Kong Fu Panda

Here is Nicholas watching one of his favorite movies.

Car Shopping

John had a scary moment on Tuesday evening. On his way home from work he spun out on the icy highway during rush hour. Luckily, he didn't get hurt or hit another car. He did, however, total the truck.

We had been saving up for a new vehicle purchase but didn't anticipate this sudden need for a car. Over the last few months we had talked about and researched the kind of vehicle we would like to purchase. So, this morning, after spending much time on the Internet Christmas day searching for deals, John prepared himself for our first used car purchase ever.

Coffee in hand he went to Jack Maxton Used Cars to find us a Trailblazer.

John test drove this baby blue 2006 Trailblazer to Eddie, our mechanic, who thought the car was like new (only 15500 miles)...in great shape and well taken care of... in other words a great deal. Next, he brought it home for the rest of us to inspect. We loved it. Then it was time to take the car back to the dealership for some negotiating. Unfortunately, they were not willing to come down to our offer.

We moved on to Ricart. This time we all went along.

While John talked to the salesman the kids had fun running up and down the ramps and stairs.

Here's the red 2006 Trailblazer we took a look at. This car had 36000 miles on it and they wouldn't let it go for less than the previous car we looked at. We didn't need much time to think that over.

After lunch at McDonalds and talking through what our next step would be, we stopped at another car dealership. They didn't have anything in their inventory. Meanwhile, Nicholas took a nap and Clara and Monica relaxed in the car.

After thinking through our options we realized there was only one smart thing to do. Go back to the bank and take out the additional money we would need to buy the baby blue Trailblazer. We knew it was an exceptional deal. So, here it is in its new home...

Merry Christmas!

Following are some sights and sounds of our memorable Christmas Eve...

Here's Clara playing for the prelude at the Christmas Eve service. Several of Monica's students played as well. It was great to have them there along with their families.

Here is our yummy Christmas Eve feast... ham, corn, rice, green bean casserole, salad...

...olives, feta, Greek bread and cookies.

Clara helped set our lovely dinner table.

Nicholas LOVES Greek bread. Thank you Grammy!


Time for cookies...

After dinner we went upstairs. First we lit the smoky man and pyramid and John read the Christmas story.

Next Clara accompanied us for some Christmas singing.

Then it was time for some pictures in front of the tree.


Then it was present time. Nicholas got the hang of it pretty quickly...

The aftermath...

We want to thank all of you for all the great gifts. You were all very kind to remember us. Thank you!!!

Clara's Christmas Ballet Recital

Grammy and Grandma Rudy came down to enjoy the show. Afterwards, we went home for some tasty pizza.

Star Wars

Here's Nicholas playing with his Star Wars action figures.

Hurray for Clara!

Clara participated in Scale Olympics today. She received a blue ribbon in each of her 8 events. She was also awarded a blue rosette for receiving the top award in each event.

Happy Nikolaus Day

Nikolaus stopped by today and brought toys and lots of candy.

Christmas Decorations

Nicholas helping to decorate the family tree

Monica's Cinderella tree

Nicholas' Buckeye tree

Clara's Ballet tree

Some lights outside

Clara and Nicholas with their Advent calendars

Happy Thanksgiving

Nicholas enjoying his doughnut on Thanksgiving morning.

Nicholas and Clara all ready to go see John's Aunt Marilyn in Dayton.


Day-after Thanksgiving feast with special guests Thomas and Gina. We had ham, cranberries, stuffing, sweetpotato souffle, green bean casserole, hash brown casserole and, of course...

...some pies...apple, cherry, pumpkin and chocolate meringue.

Clara and Nicholas watching TV shows on uncle Thomas' phone.

We were also introduced to Mario Cart Wii. Super fun! It is now officially on our Christmas wish list...