip surgery.

Our girls have been very busy this year.  Keara is working toward her associate degree at Arapahoe CC while working a very erratic schedule at the post office.  She also finds time to craft all sorts of things, like the crocheted dragon she made a few weeks back.

Kailei is wrapping up her final year at Cherokee Trail HS, still active in choir, unified sports, NHS, volunteering, and who knows what else.  On weekends this fall, she has been working at Michael's (the craft store).  Who knows where she finds the time?

Zeb is looking for a new job now, having decided to part ways with NTT Data after 14 years.  The job market seems good, but people are moving slow.  To bide the time - and get out of some chores - he had hip surgery a couple of months back and is recovering suspiciously slowly.  Sadly, no cool scars.

Chris decided to retire after 30 years in Cherry Creek School District, the last 19 at Cherokee Trail!  She is generally happy to be done working... and also very bored.  She's been doing a little house remodeling and crafting a lot of miniatures. Pretty sure she will end up with a part-time job soon.

She's also training a new dog!  That's the good news.  The bad news is that Leah got very sick this fall and never recovered.  Very unexpected!  We were very sad but decided to find another rescue dog to help liven things up around here.  Makkari is a very shy black labradoodle/schnauzer mix.  She would like the other dogs to play with her, but Ricky and Nala are apparently too mature for that sort of thing.

We hope this finds you happy and healthy and ready to celebrate the holidays with your family!

Love,
Kailei, Keara, Chris & Zeb