Happy Santa Lucia Day

My children are learning about St. Lucia in school this season.

Santa Lucia was a young, Italian girl who believed strongly in the Christian faith. At the time, Christianity was banned in her country. When her mother became ill, Lucia persuaded her to make a journey to a Christian holy place. Lucia's mother was miraculously cured, and in gratitude, Lucia decided to give away her wealth. Later, Lucia was put to death by her government when they realized she was a Christian. Centuries later, Lucia was declared a saint by the church. The name Lucia means "light" so she became the saint of vision and light.

The Saint of Vision and Light. I like that.

In Sweden, it is the tradition that on St. Lucia Day, the eldest daughter in the family wakes before everyone else and, wearing a white gown and wreath of lighted candles on her head, prepares and serves sweet cakes and coffee to each member of her family. It is said that she brings "good will and light to the long winter's night."

My eldest daughter O, of her own volition, decided to "practice" being St. Lucia. Each and every morning this week, she woke before the rest of us, while it was still dark, and poured the coffee and presented us with treats. After a couple of days of this, J joined her as her "maid."

So sweet.

The Nutcracker

We survived Nutcracker week!


And that's saying something. Every night last week, school nights for my young girls, we had evening rehearsals for the Nutcracker ballet performance. This is the Nutcracker performance in our small town. The dancers pair with the local symphony orchestra and perform the Nutcracker ballet. It's a remarkably professional production with terrific dancers, direction, choreography, and music. It's really incredible.


But the rehearsals were late. Very late. They were from 7:00 to 9:30 each and every night last week. Normally, O and J are in bed by 8:00 at the latest. By Friday, performance night, they were both about to collapse. But instead, they were terrific! Absolutely beautiful in the performance, both remembering their parts completely, and smiling through the whole thing.


We weren't allowed to take pictures during the performance, but here's some before and after pics. Before costumes....




As a Marzipan Sheep and a Chinese Dancer.....




And afterwards with flowers and gifts from Mom and Dad....


It was wonderful!

Goodbye Summer

We started our summer with a trip to Mexico with friends. Lots of friends!

Then we celebrated Father's Day in Sedona.


And Mongo and Papa came to visit.


We played lots of dress-up (pictured here as Batman and Batgirl),



and took two trips to Lake Powell.


We celebrated the Fourth of July,


and O's 7th birthday.


We camped up at Alta Lakes,


and spent a week in Telluride.


Then we spent two weeks in Chicago visiting family.





And then home again, for a daytrip to Slide Rock State Park,


playdates with friends,


bike rides,


and a trip to the county fair.


Finally, we had a Labor Day lemonade stand,

and a run through the sprinkler.

Along the way we laughed and played. We stayed up late and slept in. We relaxed and enjoyed.

We will miss you Summer! See you next year!