Orlando

We spent the first week of the New Years in Kissimmee, Florida with my family. My Grandparents very generously shared their timeshare with us and we were able to use two condos, side by side for my Dad, Step mom, Kendra, Jay, David, Taylor and our family of 5. It was great to spend a week together with a bonus visit from my Grandparents. It reminded me of how great it would be to live in the same city again someday.

As a BIG Christmas gift, we also purchased a 4 day pass to Disney World. I was so excited to take the kids to Disney. I imagined it be so wonderful and the kids having such a terrific time. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, and while I feel guilty complaining about such a privilege as to visit Disney (considering it's price tag), I didn't leave with the same desire to go back next year, as I did on our previous visit. I had expected that everyone would be heading home to go back to school, that the parks would be almost empty, and that we'd barely have to wait in line-Boy, was I wrong! There were so many people at all the parks, that they actually had to close the gates several times the week before, because they had reached capacity. I am quite certain, that if on the first day we visited the Magic Kingdom it was not at capacity, it was close. After spending 8 hours at the Magic Kingdom, we were able to experience 5 rides/shows in the entire day. We waited 5 minutes for Prince Charming's Carousel and about 15 for Mickey's Philharmagic. If you are a mathematician you may calculate the wait for the other 3 rides, or I can give you one more piece of information-2 hours for Big Thunder Railroad. The waits and the wall to wall people were enough to take the magic out of Disney. Of course it also happened to be the day that my Dad, Marie, Kendra and Jay also spent the money to join us, and while I was hoping to have a day full of magical memories, photo ops and fun, I didn't even take a single picture, we were too done with Disney to watch the night time parade and fireworks that had been in the original plan and we went home-feeling a little defeated. I was bummed.

The animal Kingdom was a good day for us-40 degree weather kept everyone else home, and we were able to accomplish all that we had wished there. Kendra joined us for the day, and we had more of what I had hoped for the Magic Kindgom-short waits, and lots of character photo ops.

Isaak bravely went on Mount Everest with Kendra, JJ and Annika. Unfortunately as soon as they started the trek up the first hill he became terrified-realizing what he had gotten himself into. JJ said he felt helpless, barely being able to put a hand on him to comfort him. He cried through the entire ride and when I met up with them a few minutes later with Mykah, he was still sobbing. We talked about what an accomplishment he had just made, how brave he was and how much he would've regretted not going on it, had he not-wondering what it would have been like, and after thinking about it, he realized that he was glad he experienced it. He did however, say that he would not ride it again until he was bigger-like 20. Afterwards, we took the groups picture in front of the last drop from Mount Everest, rode one more time on his favorite roller coaster in Dinoland and then left the park, feeling satisfied with the day and looking very forward to the hot beef stew that Jay had waiting for us at home.

In fairness, despite the long waits, the kids had a great time. Mykah got to see a lot of characters and almost every princess, Isaak learned he loves smaller roller coasters such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Annika enjoyed the stories of the Disney rides-but still thought the roller coasters at Busch Gardens are bigger and faster. On our last day, we did experience some of the Disney magic that makes you want to come back. As Isaak, Mykah and I waited for Annika and JJ to ride space mountain, we happened upon the beginning of club 626 dance party. While Isaak sat in the stroller watching, Mykah got to dance for a good half hour with Goofy, Stitch and Pluto. And then on the way out, we happened to be in the right place at the right time, when a group of floats with many of the popular Disney characters came out with loud music. The CM's were handing out hula hoops and twirling jump ropes, so the kids got to dance, and hula hoop in the streets while the parade went by. These are the moments, that make you want to come back.

Our favorite family time with the big group generally consisted of making meals, talking and a little dance off with Just Dance on the Wii. Grandma joined in as well, although Grandpa preferred the golf, bowling and baseball with Isaak. My Dad and Marie treated us to a game of mini golf, which was fun and the kids first time on a fancy mini golf course. I mentioned to JJ that it signified we were truly on vacation.

All in all it was a nice vacation and we look forward to next years destination Christmas with the Bonga family, although we will be glad not to go to Disney World at least for another few years.

Merry Christmas!

December has been full of the hustle and bustle of full schedules, baking and preparations for the holiday. As I was planning for and creating the gifts on my list to make I started to realize that homemade gifts are not a new trend, but something I have done for years-not always successfully. I remember one Christmas in particular, where I had purchased the flannel and a pattern to sew a night shirt for my mom, and never cut out the pattern or the fabric to even sew it. My mom, of course, sewed it for herself. Maybe it was at least the thought that counts.

