Haircut!

Haircut!
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

Although I think this photo is not the best (Anna Rae took it of herself) I must say I definitely like her new, shorter haircut...and I think she does too.

Sitting Down to a Sumptious Christmas Dinner

Sitting Down to a Sumptious Christmas Dinner
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

The Kornowskes hosted another fabulous holiday meal followed by a LONG game of dominoes, which Anna Rae won. I can't begin to tell you how stuffed we all were
when we finally pulled away from this table!

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

Here she sits in the midst of Christmas wrapping paper and ribbons as she figures out the workings of her ipod dock/radio.
If you have ever read the Peter Spiers wordless picture book, Christmas, you will understand me when I say: The memories of Christmas come from a plethora of details.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

She never seems this short to me. I am always surprised to see the height difference between us as in photos like this.

Emilien and Anna Rae Visit Sanislo

Emilien and Anna Rae Visit Sanislo
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

Since Anna Rae's school had early dismissal she brought Emilien to Sanislo to visit me and my kindergarten class during lunch. I had the children practice saying Bon Jour! But when the teen aged guests arrived, the kindergarteners became mute with shyness. Emilien liked Sanislo, especially our gym. When I was able to release myself from the kindergarten I found Emilien in the gym juggling pins and feeling quite 'at home'. Turns out that his dad (a teacher of 9 and 10 year olds) teaches juggling along with reading, writing, etc. in a classroom in France.

At Our Dining Room Table

At Our Dining Room Table
Originally uploaded by mtnester.

On Dec. 3rd Emilien, an exchange student and friend of Anna Rae's from Annecy, visited us in Seattle. He is on exchange in Summerland, British Columbia. Emilien stayed with us for 3 days, going to school with Anna Rae on the ferry, attending a school dance with her, and touring downtown on the weekend. The pitcher that Anna Rae is holding is one of the 'treasures' I brought back from France. Every family table I ate at in France had a similar earthenware pitcher filled with water on the table at mealtimes.