Ice Skating at Union Square

Everyone had the day off yesterday, so we decided to head up to Union Square to see all the holiday festivities. The first stop was Macy's decorated windows.  Notice the two kitties in the background.

Next, it was off to check out the outdoor ice skating rink.  After two birthday parties at ice skating rinks this past year, Ella was excited about getting back on the ice.

Always the daredevil, Ella skated despite the risk.

I'm not sure whether it was the ice, the skates or the Christmas spirit, but Ella did amazingly well on the ice - skating on her own without holding on.

 

Sarah cheered her on from the sidelines.

Next it was time to check out the Union Square Christmas Tree.

As fortune would have it, cousins Laura and Jared were at Union Square too, and we had lunch with them and their kids Dax (not pictured) and Cielo (pictured).

Now it's off to Nipomo for Christmas with both sides of the family for the first time in many years.  We can't wait!

Sarah Auditions for "Twilight: The Early Years"

It was a busy day today. Sarah just got back from her audition to star in "Twilight: The Early Years," a prequel to the popular vampire series.

In this scene, she is beginning to feel remorse for the victim she tracked down with her special vampire binoculars.

Of course, these images could also be explained by a cookie decorating party Megan hosted for kids in her playgroup.

Ella Delivers Heralded "Special Night" Performance in Kindergarten Rendition of "Must Be Santa"

Ella & Elana - Exclusive Rehearsal Photo

After endless rehearsals and preparation, Ella and her fellow kindergartners performed "Must Be Santa" for a captive audience (the doors were closed) of fellow classmates at North Shoreview Montessori.

Ella was part of a quartet whose responsibility lied with creating an enhanced visual richness to the line "Special Night" of the holiday classic, "Must Be Santa."

Without further ado, here is the famed performance.



For all of you theatre aficionados, here is some rehearsal footage that will be included with the forthcoming DVD.

O Christmas Tree

Ella wanted to get our tree on December 1st. So we did.


Other holiday festivities included going to see the Nutcracker with the Daisy Scouts. Ella loved the fancy costumes -- especially the Sugar Plum Fairy!

Zingo Shenanigans

I am proud of Ella for trying to cheat at Zingo by saying "It's okay Daddy,
the sun is a star, so I can put it on star." Girl after my own heart.