The Wizard of Menetrech

The kiddos did their annual play this evening - created and directed by Mr. Z. Rehearsals were done in secret through the week we were here, and the script apparently went through multiple revisions and re-inventions. They all did an awesome job at the premiere, and the plot held strong till the surprise ending. Each of them played different parts, along with different costume changes too.

Guard 1, Queen, King, Guard 2, and villager

The epic battle scene

The two knights getting their reward from the king and queen

Cast (and crew!)

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Christmas with the cousins!

Another tradition for our family is celebrating Christmas together with the cousins. And as always, when these 5 kids are co-located much fun is to be had.

A couple evenings ago we went to see the San Francisco Orchestra perform their rendition of A Charlie Brown Christmas. That was quite spectacular.

Christmas morning we had breakfast and cut a cake for baby Jesus, followed by the ripping of wrapping paper. One special addition this year was having Z & Josh play a couple songs on the piano for us. In the evening we went to see some Christmas lights - got to see one of those cool lights-set-to-music houses.

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Interpretive dance

The boy has his own unique style of dancing. And the girl likes to shadow these "cool moves".

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Annual Christmas Party

The whole gang got together for the annual traditions of great food, Santa bringing presents for the kids, and our white elephant gift exchange.

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Christmas Performances

Both kiddos had Christmas performances at their schools, right before the holidays. A lot of prep went into this, and they were super excited about having to perform. Miss M also had a line to say into a mic in front of everyone and she absolutely nailed it - no stage fright at all!

Mika's performance:

Before heading out

With her classmates, getting ready to enter the auditorium

With Mrs. McCormack

 

With Mrs. Anita

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Yo's performance:

  

Waiting in the cafeteria

  

With Mrs. Neal

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Belt test - yes, another one

The kiddos had their umpteenth belt test earlier this month. Both did really well. Yo had an especially complicated form, and he was able to focus and finish it up well.

   

Putting the new belts on

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Thanksgiving with the Rasams and Siddus

This Thanksgiving we headed north to spend some time with the Rasams and Siddus. The kiddos as usual had a grand time with each other, and the parents got a good break from having to provide them entertainment.

The young 'uns.

Downtown Bellevue

   

   

Sam's bday

Thanksgiving dinner

Welcome Anya!

Little Anya entered our lives on Nov 4 - and what a cutie pie she is! Welcome, little baby girl!

   

   

Costumes galore

There were of course multiple opportunities for the kids to exhibit their inner superheroes and princess at their school and church harvest parties this year.