This year as I was trying to come up with gifts for the kids, I realized that these days, most people get what they want or need, when they want or need it. There is no waiting, no anticipation, no delayed gratification. As I tried to think of gifts for our kids, it was no different. They pretty much get everything that they want-or have MORE than they need. I couldn't think of many new things that wasn't just duplicating something they already had. So this year, Mykah received 3 out of 4 gifts homemade (from us). I made her wings, a tent and a fluffy dress made out of tulle. Annika got a couple purchased gift and a tutu that was homemade. Isaak received the most purchased gifts, however on my long list of projects for him is a jedi robe, which I made for his cousins already. The kids really got into the gift giving this year. We had this church in town that hosts a Christmas workshop where the kids can go in with a gift list and everything is $3. Both Annika and Isaak went in, and purchased gifts for the whole family. Then, in addition, they had both done some Christmas shopping at the farmers market and other stores, picking up gifts for each other and JJ and I. And then, Annika in her generous spirit, gave Isaak some money in his stocking and JJ and I $20. When we tried to thank her, but tell her she should save her money, we unintentionally hurt her feelings, starting our Christmas morning in tears. It was difficult to back pedal and accept her gift, but we came up with a compromise to use the money for a meal on our vacation next week.


Anyway, we all had a great Christmas. Thank you to the Grandparents, aunts and uncles who spoiled the kids! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well!

Ballerina

I think she's a natural. And of course I wish I were a ballerina, so I really hope that she will pursue this form of art, but alas, she has decided that she is done with ballet and wants to take karate... at least for now.

Messiah

A couple weeks ago, the church we've been attending put on a presentation of The Messiah. It was quite a production. Although I've heard and sung the Halleluiah chorus, I've never seen The Messiah, nor did I really know much about it. The church partnered with ODU chorus, people from the Virginia Symphony and also a ballet troupe for the big event-quite a big deal! While impressive, our favorite part was the hand bell choir who performed just before The Messiah.



I know the pictures leave much to be desired, but can you see our two favorite performers? They rung their bells to the song "Oh Holy Night".

Mykah rides the motorcycle

JJ loves motorcycles....and so does Mykah.

2011 in a nutshell

2011 has been a great year filled with yet another move, several road trips, a feeling of belonging in Portsmouth, and hustle and bustle of life with 3 children.

In January, we moved from our huge, old, white house, to another huge, old, red one, about a block away. This was a wonderful change for us. No longer did we have to deal with a drafty, rat infested home, but now reside in a more updated, energy efficient home! We also had the bonus of getting to know a new group of neighbors in addition to maintaining our friends from the original block. We love the feel of this house, the energy bills which are half what they were in the old house and some of the conveniences of modern architecture.

In March, we were very sad to say good-bye to our beloved dog Sella. She was only 4 years old, but was unfortunate to have the Shar Pei disease, amyloidosis. We suspect she had been sick for awhile, but after a fever, she never seemed to recover. JJ spent a weekend giving her bags of fluids and feeding her by hand before we accepted the fact that she wasn't going to get better. We were all with her when we said good-bye.

Because we are a dog family, it was not long before we added Admiral, our third Shar Pei, to our family. You would think we would learn after all the vet bills we have paid for these dogs, but there is nothing like the personality of a Shar Pei (not to mention, their wrinkles are pretty irresistible!) Admiral has proved no different than the other two. He has been expensive and promises to continue to be. We did learn a little and have insurance for him, but will have to pay for one surgery to fix his eyes in the spring.

In April, the kids and I traveled to Michigan to celebrate my baby brother, David's, graduation from Western Michigan University (with honors). We were so proud! My sister, brother-in-law and brothers girlfriend, Taylor, all came for the pomp and circumstance. It was a fun little reunion to see family and friends, and the weather was beautiful too!

In May, I flew to Indianapolis for the annual Gunson Reunion. It was wonderful, as always, to spend a few days with some dear friends. Every year I am reminded how blessed I was to live with (most of) these fabulous women in college. We have seen each other through so many good times and through many tough times as well. I am thankful for their love and support.



In June we celebrated Mykah's 3rd birthday, and Annika's 9th birthday. We are so blessed to have such wonderful daughters. Mykah continues to grow to be a feisty, loving, bundle of energy and personality. She loves to play with her babies, kitchen and help me around the house. She keeps me busy and often amazes us with her constant efforts to keep up with the big kids.


