Shrek The Halls

First off, Merry Christmas to everyone! We hope that everyone enjoyed their holiday and was able to spend some down time with family and friends.

Kris and I are enjoying our break from school (we finished up Dec 14th and don't go back until Jan 14). The first full week we were off we headed back to Baltimore for a few days to see my family (ie Tracy, Craig, Jake and Brooke) plus catch up with a few of Kris's former students. We did manage to see 2 different holiday concerts by his kids. In addition we swung down to National Harbor for a few hours to check out this year's ICE! Show. We've gone the last 4 years and are always amazed. I was very happy we still got to see it this year. 

This year's theme is "Shrek The Halls" and was incredible as always. As usual Kris played photographer and did a great job capturing each and every carving. Here it goes!!!

I had to sneak into the photo to show off the lovely blue parkas!

Welcome to West Viriginia!

Thanks Mommy!

Perceval with his mums

So it's been a while...and I've had to come to the conclusion I might never get fully caught up on the blog (especially since half of my pictures are trapped on a camera in Maryland right now!) But I can at least bring everyone up to date.

Kris and I moved out here in July/August and quickly had to establish our new routine since classes started the second week of August. Thus far everything is going really well. We both are loving the Doctoral program here although it's keeping us on our toes. Our assistanships are keeping us busy and thus far I've managed to accumulate a decent size private teaching studio plus find a few gigs here and there. I did start my own quartet out here for the purpose of gigs and we have a website if anyone wants to check it out:

www.riversidequartet.com

 I have to admit how much fun it is not only to be surrounded by music again all the time but to always know that Kris is nearby. There have been a couple of times when I've had a rough day and to just be able to walk into his office and talk (or cry) has been amazing.

So in case any of your missed it we have already seen our first snowfall in West Virginia thanks to Hurricane Sandy. Here's a view from our front door (this was a few days after the snowfall so it had significantly melted by then):

The cats are all adjusting really well. They *LOVE* their new home, especially because it has stairs. All of them are constantly running up and down the stairs (even the older ones). Clare has been more accepted into the group since we moved (we have seen her and Elijah and her Wicket cuddled up grooming each other). They also recently got a new toy which will be the subject of a later post once I have some pictures.

Clare in her favorite bed

Wicket hanging out on the couch

Chewie (and Elijah's paw in the left corner)

Thus far we are so thankful to be here and we can't wait to see what the next 3 years has in store for us!

Port Discovery

On Friday June 22nd we took the kids to Port Discovery for the day. The "we" in this situation was Kris and I :) It was extra special for us because the 22nd is our anniversary so we got to spend the day together! It was the first time any of us (kids included) had been to Port Discovery. There were tons of neat areas but the favorite ones were the climbing structure, the water room and the Egypt room. The number 1 favorite activity was playing in the bubble wand (see pictures below) which I have to admit even for adults was pretty cool. Surprisingly the only thing Port Discover is missing is a cafeteria so we took the kids to P.F. Changs for lunch that day. I was very proud of Jake because that isn't his all time favorite restaurant but he went without any complaints and ate a lot of his lunch. We headed back to play in the afternoon and stayed as late as we could. On the way home Jake said in a very wistful voice "I was it was this morning so we could do this day again." It was so sweet!

Brooke doing what every 4 year old loves to do to a bubble....pop it!

Jake figured it out pretty quickly

The largest bin of Mr. Potato Head parts I've ever seen!

I love this picture because it makes Jake look so young :)

My order's up!