XU Student In Training....

One more post on our trip to Buffalo... we were able to spend time with Molly's brother Dan and family. Exciting news is that Rachel has been accepted to Xavier University in Cincinnati!!! While we totally support whatever decision is made, we are crossing our fingers that Rachel chooses a college close to us... we'd love to have her so near and Chalet Blenk would be open for business whenever Dan and Sue want to come and visit!

Relaxing in Yo Town...

Our visit to WNY included a day with Grandma Diane and Grandpa Mike. It was so nice to celebrate the season with them. We enjoyed a tour of Fort Niagara where we saw where Erick used to work, a musket being fired, and a jail cell that Conor and Abby spent some time in (much to their chagrin). G'pa made Abby and Conor their very own treasure boxes to match the one Uncle Steve made for Erick years ago.

Shufflin' Off to Buffalo

It was a great weekend in Buffalo the week before Christmas. We loved seeing so many of the Mulhern cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. The M&M fairy made her presence known and the kids loved meeting Princess the dog, going bowling with Mariah and Reilly, and sharing Anderson's with the Protos. There's never enough time, of course, but we made the most of what we had and it was lots of fun.

PRM's Holiday Concert: December 17

Conor played bells and mouthed a few bars with his fellow first, second and third grade classmates. We cannot remember the name of the song... I think Conor is trying to forget the experience. He most likely will not make his mark in the music industry. :-)

Nativity's Advent Concert: December 16

Abby sang her heart out to many songs this year, including a family favorite: "Melikeleke Maka." She looked way too grown up and did her first public hair twist, reminiscent of Aunt Peggy's style when she was younger. :-)

Karate Kids Upgrade

Both Abby and Conor had a belt test for karate on December 12. With a record number of testers, and tons of chaos, both kids passed. Conor is now a Ninja with a yellow belt/black stripe. Abby is a yellow belt. Sensei Scott said Abby was mighty close to skipping a belt level. Her focus and dedication are incredible. Congrats Kiddos!

Abby and Her Books

A classic pic of Abby.... with her happiest armful of things....

Down Home Thanksgiving

This year, we stayed in Cincinnati for the first time ever on Thanksgiving. The kids enjoyed long breaks from school, and Erick and Molly some time off from work. Each person contributed to the Thanksgiving dinner. Abby and Erick made sweet potatoe casserole, pumpkin pie (and tarts); Erick did the turkey and stuffing; Molly the mashed potatoes; and Conor opened the canned cranberry sauce. :-) Brumby loved all the crumbs. We gave thanks for our blessings... including all of you!