Jude proudly shows off his graduation certificate from vision therapy

Jude started vision therapy a couple of years ago at the suggestion of his teacher. This was not so much because of poor eyesight, in fact Jude’s vision is 20/20. The problem was that his eyes were not converging properly onto one image. Marcy has taken Jude on the 30 minute drive on a regular basis for the past two years. The homework has been intensifying and when he took his test recently he passed with flying colors. We were all very proud of him because this was not easy for him.

Anna with her lyre at the class play

Meanwhile, Anna has been working on her class play for many weeks. The play was the story of Snow White and Rose Red and the entire first grade class had to learn every word of the 5-minute play. Then, in front of all the parents they all recited the play while some students acted out characters, and others played the lyre. Anna really enjoyed the whole process of learning all the lines and acting out the story. She recited the lines to us one night over dinner as part of her homework. After the play they did some singing and some more playing on their lyre.

Jude working on his adobe house class project

As for Jude he been very busy as well at school. He has been working hard on his first major class project. Everyone in the class had to build a shelter of some kind. After much discussion and research Jude chose to build an adobe house made of clay. We found a video online with step by step instructions and Jude went to work. Parents were not allowed to help do the actual work, it had to be the work of the third grader. Jude had to learn all about his dwelling so he could answer questions about it when they presented to the other grades. He worked hard on this and did a nice job with it.

Celebrating Sarah’s first birthday in Sydney

Unfortunately, I missed all of these major events as I was away in Australia for a week or so. The timing was disappointing for me but I was also very glad to get a trip in. We just moved my dad into a nursing home and he has not been well. And it just so happened that I was invited to Sydney to speak at a peer to peer lending conference so I jumped at the chance to go. Also, my little niece, Sarah, turned one while I was there so I was able to celebrate her birthday in person. It was also good to catch up with a few friends as well.

My old mate Enio and I at the Opera Bar in Sydney

Jude attacking the waves in Cancun

We had a great week at the beach in Cancun. The JW Marriott was a beautiful resort, both kids said it was the best place we have stayed in and wanted to come back again next year. We may come back again some day but I will need to save my Marriott points again.

The kids loved the beach. Jude would literally spend hours in the ocean “attacking the waves” as he put it. He would only be 15-20 feet out from shore where the waves would start breaking. He would jump over the waves and try to avoid being pummeled into the sand. The surf was pretty messy and wild so he got slammed into the sand a few times. But he would shake himself off and do it again. Anna preferred to stay closer to shore but she also loved jumping over the waves as they broke on shore.

Taking the jet ski out to the boat for parasailing

One of the highlights of the trip was the parasailing. They could only take three people at a time so Marcy and kids went. It was quite amazing to watch them from the beach. They went up so high – easily 100 feet in the air. All three of them enjoyed it but said it was really scary being up that high. I was certainly glad when they returned without incident.

Anna, Marcy and Jude heading high up into the air as the parasailing begins

On our last full day in Mexico we decided to go to Isla Mujeres, an island just 8 miles off the coast. We caught the ferry and then rented a golf cart to get around the island which is only 4 miles long by 1/2 mile wide. They had a beautiful beach on their north coast called Playa Norte where we spent the morning and lunch.

Jude and Anna in the pristine waters of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres

We decided to take a drive down to the southern tip of the island to check out the Mayan ruins. While the ruins were a little disappointing – they were destroyed by a hurricane in 1988, the point itself was spectacular. It reminded us of some of the rugged  rock formations on the Australian coast although the rocks themselves were different.

At Punte Sur on Isla Mujeres

They had a really cool walkway that went around the rocks on the south point which also happened to be the most easterly point in Mexico.

Jude and Anna sitting at the most easterly point in Mexico on Isla Mujeres

Our trip was over too soon but by Friday the kids were actually exhausted after a big week of activity. And the fact we all walked over 5 miles on our trip to Isla Mujeres the day before. So, the last morning they barely wanted to go into the surf. Just some relaxing time in the hot tub and the pool and then we were off to the airport home.

