Family Mellmann

And we have a winner! Katherine ripped open her package and made the best "suprised" face I think I've ever seen on her. She wasn't interested in the Milka chocolate, but she's eager to play Donkey Kong! Patrick was his usual calm "oh that's cool" self.

...and (finally) something Katherine likes!

"Don't smile or you'll ruin the picture!"

This day begins our last week of school before Christmas break. (You can call it "winter break" if you want, but for us...it's CHRISTMAS!)

The cards read "We whisk you a Merry Christmas." and each whisk is filled with chocolate.

...and we have winner-Dove chocolate!

...and a lesson on gratitude and appreciation

Katherine still didn't like what she got. How did we get a child who doesn't like candy?

Each year our International friends get together (we gather for almost all the major holidays each year) to celebrate Christmas with "Adventsingen". Here, you can see Patrick playing his guitar as instrumental accompaniment. So cool.

Finally, a little enthusiasm!

No sign of Christmas excitement yet; it's still SO far away (if you're a kid).

Aren't they cheerful in the morning?...NOT

Patrick's birthday! I can't believe he turns 11 today.

Today I finished the last of the kids' spaces. I finished Katherine's room last fall, Patrick's room and their bathroom this fall, and today I finished their play room. Check it out .

Pictures of Katherine's birthday celebrations have been added to the Mellmann website.  I have also added pictures of Patrick's room makeover (which took me almost nine months) and the decorating of their bathroom (which only took one day).

Exciting times here in the Williston area, and in Vermont in general.  Here are some pictures of life in Williston, " post Hurricane Irene ".

I was on my way to bed when I spotted this little guy clinging to the front door. He's about the size of a quarter. I love living in the country.

Summer was just getting started when I made my last website updates.  Fortunately, for me, we also have a blog which can be updated easily from my cell phone.  Otherwise there would be large gaps in the story-telling of the Mellmann Family life. It's been a great summer, but it is already half over.  By half I mean that half of my kids are back in school.  Patrick started on Monday ( see his picture here ) as a fifth grader at Trinity.  For the first time, in nearly five years, he was ready for school to start.  Patrick looked forward to reconnecting with his school friends, and his teacher, whom he really likes a lot.  With the first week almost over, he is still sporting a really good attitude toward school and the work required.  I wish I could say the same about guitar practice and Tae Kwon Do. :) Katherine starts her first grade year next Wednesday.  It will be interesting to see how she handles the new academic requirements (first grade is more academically demanding than