Turkey Run Park

On our way back from the Thanksgiving party we stopped at the Turkey run park just off the George Washington parkway. After the big dinner the night before a little hike it the woods on a sunny cool winter day was really fun.

From the parking lot the path zigzagged  down to the Potomac

We didn't cross the little creek - of course Mia was a bit disappointed about that

But then she had some other nice climbing opportunities

There were also some cool icicles

On the way back up we took a little break

Back in the car Mia was asleep within 10 minutes and didn't wake up for two hours

Thanksgiving at Yilei's

On Thanksgiving Ji's cousin Yilei had invited us to come over to her place and celebrate with her family. The food was not very traditional but still very good with everything from quiche Lorraine, to duck, ribs and sushi.

The kids had their own table

After dinner cousin Ben Ben did a small piano recital

 The audience was captivated

Then it was time to bring out the ice cream turky for desert

No thanksgiving party is complete of course without some relaxing time in a nice recliner in fron of the TV

Or some TV time in PJs on a sofa

Thanksgiving at School

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving Mia's class did a little performance. The pilgrims came to Amrica by ship and had a celebration with the locals. Mia and Hana had the role of the two pilgrim girls

On the ship

 

The pilgrims and locals did some dancing

 The school day ended with a Thanksgiving feast. Mia didn't like the turkey but enjoyed the cupcakes and oreos

Long Branch Nature Center

On a nice fall day we went for a nice walk at the Long Branch nature Center

Good Bye Car Seat

After four years Mia has outgrown her car seat and it was time to say good bye. Here a comparison of when she first tried it out in the October of 2009 and now

The new seat is a booster seat

St Martin Parade

On a cool and clear Friday evening the German school invited to traditional Germana St. Martin parade with lanterns and a St. Martin on his horse

The parents could drink some Glühwein to warm up before the parade started.

After the parade the children gathered around a soccer field where the story of St Martin was played and read

After that Mia enjoyed the hot chocolate to warm up in the cafeteria

Great Falls

On a sunny but cool fall day we went to the Great Falls National Park which is about 30 minute drive away. Since may people had the same idea we had to wait 20 minutes to get in.

After a pick nick we played some frisbee

The outlook for the waterfalls was also a got spot for climbing

Halloween at Home

Our building had organized a Halloween party for all the children in the afternoon before it turned dark.
There were some snacks

And the Mia met some of the younger kids she knows and likes
Xena and Kennedy

 Bay Nico

Of course Luca and Chloe were there as well

As group it was more to Trick or Treat in the neighborhood

 Good thing Mia had a big bag

Haloween Party at School

Of course November 31 was not a regular day for Mia's preschool: 1At 0 o'clock everyone changed into their customs.

 Like last year Mia turned into a scary pirate

 After the group picture Mia's class went outside for the parade

 Then it was time for some cookies and cupcakes

There was also time to play a bit