Anna showing off her new braids that she had done on the beach

We were all sad to leave. It was a great vacation and the kids are already looking forward to their next trip to the beach.

Recreating an iconic photo from five years ago in Mexico

Roller blading to the local park

All week the weather has been warming up. After a cold January and a decent amount of snow this warming trend was quite welcome. This weekend we hit 60 degrees and so we all wanted to get outside. Yesterday, we went to the local park in the afternoon. It was the first time all year that we could do that. Marcy and Anna went rollerblading and Jude and I played soccer.

Jude playing soccer in his Arsenal gear

The fact that both Jude and Anna were outside being active this weekend was quite an achievement. Anna was quite sick this week – she actually missed school every day except Monday. She was vomiting and then had a nasty cough. We started her on nebulizer treatments and Marcy ended up taking her to the doctor because her cough was persisting and we were supposed to be heading to Mexico on Sunday. The doctor gave Anna the all clear although did suggest we continue with Anna’s treatment.

Watching a Harry Potter movie on the flight to Mexico

We were all up bright and early today to catch the 8am flight to Cancun. We were all very excited for this trip to get some beach and pool time and for the warm weather. As soon as we arrived the kids had their swimsuits on and they were down to the beach. The water was quite rough and not really conducive to swimming but the kids had a blast just playing in the shore break.

The beach! Jude and Anna were so happy to be back in Mexico

Anna showing off her orange and blue hair

As we have done every year now for more than a decade, we hosted a Superbowl party at our house today. We were all very excited about the Broncos playing in it and Anna was excited about entertaining so many kids. She spent a lot of time putting up decorations and she even put in some orange and blue hair.

Our youngest Bronco fan getting ready for the big game

It was a very exciting game and the basement at our house was jumping and loud. One of the visiting kids even requested ear plugs we were so loud. It was great to see the Broncos come out on top.

Other than that it was a pretty quiet week. I went to New York for a couple of days. We had a pretty big storm on Tuesday and the kids had a snow day. Yesterday the kids went to a birthday party and today we all went to church.

Jude getting ready for the third grade play

Every year at school each grade puts on their own school play. This year Jude’s class put on the story of Moses. It was quite a production with many rehearsals and performances. Marcy volunteered to be a helper for the play so she was quite involved. Unfortunately I missed the performance as I was away in London.

I arrived home on Friday night and we were going to head up to the mountains for another weekend of skiing. But they was a big storm up there and driving was going to prove hazardous so we decided to stay at home. We had no plans other than Anna’s ice skating lesson on Saturday. We made it a family outing as they have free skating for everyone after the lessons.

Anna helping me skate after her lesson

It was a nice day yesterday so we decided to ride our bikes to the zoo. Unfortunately, the cold front moved in a little earlier than we expected and it dropped 20 degrees very quickly. So, we rode home in the freezing cold.

Anna sewing her new dress

We have been listening to more of the Little House on the Prairie books and been watching the TV series as well. Both kids are captivated by the stories. Anna was motivated to make her own dress, just like Ma does in the stories, and she has been hard at work on it this weekend.

Grandpa reading stories to Jude and Anna

On their annual trip to Mexico Baba and Grandpa came through Denver again and stayed a couple of nights this week. The kids were thrilled to have them visit. As Anna said to me tonight on our walk to the store as we were discussing this past week: “I just love Baba and Grandpa so much.” It is a real treat for the kids to have them stay at our place and the kids get them to themselves.

On Friday morning they were off south to New Mexico as they continued their long drive from Des Moines to Cabo San Lucas. Then Friday afternoon we packed the car and headed up to Keystone for a ski weekend.

