Careful events

We are very careful how we live our social life. Even though we are vaccinated we are wearing our masks a lot. But of course everybody has a bubble. Family and friends you know are also vaccinated and also always very careful. 

November 19 - Caleb turned 8. It was a Friday and birthday boy doesn't come home from school before about 4:30pm. It was dark when some of his friends came and they were mainly outside. The newly built treehouse of course was a hit. Even the dog Stella knows how to climb up.

Well, there has to be a cake and singing. 

Sarah had also prepared some games. Gosh, she knows how to plan a party.

We never gave up our season tickets to the Richmond Forum or the Virginia Opera. The opera had started with a very special performance.

September 19 - in the afternoon we went to a Topgolf place (driving range) for Wagner's "Das Rheingold". It was truly a different kind of opera experience. We sat on a kind of balcony with roof, had wine and nibbles and a good time. The orchestra and singers were live and we enjoyed it.

November 21 - back in the "proper" place we saw and heard La Bohème. It was a shortened version. The stage never changed but the music was exquisit. Very well done and we enjoyed it a lot. 

Thursday November 26 - Americas favorite holiday and also our anniversary. 46 years! Happy blessed years! 

We didn't celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday very traditionally. Sarah had to work. Wade took the boys to his parents for two nights on Wednesday since she wasn't going to be home anyway. She planned to come to us for one night right after getting off work at 3:30pm. James went earlier to their house to get Stella so Sarah didn't have to go back there which would have been in the wrong direction.

Stella is quite comfortable with us.

We had an easy meal and "chilled". Shouldn't holidays be like that?

A note: this is the first blog on my new computer. MacBook Air ... so far I am very happy. Because of the "supply chain problems" I could not get it in the store (and have them set it up) but had to order it and was a bit afraid to set it up myself (with James' help). But I decided to tackle it this morning and found it easier than I thought. Yeah! Of course I could have taken it to the shop still or call support but didn't need to do either. Feeling good. Not too old for technology!

Birthdays

The twins turned 5 years old. How fast they grow up. On the "real" day, a Thursday, it was just the young family and us. James and I were invited to dinner. We went a little earlier to help Sarah a bit. We picked the birthday boys up from their preschool with their papercrowns on their heads and spent the afternoon playing.

Colin and Owen were so excited and they could not wait for some "opening". Finally Sarah told them to sit on the sofa and this is what they immediately did (while Sarah went to get something). So funny.

Of course they had a great time opening presents. Big brother helps somewhat too.

Facetime with the other grandparents.

After Chinese take-out the traditional family birthday cookie.

I just love this photo. 

When we were home we saw that Freddie was visiting us (looking in through the side-window of the front door).

Ha, I actually went outside.

Next day we found him (or her?) again when we uncovered something on the back patio.

The newest thing ... Sarah's recipe: flatbread rolls. Nice to have a picnic on the back patio.

Saturday

The birthday party. Sarah had to work but had arranged everything nicely for 3:30 pm and came straight from work there. 

There were six children doing the Zoofari and also Sarah, Wade and two dads. James and I, two moms and  smaller children were watching. First of course the harnesses were put on and instructions given. 

And then it started. Each harness has two ropes with carabiners. Everybody was told that at least one always had to be attached to the red course line. When you go from one section to the next you move one carabiner at a time. The children got it quickly and had a lot of fun. Each section was a bit different and a new challenge. 

A 'little' zipline at the end of the 'lower' level.

VIDEO        (1:30 min.)

The last platform. Here they attached to the zipline and zipped down to the start.

VIDEO     (2:35 min.)    

The video is a bit longer because you have to do the attaching right! The kids were all so patient and funny. They didn't mind doing the countdown again and again about a dozent times.

Some refreshment, celebrating and chatting. 

It was an excellent party. Happy Birthday, Colin and Owen!