Christmas Part 2

Christmas

Stella was THRILLED with Christmas this year. She loved everything about it, the tree, the songs, lights, giving gifts, getting gifts. She woke up Christmas morning a bit perplexed as to why Santa Claus didn't stay. She thought he came to stay. We explained how busy he is and that he is sorry he couldn't stay for a visit. She opened everyone's presents (of course, Phoebe didn't mind since she can't open her own). She really enjoyed talking with her grandpeople on Christmas day and telling them all about her presents.

Ice Skating

Yes, you can ice skate outside in Austin, thanks to Whole Foods and their outdoor ice rink located on the roof of their flagship store in Austin. Stella begged us to take her ice skating in Austin after her first attempt in DC at the ICE show. She did much better the second time due to having had a nap and having double blade skates. We had a blast for about 30 minutes and then she was done. I was quite relieved as my back was hurting from being hunched over. Whole Foods also didn't play cheesy christmas music but classic skating rink tunes like Michael Jackson which was a lot of fun.

Stella's Christmas Performance

Stella's school had a Christmas show. It involves each class performing a song starting with the little ones shaking bells to "Jingle Bells" up to the oldest kiddos singing the entire 12 Days of Christmas and a version of "Where Are You Christmas" that would make Faith Hill proud. Stella has been practicing since December 1st. Every night she sang her song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with great enthusiasm. On the night of the performance she was a bit hesitant to leave us and didn't think she wanted to sing anymore. Luckily, her very skilled teachers convinced her to stay with the class and perform. She did great. It is a terrible video, very blurry, but she is the blond child with the blue skirt on. You can see she really got into the song. Afterwards they had a pot luck dinner. I realize just how fortunate we are to have found this school. I definitely count her teachers as one of our many blessings this holiday season.