Christmas with the Williams clan

Here is another one of our favorite Christmas traditions. Every year, we get together with my childhood friend Sandy and the families and let the kids exchange Christmas presents. Then Sandy and I get to torment each other by trying to figure out who can produce the best white elephant gift. I must say, I think I am winning. I mean, the Irish doll with the extra long arm ... come on! The best year, however, was when I managed to produce a calendar with local artists posing naked with their cats (or something to that effect). They were covering all the "special" areas. But they were still naked - and NOT models. I'm not sure that one can be topped. And I don't evern remember what cause they were supporting with this calendar. Sandy?? Your memory is better than mine.

Traditions

Christmas festivities

A couple Christmas favorites ... exploring downtown Seattle (including a horse-drawn carriage ride this year!) and all the glorious lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.

A Ferry Merry Christmas

Every year my dad and his "circus band" get the honor of playing on a ferry boat for Christmas. The boat is filled with clowns, pirates, musicians, and the guests of honor - mentally disabled kids and adults from around the Pacific Northwest. We felt honored to be "with the band" in order to enjoy this celebration.

A Ferry Merry Christmas

Great Wolf Santa!

Great Wolf Lodge

We got away last weekend and took the girls to the Great Wolf Lodge. The highlight was the arrival of Santa and 4 elves. They jumped out of a plane and skydove (is that a word?) to the Lodge! Mom and Emma got brave and rode The Tornado together. It was lots of fun once I got past the initial - "I'm going to puke and I'm only in line" - part!

Emma plays piano

This is Emma during the performance section of the Music Olympics. She got 99% for this portion of the competition!

Music Olympics

Emma just got 3rd place in our local Music Olympics competition!! We were so proud of her. Her friend Hannah got 1st place for her age group and Hannah's sister Chloe also placed (can't remember which - but it was good)!

Cookie party

Anchor Celebrates One Year!

Wow - it's already been one year. So hard to believe. God has blessed us with an amazing staff and an exciting first year. It's a lot of hard work, but we would easily do it all over again.

Family Halloween Fun 2009

Freaky guy, peaceful gal, Hannah Montana and Dora!

Halloween party #2!

Every year we go to our friend's church (Believer's Fellowship) for Halloween. They do an amazing party. Every room is filled with different activities and the kids have a blast. Here is Emma with her fellow third-grader (and best friend) Lauren. The doctor meets Hannah Montana. Next is me with Lauren's mom (also a Stacy - highly confusing). And below is Emma with her friend Leah. Oh yeah - and then Ross decided to sport another outfit. I have no idea what he is supposed to be.

Dripps Halloween Party

What other time of year can you find a Mormon missionary at a party with an inmate, Madonna, numerous Princesses and a baby riding on his grandmother's back?