Christmas

 Christmas Eve we joined the Hancocks in their family tradition of hiking. Short hike, confusing trails, and amazingly blue juniper berries.

Kids posing for their "weird" picture

Our first speckled egg, thanks to Willadean. The other two are still pondering laying.

Mexican Chocolate Cake baked and iced

Christmas Day

Fun opening gifts with family, cheering on Anjuli during her 20 mile training run (for upcoming marathon) as she passed nearby our home, games, food, good times.

Playing with the drone Rhys was gifted later that week.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

 I finished my Christmas quilt just in time!

Mom gifted us each Christmas ornaments this year. She found me this banjo while in WA and the chicken while visiting TX. Neal got a beekeeper ornament. Sophie got a "How many days I have to be good" countdown ornament. Rhys got a trombone. I am only showing mine because I am selfish.

A Star Trek related ornament to honor a fan, my Uncle Rick.

Fun with Oma and Opa seeing the lights! One street had was so traffic jammed we parked got out and walked and really enjoyed it.

A special request by Rhys was to make gingerbread houses this year. I let them go solo for this activity and provided everything but he wall and roof and moral support. Wailing and gnashing of teeth. Finally they took a break to let the icing dry and the emotions calm. They turned out pretty good in the end. I don't know if they will request this again but just wanted to prove it's not always fun and games at the van der Upwich home. We experience real life, baby!

Couple's Getaway Weekend

Neal and I planned a weekend with each other and were able to pull it off with the help of Opa! We headed down to San Antonio after dropping the kids off to school on Friday. Do you know how I know I married the best man in the world? He let me listen to Christmas music ALL THE WAY there. We stopped for breakfast in West for kolaches, and lunch in Austin for Interstellar BBQ (rated in the top 10 this year). We stayed at the Hilton San Antonio Hill Country for a relaxing spa weekend. We hit yummy restaurants, ran into Santa AND in reindeer but in two separate locations (go figure), walked, got massages, played cards, ping pong, and corn hole. Stopped in the historic market square for Mexican hot chocolate and baked goodies for the family.

Christmas Concert

 They played great and we have to say the trombone player in the green Santa hat is our favorite!

New Addition

 Mom gifted me this awesome addition to our Christmas lights display this year!