Annika is growing to be quite the talented artist. We are continually amazed at her abilities and creations. This fall, as I was selling baked goods in our local farmers market, she sold homemade ornaments and did quite well, selling close to 50 over the course of a few weeks. She has quite a compassionate heart as well and has led our family in her quest to raise money for Africa. She has given much of the money she has earned over the last couple months and is through World Vision, planning to purchase supplies for families who are in need.

Also in June, JJ had a conference in New Orleans and so we packed up and drove down to Louisiana for a week. How convenient that our hotel was literally blocks from Kendra and Jay! The kids and I were able to enjoy some quality time with Aunt Kendra, perusing all that New Orleans has to offer. As a surprise, Kendra and Jay took the kids for a night so that JJ and I could spend a night on the town-our first in over 3 years! We were also extremely proud to see JJ presented with the Public Health Service, Social Worker of the year. What an honor!

In July, JJ set off for Colorado on his motorcycle and the kids and I followed behind a few days later for a road trip to see Uncle David. We had a great time! I felt very accomplished driving so far on my own and the kids and I enjoyed our adventure together. It was wonderful to see where David and Taylor are now living and to see a state I had heard so many wonderful things about. We are hoping this state may be a future home for us.


Following Colorado, we headed down to Tulsa, Oklahoma to visit JJ's mom and Buddy for a week. It was wonderful to see them. Of course it was extremely hot that week-110 most days, and we were grateful for the hospitality of their good friends and neighbors who let us swim in their pool each day. It was on that trip I confirmed that I am not made for the south. It is just too hot!



In September we celebrated Isaak's 7th birthday. We are so proud of his growth and accomplishments this year. In the spring, he began a Lil' Dragons karate program near our home. He now has his his purple belt and is working hard towards his blue belt, (which we expect he will earn by the end of the year.) We have seen him grow in confidence and skill over the past few months through this program and we couldn't be happier with that progress! He continues to be a tender-hearted, smart boy whom we are blessed to have in our lives.

Soon after Isaak's birthday, the kids and I headed up to Michigan for another visit. My sister and her husband flew up to for ArtPrize and we spent a short week trying to fit in all the amazing art, time with family and as many friends as we could squeeze in. We again were reminded of how much we love GR and the people there! We also had the fun surprise of spending a few days with my exchange brother Till and his girlfriend Hannah, who were visiting from Germany. What a fun reunion!

In October I began baking for our local farmers market and also took a motorcycle safety course. I went from never having driven a motorcycle to having my motorcycle endorsement in only 2 days time! JJ was anxious to find me a bike after that and within a week or two came home with a Honda Night Hawk so I could continue practicing. I now take a Sunday afternoon ride to practice my skills, but generally stay within our neighborhood or the small downtown area of Old Towne, Portsmouth.

This fall the kids and I began to participate in a homeschool co-op where the kids are studying History, Science and Art. Annika also continues to take art class at our local art museum and a theatre class at a local studio once a week. Mykah started taking ballet as well, at the same studio, which she loves. Isaak continues to take piano in addition to his karate. Life is busy! We continue to homeschool and are enjoying the journey through world history, geography, literature, and math together. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to teach and learn with my kids.





Hopefully, I have done a good job of giving you a synopsis of our life in 2011. It is always an adventure and 2012 promises to be no different. If you are one of our friends here in Virginia reading this blog, thank you for inviting us into your life. We are grateful for your part in making us feel at home here. If you are away from us and reading this blog we miss you, and wish the world was a bit smaller. We are blessed to love so many people in so many places.

Hello Again!

JJ and I had a date last night and after we returned Annika had a discovery to share. I had made a book out of our first year of blogging, ending with the announcement of our pregnancy, for Mykah. Annika had found the book and had read some of it while we were on the date. As mom blogs go, I had reported on our daily happenings, but often as kids say the funniest things, there were many humorous stories about things the kids had done and said. We sat around reading some of the stories and all the kids were anxious to hear stories about them or see pictures and I realized that I have missed so much of the last 2 years (and a lot from the previous two). What fun it was to read through that book and for a moment relive those moments-many of which I had forgotten!
And so, before the trend of new years resolution, I am going to make a real effort to get back into the habit of blogging. It's even more important to do so with as fast as time goes and of course with as many of you who live so far from us who may be interested in what's happening in our lives. In addition with the invention of digital photos, so few of our pictures are printed and waiting to be put into albums, so hopefully I will get into the habit of printing off a book every once in a while, to document the life in this Lewis family.
Please, if you're interested, hold me accountable to this goal!