Merry Christmas to One and All!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

I've scheduled this Christmas greeting to post at 1:00AM on Christmas morning, while we're all snuggled up in our beds with visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, because it will still be Christmas in the Philippines and the UK. Alfie's mum and dad are here with us, and we are having a wonderful time -- we hope you are enjoying your Christmas as much as we are!

I've sent out holiday newsletters with our holiday cards for almost every Christmas we've celebrated since The Pea was born. Holiday family newsletters can be subject to as much ridicule as fruitcake, but I like to do them because we live so far away from most of our family. It's all part of the effort to stay in touch and keep everyone updated with how we are doing.  This year I couldn't get my act together in time to send our newsletter out with our holiday cards, so I thought I'd update everyone on the blog instead. I'm adding photos from our holiday cards, so consider this your virtual holiday card and newsletter:

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas to one and all! We hope this newsletter finds everyone healthy and happy.

The Pea has caught up to Bonggamom in height and foot size (Alfie contends that she is a micro-inch taller but Bonggamom refuses to believe it). She is on her freshman year at our local high school and is loving Math and French. We are all delighted that she chose to join the high school band, and we've spent many a chilling night cheering her on as she and her bandmates performed at all of the home football games.

The boys have begun 6th grade at a new school, and they have adjusted nicely to Middle School life. 3Po plays defense on his competitive soccer team, and he recently joined the Palo Alto school district's Honor Orchestra. Our defensive midfielder Jammy is on his first year as a saxophone player with the school Band. Much to Alfie's pride and delight, both boys have taken up programming as a hobby.

Bonggamom is not quite ready to let go of the elementary school years, so she continues to work at the kids' old elementary school as web master and activities director. Her work as a blogger, social media manager, and carpool driver fills the rest of her time. Alfie's work keeps him busy on weekdays; he also volunteers treasurer of the boys' soccer team.  Soccer and dance continue to fill our weekends.

This year, our travels took us to San Diego (where the boys had a soccer tournament), the Philippines (where we spent 5 fabulous weeks traveling around the islands), Las Vegas, Reno, and Disneyland (where The Pea performed onstage with her band). We are looking forward to more exciting adventures and more memorable encounters with friends and family!

Wishing you peace, joy, and love in 2016!\