Our trip over winter break to Hawaii for my brother’s wedding was fantastic! I was anxious for the trip, but once we all got together I knew I had nothing to worry about. The wedding festivities were beautiful, sharing a condo with the Collins’ was a breeze, the weather was glorious all week long, and the Hawaiian mentality was catching.

They have a term with accompanying hand gesture that solves all: HOWZIT! It basically means how’s it going, but it also means all is goin’ well. It’s like a nice chill term for everything’s gonna be all right.

The first week back to school after winter break, and Vincent received the Dragon Award today! He’s so proud. He received it for having a great “can do” attitude and being a great helper in the classroom.

On Sunday Jane, Phil, Debbie, and Poppy joined us for the evening. It had been a while since we’d seen our Ven friends. Life gets so busy all of a sudden. It was great fun to catch up with them.

This is Leo's new puppy, Poppy.

Debbie's glowing!

And Phil's savin' some chocolate for later!

The kids were fully satiated with sugar!

We had a very fun time on Saturday night. ISB hosted its winter party at the Intercontinental down at the Olympic Park. We were quite late–getting ready and then getting lost! But once we arrived the party was in full swing.

Here we are in front of our tree.

Luckily we had a fun cab ride despite getting lost!

Self portraits don't always work...This is me and Lisa--a newbie like me, Vincent's teacher, and a good friend.

Here's Kath--another newbie, Vincent's teacher, and good friend.

Here's Sarah--she's such a sweetie (and she's a techie like me, so we have a lot of fun;).

Here we are with our director, Tom Hawkins.

Now, then next two shots are a bit goofy, but then again all parties tend to get a little wild. Many of you know about my special talent: the one where I can touch my nose with my tongue. Well…..so can Sarah!

I’ve never met anyone else who can do this, so imagine our surprise when we found someone else who also can touch there tongue with their nose: Lisa!

Last Saturday morning, November 28, we woke up and decorated the tree. I had asked if Sally and Cork would prefer if we did this task before they got there, but luckily they wanted to join in the fun. Part of decorating the tree requires wearing a special hat!

Elf Gigi

Elfo Vincenzo

Elfo Kevito always has the tough job of putting up the lights.

Even Elfette Ranita got into it.

Elfo Corkito

And the most enthusiastic elf of all, Elfie Sally.