Merry Christmas!

Because we had already celebrated Christmas with my sister last weekend, today was much more laid back.  The kids woke up to Santa's toys and jingles (the elf) being gone. 

Like many kids, including my own, N and Y would prefer to spend the day on the tablets.  I decided that they would have to earn them.  So for the first part of the day we walked up to my old elementary school and they played at the park.  They played basketball, ga ga ball and races on the monkey bars.  Both N and Y really do great with Hunter and Hudson.  But N is by far much more of the older, protective, carrying big brother.  He always looks out for Hudson and includes Hunter. 

I'm still learning their likes and dislikes for food.  We ate BBQ (similar to sloppy Joe) and they loved it! And of course they chowed down more clementines and green grapes! We had Mississippi pot roast for dinner.  They tried the meat but preferred chicken.  They also loved the potatoes but not the carrots! And Y loves putting ketchup on his Hawaiian bun!

We even went to the local county park and walked around a lake and on a trail.  It was wonderful to be outside.  And the kids would throw sticks onto the lake.  It was partially frozen and so it would shatter when the stick hit it and the sound would move throughout the lake. It was a really neat sound!

We're all still learning regarding discipline.  N does NOT like being told what to do (part normal age as he is 13). And of course we bump heads (shocking I know). But I'm getting better at patience and explaining (using a translator for everything is very difficult - it does not communicate tone and sometimes, words don't carry the same meaning or weight) and the kids are seeing and learning my parenting style. 

Anyways, it's been a great day.  Lots of great memories! I hope you all have a great holiday!