Jude and Anna about to go down a black diamond run through the trees on the Outback

Along with what felt like half of Denver, we hit the slopes at Keystone on Saturday. It was the most crowded I had ever seen Keystone and so we spent quite a bit of time in lift lines. But the weather was gorgeous and the snow excellent so we weren’t complaining. Jude really wanted to do his first black diamond run so I took him down one on the second run of the day. Not to be outdone Anna wanted to give it a try. So, we did a long steep run through the trees on the Outback. Jude and I split off with Anna and Marcy halfway down this run but let me tell you, it was a challenging run. Everyone came through with flying colors albeit a little exhausted.

Anna about to do some snowshoeing leaving from our driveway

This morning Anna woke up with a nasty cough so we decided to not let her go skiing. I was feeling a little sore myself so I was happy to stay home with her. By mid morning, she was feeling much better so she donned the snowshoes and went “hiking” around the big snow piles in the parking lot. She enjoyed herself, even getting the sled out at one stage.

Jude and Marcy warming their feet by the fire at the Outpost Lodge

Meanwhile, Jude and Marcy were up the mountain bright and early. We wanted to leave before midday to avoid the storm that was coming and to watch the Bronco game. Jude had a great morning of skiing. Both he and Anna continue to improve every time they go out.

I had recorded the AFC Championship game so when we got home after unpacking the car Jude and I settled in to watch it. It was a very exciting game and even Marcy settled in to join us. It was a real nail-biter all the way to the end but we were all pleased the Broncos won and are heading to the Superbowl again.

Anna with Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep

This weekend was a full one. I have been in China for 8 days so it was good to spend time with the family this weekend. Although Marcy and Anna did their own thing both afternoons this weekend. Today, they went to see the play Mary Poppins at the small Pace Theatre in Parker with some other friends from the gym. Anna absolutely loved it and came home singing and dancing to Mary Poppins.

Meanwhile, Jude and I had a weekend of football. Jude is a big Packers fan and they had a night playoff game on Saturday night so we watched the first half and then recorded the second half to watch in the morning. Sure enough at 6am this morning Jude came in to wake me up for the second half of the game. We finished it before breakfast and unfortunately the Packers lost but it was a great game.

Jude chasing the ducks in the park

I had to get Jude out of the house for some of the weekend. So, we went to the playground yesterday. Jude wasn’t into playing, instead he wanted to go and chase the ducks. Which was great for him to get some exercise, but not so great for the ducks who had to all fly off to avoid him.

Anna with real Ninja Warrior Meagan Martin

While Jude and I were watching football yesterday Anna went to an event at a local gym with Marcy. Here there was an obstacle course and they spent time discussing goal setting and they got to meet a real female Ninja Warrior, someone who had not just been on the TV show, but was the first woman ever to complete the entire Ninja Warrior course, and she is a professional rock climber here in Colorado. Anna loved it and came home wanting to do pushups and all kids of exercises.

Anna and Marcy on their way to Mary Poppins. Anna chose matching outfits for them.

Finally, I spent much of the past two weeks in China with 4 days in Beijing and 4 days in Shanghai. It was an interesting visit, although the smog was really bad. And in Shanghai I got invited to have tea with the CEO of this pretty big company. They had a most elaborate setup for tea, complete with an ornate wooden table where they would prepare the tea. It was quite the experience.

Peter having tea in Shanghai

Bringing in the New Year at the top of Keystone

We spent New Year’s Eve at home with a pretty quiet evening. We did a countdown with the kids at around 7pm and then they were up to bed as we all were getting up to go skiing the next day. On the first day of 2016 we drove up to Keystone for a day on the slopes. We couldn’t stay at our condo because we had renters so we just did another day trip, our second one in just over a week.

Anna showing her skiing style in Keystone

Then today, with the renters gone we came up to Keystone again, this time to stay the night. The kids don’t go back to school until Tuesday so we are staying up tonight and will drive back Monday afternoon.

Jude doing great wearing Marcy’s helmet

Both Jude and Anna continue to improve. Jude was having a bit of a rough time, complaining of headaches, until we realized that his helmet was probably too tight. After switching at lunch time today with Marcy he was totally fine. So, we bought him a new one this evening because the kids and Marcy will head up the mountain again tomorrow but it will be a work day for me.

