Week 25: Silvan's first Solstice, Hannukah, and Christmas

This week, Silvan got to celebrate three different winter rituals. We're not sure he made much distinction between them: all three involved shiny wrapping paper, which he loves. We started the week with our observation of the Solstice. Silvan has been enjoying our live Solstice tree all month, and on this day we opened all our presents together as a new little family.

We also lit our first candle for Hannukah on the Solstice. We're celebrating Hannukah with Yifot this year. She taught us how to make latkes, and we ate them until we got sick. Yif has this awesome militant menorah from her folks in Israel:

When our celebrations were winding down later in the week, Bruce's parents came out from Dodge City, along with two chihuahuas and their puppies, to celebrate Christmas with us. This was their first time meeting Silvan. He was very taken with his Grandpa Zink's beard, and with his Grandma's hair and glasses.

We all spent a lot of time talking, and Bruce cooked clam chowder and roasted a duck.

Bruce's father taught us to make candles out of tangerines, and his mother taught Yif some knitting tricks.

Silvan was pleased with his toys, the lights and candles, and the attention. We are all about tired out.