Skating Competition 2019

It has been a whirlwind of a December.  Early on, Amelia had a two day Skating Competition.   She competed with a solo and a group number.  

Warm ups with her coach. 

Then it was show time for her solo.

  

She waited patiently for the results...

and snagged the blue ribbon!

Next up was the group number.

It was an 80's routine that began in trench coats and fedoras and then switched to neon and 80's hair half way thru.  

  

Another blue ribbon!  

Stayed and watched a few of the older girls perform their solos and then headed home after a long two days at the rink. 

Now time for the prep of Christmas! 

Thanksgiving Surprise Visitor, Pink Friday and Santa Himself!

My niece Liz made a surprise visit for Thanksgiving!  

Besides Thanksgiving Day where I did not take any photos,  we headed out early on Pink Friday.

Drank lots of coffee and cocoa...

stopped at Bass Pro...

the museum for some shopping from local artists... 

took a break in these cozy chairs at the museum...

ate our traditional lunch at the Muse ...

and headed to our house to show her the latest in the house renovation.

She was only here a few days, but we also managed to assemble our gingerbread house or "chalet" as Target called it.   We used to make the whole gingerbread but these kits make it much more enjoyable for kids...at least in this house.

We all decorated a side and I must say it came out rather snazzy.   Note Liz' snowman, my Stranger Things side and Amelia's stunning candy land side!

Headed to see the movie Frozen II.  Five stars for the movie...only one for the concessions as Liz had to wait for 1/2 hour for a coffee.  

Treated her at one of our favorite restaurants...The Crow's Nest at Captain Cook.  

After a divine dinner, her and I shared a Diablo Cafe.  Liqueurs, orange and lemon rinds pinned together with cloves and then bathed in a liquid fire.  Joined with coffee...it is absolutely delicious.

Down in the lobby of the Captain Cook their annual gingerbread village is on display. 

Before heading back to NY we made a batch of our traditional pie crust cookies.

Although short, it was fantastic to have family for Thanksgiving and Amelia was quite sad to have her leave.  She will be back ... that I am sure.  She loves Alaska!

Shortly after her visit, we celebrated St. Nicolas Day!

And had a visit with Santa himself. 

Let me tell you...he is the real deal.  

MUCH more to come!  Including a skating competition!