At Jungle Quest getting ready to go ziplining

On New Year’s Eve day Marcy took the kids to Jungle Quest along with one of Jude’s classmates. It was an indoor climbing and ziplining place with lots of activities for the kids.

Anna acting out her puppet show

One of Anna’s gifts that she made for “the whole family” was a puppet theater. She made an elaborate cardboard theatre set as well as some finger puppets, then wrapped it all herself and put it under the tree to give to us on Christmas. Well, yesterday she set up the living room for her show which was one of the most adorable things I have ever seen. She was really into it and created a nice little story for all of us.

Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner in the living room

Christmas break began with soccer camp. We signed up both Jude and Anna for a half day soccer camp for two days at the place where Jude plays indoor soccer. Both kids loved it, which was good, because they have it again this coming week.

Going to see the new Star Wars movie downtown

Then on Wednesday we surprised the kids by taking them to see the new Star Wars movie. Marcy got reserved seating for the matinee show and I took the afternoon off work so we could have a family movie day. While it was a little intense for Anna at times all four of us thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

After the first ski day of the season in Keystone

On Thursday, Christmas Eve, we decided to go skiing. We have people staying at our place in Keystone so we just went up for the day. It was a bitterly cold day but we managed to get a few runs in. And by the end of the day, the kids were back to flying down blue runs.

Getting the goodies ready for Santa and the reindeer

We managed to get home by about 5:30pm and Marcy whipped together some dinner for our annual family Christmas Eve dinner by the tree. The kids were excited to get everything ready for Santa and the reindeer. Jude left his entire gingerbread house out and Anna left her gingerbread cookies and we left some carrots for the reindeers.

Anna playing with some of her toys on Christmas morning

Christmas morning arrived with both kids up early and excited to see what surprises were in store. It was a cold and snowy day, yes we had a white Christmas, so we didn’t venture outside at all. Other than my trip to the Indian restaurant for our traditional Christmas dinner of Indian food – take out this time.

Jude playing with his football helmets – he arranged them for the playoff teams

The weekend after Christmas was pretty quiet. We spent a lot of time at home with the kids playing with their toys. In fact the only times we went out all three days was the trip to Colorado Ski & Golf yesterday for the kids skis and boot and then for a yoga class this morning. It was really nice to have an entire long weekend at home as a family.

Anna “snowboarding” on a sled in our front yard

This week we had the biggest snowstorm of the season with about a foot of snow in Denver. This meant school was closed and the kids had a snow day. They loved it. They played outside with the neighbor kids for a good chunk of the morning doing all kinds of things. Anna and Jude both tried their hand at “snowboarding” down the little hill in our front yard.

The snow day was on Tuesday which was actually Marcy’s birthday. It completely changed our plans for the day – Marcy was going to be spending most of the day at the school for her usual weekly volunteering and I was supposed to fly to Chicago that night. With the weather the way it was I decided to get an earlier flight and so Marcy was left to spend her birthday at home with the kids.

Jude playing the viola during the 3rd grade recital

That night was supposed to be the third grade recital at school but the weather postponed it to the following night. I couldn’t make it but Marcy said it was very sweet and Jude seemed to enjoy himself. He is certainly progressing with the viola and he played some Christmas Carols for me this evening.

Celebrating Marcy’s birthday at Jax

Today, we had the last celebration of Marcy’s birthday. Part of what Marcy wanted was for the whole family to go to the regular Sunday yoga class we often go to. So, we did that and then we went out for lunch. We did not have a family meal on Marcy’s birthday because I had to leave town and we just realized that we had not had a proper celebration for Marcy’s birthday. So, even though we weren’t dressed for it we went to one of Marcy’s favorite restaurants, Jax, for Sunday brunch. It was delicious.

Anna decorating the tree

After lunch we went out to buy a Christmas tree. We got it home where Anna and Marcy, as is their tradition, spent the afternoon decorating it. By the end of the day we had a beautiful tree.