A cookie exchange and fun at school

I was at a cookie exchange (with all those beautiful cookies) the morning the shootings took place at Sandy Hook. All the simple, every day activities we take for granted are now indescribably special. Walking around the boys school in the week before winter break,  I was so thankful for the cheerfulness and energy and excitement...and very aware of how lucky we were to have things still feel the way they should this time of year.

Christmas Chalets

Normally, we make the traditional gingerbread houses but these kits from Trader Joe's were too good to pass up! Even the boxes they came in were incredibly cute. As usual, the candy inside left something to be desired but that didn't stop the boys from sneaking a taste.

Time to get a tree

Too Big.....

Too Small...

Too High...

Just right!

Our neighbor, the Olympian

We just happen to have an Olympic athlete in our neighborhood.His name is Lopez Lomong and he ran the 5000 meter event in the London Olympics. He is also one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and has a truly amazing and inspiring story. He has a book out called Running for My Life and we were fortunate enough to be invited to one of his book signings here in Lake Oswego. Several of the boys classmates came along to the event and we also got to meet Lopez's girlfriend, Brittany.