Christmas!!

Here are our tentative plans for this Christmas season. We love to have company, so please join us for any of these events!

Nov 29th -- Christmas Tree -- We go to a farm in Washington County and cut our own tree. The kids love it, and the trees are cheap. Call for details.

Nov 30th -- Von Trapp Family Christmas -- Descendants from the actual Von Trapp family (think Sound of Music) will be in Portland to perform. We haven't seen this before, but think that it will be fun. You can find out more at http://www.vontrappchildren.com/

Dec 5th -- "Follow the Star" Live Nativity -- The Seventh-Day Adventists put on an extraordinary live nativity for two weekends in Gladstone, Oregon. You move through several locations and see Herod, shepherds, Roman soldiers, and the Holy Family. The event is free, but it can get crowded, especially on the second weekend. Visit http://www.followthestar.us/

Dec 6th, 7pm -- Lake Oswego Ward Christmas Party -- Christmas program with food. The party is free and kid-friendly.

"A Christmas Carol" at Portland Center Stage -- A fabulous telling of one of the greatest stories ever written. There are many dates and times, but most of them sell out. More info at http://tickets.pcs.org/buytickets/calendar/view.asp?id=3681

Dec 12-13th, 8pm -- Portland Mormon Choir & Orchestra -- Scott sang with this group last year -one can only imagine how much better they are now. They put on a great and moving performance. Here are details http://www.portlandmormon.org/

"Polar Express" at Mt Hood Railroad -- This is a real train ride in Hood River, OR. They serve hot chocolate, sing carols, and arrive at Santa's village. It is a fun experience, especially for the kids. Visit http://www.mthoodrr.com/Polar_Express/MHRail_polar_express.html

Dec 20th -- Christmas Ships -- Decorated boats sail up and down the Willamette River with lights and fanfare. On this date, the ships will be cruising past Lake Oswego. The event in Milwaukie has a bonfire, carols, and treats. More info at http://www.christmasships.org/

-- Handel's "Messiah" -- Performed by the Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO), this is Scott's favorite Christmas event. The masterpiece "Messiah" is performed in its entirety on baroque-period instruments, with a small chorus, by extremely gifted musicians, in an intimate setting. It is difficult to remain unmoved. This sells out quickly, and we would love company. For tickets or more info, visit http://www.pbo.org/

Dec 24th, 11pm -- Midnight Mass -- There is something very special about passing the midnight hour on Christmas Eve with fellow believers-all while listening to beautiful song and scripture. We usually celebrate this event with the Catholics, and like to visit new cathedrals. Call us to find out where we will be.

Here are some other great events/activities that we haven't put on the calendar yet:

Gospel Christmas -- This is a fun concert with lively (sometimes racous) gospel music. Visit https://www.oregonsymphony.com/concerts/performance.aspx?perf=1212SC09

Festival of the Lights, The Grotto -- Beautiful setting, wonderful music, petting zoo and other activities for the kids. More info http://www.thegrotto.org/events/lights.htm

Zoo Lights -- Train rides and animals. See http://www.oregonzoo.org/Events/ZooLights/index.htm

Peacock Lane -- http://www.peacocklane.net/

If you have any suggestions of activities that we haven't listed, please let us know.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

1st Day of School

Jack started kindergarten this fall at Sonshine School. He loves class, and is having a great time. Jane started preschool for two hours twice-a-week. Despite the minimal commitment, Jane only lasted about a month before asking to stay home with Mom. Mom gladly obliged.

Soccer

Jack started soccer this fall. He has a lot of fun, and is quite good when he focuses. He had five goals in his first game, and six in the second. His prolific scoring, however, diminishes significanlty in direct correlation to his attention. In one game, he actually found a four-leaf clover during the game. Now that is multi-tasking!

New Job

With home building slowing down a little bit, Scott decided to pick up some part-time work. He got hired as adjunct faculty at Portland State University in the Business department. He will be teaching one class this fall, and maybe a couple more in winter.

January Update

So, Scott is almost finished with his first two homes. They are beautiful (I know I'm biased, but they really are!) He has been working a lot and we miss having him at home, but we are so proud.

Jack is loving school and is thriving at Sonshine pre-kindergarten. We are trying to decide what to do next year, and hoping to keep him at Sonshine for one more year. The class sizes are small and the teachers are awesome. Plus, he loves it!

Jane is three. I don't think I need to embelish on that. She has such a fun personality and laughs at everything...even when it gets her into trouble. She is a little ray of sunshine, with very strong opinions. She still carries her Winnie the Pooh Bear everywhere.

I'm working a little bit, and at the gym every day. The kids actually love to go to the daycare at the gyms and I look forward to the interaction with adults!

That's it in a nutshell. Nothing too exciting. We'll blog when we sell a home!!!

Visit the website for Scott's business at www.verde-homes.com