Family Videos 2012

We hardly posted any videos this year. To make up for that, here is a compilation of some of the best family videos we shot in 2012. It's long; so get a cup a joe, get comfortable, and enjoy.

Saying goodbye in the most unusual way

We opened our home and hearth this weekend to some good friends who had moved out of their NYC condo in preparation for their move to LA. The weekend provided some good bonding time for ourselves and the kids, who appeared to have a splendid time playing with each other doing sometimes silly, sometimes girly (they have two girls), and always funny things. The weekend took a turn for the worse on Sunday evening, though, when one by one the kids (and the girls' mom Tine) began throwing up. It started with H at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday and continued off and on (but mostly on) for about 14 hours for each of them. With a different onset time for each, it created what would have been a staggering fountain effect not unlike what you'd see at the Bellagio had they been side-by-side. The most unfortunate part was that our friends' flight from NYC to LA was at 11 a.m. ... and the airline change fee was prohibitively high. This created, according to Tine, "The worst flight ever."

Anyway, here are pre-fountain pictures from the weekend when everyone was happy and healthy. 

We plan reunite in the spring, hopefully under healthier circumstances, when the Ward brood heads West for spring break. Until then, Tine, Ivan, Emma, and Hannah, we will be missing you.

Zimtsterne: COTM December

This month the kids made Zimtsterne (Cinnamon stars) for the grandpas' "Around the World!" Cookie of the Month Club membership. Other than the rolling, which resulted in some tears, the cookie prep went well and the results were delish. We hope they enjoyed them!

Home for the holidays

While I was spending an inordinate amount of time at work the last few weeks, Kate and the kids have been making up for my absence by spending some quality time with friends. This included:

Story telling by Fred 

Hanging out (literally?) at the zoo

Learning about evolution

Playing Tortoise and the Hare

Turtle Power

Playing with a magnetic birthday present

Going out for St. Martin's Day

Henry was excited to talk about grandpa's profession (DAAGTAH!)

Up to no good

Although this looks cute, it sounded horrible

Our one shot from Thanksgiving dinner

The kids were some of the first to try the National Zoo's solar-powered carousel (it was cloudy but it worked)

Finally, after we got back home, Henry decided on his own accord to put on rubber boots while naked and proudly stomp through the house. I bring this up because oddly, at the exact same age (to the month at least), Elizabeth did the same thing. Elizabeth was also potty trained at this age. No such luck from the boy.

Cookie of the Month: Paprenjaci

For the month of November, the kids made Paprenjaci, which are Croatian black pepper cookies. They are served on Croatia Airlines, where Justin once sampled them and immediately fell in love. I agree that they are tasty.

Typically, both Justin and I are on hand if Henry is going to help bake, but since Justin is working so much, I was on my own. Thanks to Henry's over-exuberance with the mixing, rolling, and cookie cutting, these cookies might taste a bit like frustration . . . my frustration. Fortunately, frustration tastes good.

 The Naked Chef!

 Come on, you would be frustrated, too.

 Note the spill from out more advanced baker.

 Over-exuberant surface flouring.

 Refusing to give up the roller.

 Cookie cutter craziness!

 Rolling out cookies for sixth time thanks to Henry ruining five of every ten we cut.