Last Hurrah with Nana!

As a last excursion before Nana left we made the trek out to Warwick Castle. It was a bit chilly and rainy but we did it. The day did not start off on a good note since our car was dead and we had to call a tow truck to come help us. The nice man had to juice up our engine. He was very nice about it. Mommy and daddy were a bit crabby about it though. All was well in the end because the man fixed the car and we left for Warwick Castle which is about an hour and a half outside of London.

Warwick Castle isn't a very big castle, as far as castles go. I should know because I'm becoming a pro at judging castles. (I think Windsor and Hampton Court are still my favorites!)
We visited the state rooms where they had several wax figures of famous people. I only recognized one: the Queen! They had lots of Christmas decorations that were really pretty. We didn't go into the tower, even though Nana and daddy wanted to wait in the long queue and go in. Mommy said it was too scary for me and for Marco. What a buzz kill mom can be. Next time.
Inside the castle grounds there was a fair going on with all sorts of fun rides, games, and tasty treats! I LOVED the fast car ride. Marco is still too small to go on any of the rides but that's okay because I think he was content in watching me whizz around with mommy, who thought the ride was too fast.

There were also people dressed up in "period" costumes. Nana LOVES that stuff. I talked to one of the ladies but I cannot remember her name... I think she was a Countess or something. She had funny hair and a big bum.

We saw lots of peacocks too. They were very pretty and had lots of colorful feathers...
We had fun with Nana at the castle. We will have to visit more castles next time she comes back!!!

The day didn't get off to a good start.... Daddy and the Tow-truck man!

The Fair inside the castle grounds!

Yours truly in front of the tower!

Nana going inside!

Here we are in front of the castle!

Happy Christmas!!!

The Milani's and Nana after dinner.

Dinner with the Nelson's!

Julia, Marco and Nana in front of the caged tree!

Marco and his vacuum!

Julia and her Polly Pockets!

Well, another holiday in London has come and gone. Luckily we had a little bit of California in London with Nana! It was a lovely - and wet, very wet - Christmas.

Both Julia and Marco enjoyed opening the seemingly never-ending pile of gifts from Santa and family back home. Julia thought Santa was coming today (the 26th) as well. She awoke looking for more unopened presents under the tree! (We will need to work on that.)

There were many favorites among the loot: Julia loves her new jammies (her favorite) and her polly pockets. Marco LOVES his vacuum. He's been vacuuming ever since! (Now if we could only get it to really work!?)

We had a fantastic Christmas dinner with the Nelson's from downstairs. Greg made a fabulous turkey, with stuffing and potatoes. Laurie did everything else including the mulled wine and fabulous desserts! We are still in food coma today!!! It will be hard to beat this next year!!

Saas Fe, Switzerland!

We spent last week in Saas Fe, Switzerland. Saas Fe is a quaint little (little) town nestled in a small valley high upon a glacier in Southern Switzerland. It's quite a trek to get there; after a plane, a train and a (harrowing) bus ride (totalling about 8 hours door to door) we arrived.

It was well worth it as we had a great week of good food, fabulous scenery, fun (but cooooolllllddddd) skiing, swimming (if you can believe it), shopping and excellent company. Nana and the Joseph clan (Alan, Allyson, Avery, Laynie & Amaya) were all with us.

We had a great time. The girls tested their ski legs for the first time. Amaya (6) took to the skiing the quickest. Julia liked it okay but probably won't be the next Susie Chapstick, much to her mother's dismay. (We will try it again next year however!) Marco liked the intercity transportation (sled) the best (there are no cars in Saas Fe). Sara liked the icy glacier skiing and the yummy hot chocolate; and, as you can tell, Greg liked the "other" beverages (among other things).

It was truly a fun vacation!

View from our room!

The kids getting a ride.

Nana and the kids atop the Hannig (gondola).

Hot chocolate break atop the Hannig!

Greg taking a break to test the local beverage: Gluwein!

The littlest skier!

The whole Group outside our hotel!

Sara at the very top!! Clearly it was cold!

Nana time!

My Nana is here right now. She LOVES spending time with me and my sister. Unlike my mom, she thinks it's funny when I climb up into the sink to brush my teeth. I think I'm just very industrious! Why stand when you can sit?

Nana also likes to cook and bake. She let's me and Julia help her. We made lots of cookies before daddy put a mor-i-tor-i-um on baking.... Not sure what a mor-i-tor-i-um is but all I know is that Nana hasn't made any cookies since. Bummer.

Look at me brushing my teeth! I'm sooo good!

We LOVE baking!

Ice Skating!

The Milani's at the skating rink!

Julia and Marco with their new friend, Delicia!

The tribulations of skating....

The beauty about London at the holidays is that there are loads of things to do! There are several ice skating rinks around town where you can indulge in your favorite (or not-so-favorite) pastime!

British Airways hosted a very kid-friendly party at one of the local rinks for the frequent fliers. Since Greg falls into that category we were invited and decided to partake. The good thing was that it was TONS of fun: Santa was there with one of his (real) reindeer (Julia thought it was prancer), there were elves reading stories, doing face painting and passing out balloons, and, mommy and daddy's favorite part, there was tons good food and beverages!

Unfortunately, we do not take after Auntie Sara (Kurtzig) and we are a disaster on the rink!! Three spins around rink was enough for us!!! Ahhhh, maybe next year we will be better!!!

Wise Family Visit!

Welcome Wise Family!

Gene and the kids at breakfast!

Woo HOO!!! At Wellington Park!

We had some unexpected and very welcome guests this last week: Fiona, Gene, Trevor and Miranda stopped by on their way back to California! They were in Scotland visiting their family! We were very lucky to get to see them! The kids had a GREAT time. Julia took Miranda to school to show her around! She was sooo sad to come home at the end of the day and find Miranda gone!

We hope they come back next year!

Zia Stephanie visit!

Fun in the tub!

Fun with Sarah!

Zia Stephanie was in town last week! We had fun with her! She gave us a bath and she played with us! My friend Sarah was over and we all had fun together!! It was a great time! We hope she comes back again soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Julia, Sarah & Emma's dance party!

Seating #1!

Greg and Joel ready to dig in at seating #2!

This year we are thankful for good friends, with whom we spend time in London, and good food.

We spent an impromptu Thanksgiving at the Forrest's house. We had a crew of almost 20 (mostly kids). Julia was thrilled to spend it with her buddies, Sarah and Emma. As you can see, they had a dance party to celebrate. The food was FABULOUS as Cara is a fantastic cook (who knew she had hidden talents?). We ate ourselves into a food coma! What a fun evening!