The Stucki's: 2012

Christmas Morning 2012

We had another wonderful Christmas morning. The kids were very excited to come down the stairs and see everything that Santa had brought them. Ryan was particularly excited about his Ben 10 watch, and his new Micro Scooter. The big girls got roller blades, which they were very happy about. Ashley also got a bronzed toe shoes of Granny's.... a very special gift. Sophie got a kitchen that we will put in our kitchen so she can cook right along side Mommy! And I gave Aaron a painting of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. All smiles and full tummies after eating the traditional Eggs Benedict and Caramel Pecan Rolls!

Christmas Eve 2012

We arrived back to Shanghai on Christmas Eve morning. We made our traditional clam chowder and chocolate lava cakes. And thanks to our wonderful Fabric Market we had matching dresses for the girls and a vest made for Ryan. Even a skirt for me and a tie for Aaron. And of course matching pajamas for the kids. This is always one of my favorite days of the year. We read Luke 2 with the kids and talked about how grateful we are for this time of year and the birth of our Savior. After leaving cookies and milk for Santa, the kids hurried off to bed, ready for Santa to come and over indulge them.

Ryan's Christmas Carols... December 13, 2012

Nursery and Reception Christmas Carols

December 13, 2012

One of my favorite events of the year is the Early Years Christmas Carols. They learn an impressive number of Christmas Songs that they perform in front of the school as the parents watch and take loads of pictures and videos! Ryan just sings his little heart out and his big cheesy grin is irresistible. Father Christmas came to visit and wished them all a very Merry Christmas. This was Ryan's last Christmas Carols, but I am thrilled that Sophie will get to perform next year so I can go again!

Cheeky Charlie's... December 12, 2012

Cheeky Charlie's

December 2012

Sophie and I have been playing our little hearts out every week at our Mom and Tot playgroup called Cheeky Charlies. A wonderful British mom runs the playgroup and has so many wonderful play and craft stations that change weekly and keep Sophie interested and engaged. It is the highlight of her week! I am so impressed with how creative and fun all of the crafts and activities are. The crafts Sophie makes have become some of my favorite treasures. It is also so fun for me because so many of my friends have children the same age as Sophie, so they attend also and we get a chance to visit every week as well. I think one of the highlights for me is watching Sophie sing and dance during music time. She has this cute little gallop and she just trots all over to the beat of the music... or off the beat of the music:)

The Santa handprint is a forever keepsake.

Snack and Story time

Puzzles!

Sophie and her bestie Ford

Trotting along

Feeling the beat

Random Selection of Crazy December Fun... December 2012

Random December Fun

December 2012

Ryan getting his hair washed and cut!

Sophie getting measured by one of our favorite tailors, Ashley, at the fabric market.

Soph LOVES to wear my shoes around the house. I love the diaper and heels look.

Helping bake cookies!

Sophie trying to reach the Elf.

Emptying the shelves in their closet. Not a happy mama.

Quotes to Remember

We were in Munich and just checking into our Hotel and both the girls needed to go to the bathroom. We all ran upstairs to our rooms and they both bolted into the bathroom. They began to fight over which one was going to use the toilet first. They argue for a few seconds when Katie shouts, "Mom, which one of us do you want to pee their pants?!" (May, 2009)
We were driving home from church last week and I said something like, "We are going to buy a Toyota Sequoia". Suddenly from the back we hear our 4 year old, Ashley, pipe up ... "You killed my Father...Prepare to Die!"...somehow she confused "Toyota Sequoia" with "Inigo Montoya" from the Princess Bride! (May, 2009)
Ashley and I were playing a card game when she says to me, "pause the game, I have to go to the bathroom". This is when I realized the technology gap between my childhood and hers.
I asked Ashley what country she was born in (she was born in Canada). She told me that she couldn't remember, so I tried to give her a hint. I said, "you were born in Cannnn...". To which she immediately exclaimed in triumph..."CANDYLAND!!"
Katie woke us up this morning telling us we needed to get up. Heather told her that her head hurt and she wasn't going to get up yet. Katie responds, "But you don't WALK on your head, so get up!"