Happy Birthday Mark!!!
The Girlies
Annika's Kindergarten class held a gingerbread house decorating party on Friday afternoon. Since Mark took the day off work he also got to participate in this event. Actually, the girls did ALL the work. And then afterwards begged and pleaded to eat all the candy they didn't use on their house. When that didn't work they pleaded to eat the house. Sigh. Kids and Candy....not the best combination! However, the party was lots of fun and we got to chat with other parents.
Every girl needs a nose beeping. Didn't you know that?
Mark's Birthday Dinner- at Taiko Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar - Yummy! We had to celebrate his birthday a few days early since he would be gone on his actual birthday. 
Silly Annika! Mark asked her to "Open your eyes!" (instead of squinting) and well...this is what he got.
I'm so proud of Annika. She loves sushi. She'll try things even if they don't look appetizing (says me). Ava ate a piece of sushi too! (she just has trouble chewing the nori)
Mommy & Ava
St. Nikolaus and Krampus came!!!
Woo hoo! I'm so glad Krampus didn't take the girlies away! (that means they've been good). The girlies cleaned a pair of their shoes and left them in front of their bedroom door (evening of Dec. 5th) and St. Nikolaus and Krampus came overnight.
HUGE THANK YOU to Oma. wink, wink! The girlies wore their new pjs all day Saturday!
Excited girlies looking on as Daddy opens his bag of goodies. Mama- the t-shirt was perfect! 
Oh...and I totally forgot to mention that it's -1F this morning! Makes me want to drink hot coffee and sit in front of the fire wrapped in a soft blanket!
Happy Second Advent Sunday!!!
Yes! Happy birthday, Brother! Do something fun and Finnish. I was going to call you today and make fun of you for being in your Late Thirties, but I forgot about the whole Finland problem. Alas. I shall have to taunt you at another time!
Happy Birthday, Mark
I love the photos, Astrid
Thanks for all the birthday wishes from sunny (not) warm (not) Finland!!!
Happy birthday Mark! You'll always be older than me. :) I hope you're having a lovely day.
Happy Birthday, Brother! I tried calling you, but someone came on and told me in several languages that my call could not be connected. So your birthday wishes are coming to you this way! Happy Birthday to you!!
love that last picture of your girlies face!