Alphabet Animals at the Zoo

"Animals, animals
All at the zoo...

Come to see the animals
And they can see you ...

A is for the Alligator
B is for the Bear
C is for the Caterpillar
Creeping everywhere..."
- John "Kinderman" Taylor





With the holiday parties and family gatherings coming to an end, we were able to have our first play date today with all of our old friends. We all met up at the Fort Worth Zoo this morning to see the animals in action. The children gazed with wide eyes as we strolled by each habitat. Most of the animals were outside soaking up the rays.


After 3 hours of wonder and awe, we headed across the street for a quick picnic and to ride the Forest Park Train, our favorite Fort Worth attraction. A 40 minute train ride along the Trinity River and a box of popcorn can bring a smile to any child's face.







We concluded the day baking and decorating animal shaped cookies at Grandma's house.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

"We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year."








We arrived home safely and the boys did wonderful during our 18+ hour trip home. Santa found us at Grandma's house and left too many toys (as usual). The weather here has been amazing...blue skies and temps in the 60's. We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Banana Boat Song

"Day-oh, Day-oh
Daylight come and I wanna go home!
Day-oh, Day-oh
Daylight come and I wanna go home!"
- Harry Belafonte

Bags are packed. House is clean. Taxi is reserved. The weather is in our favor, hopefully no delays. We are coming home! We now just have to survive 16 hours of travel time with the boys.

Upon our arrival into Texas, Grandma will anxiously be waiting for us at the airport. Our schedule is full during our stay as we try to see all of our friends and family, visit our favorite attractions, take a road trip to Oklahoma, eat at our most missed restaurants, get a "good" haircut, enjoy some sunshine, take advantage of our free babysitters, go to a real grocery store, and meet the newest member of our family, my niece and Godchild.

We are departing Helsinki on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. To imagine just 6 months ago we experienced 23 hours of daylight and now the sun rises at 0930 and sets at 1510. After tomorrow the days will slowly increase in length, reaching 23 hours once again in mid-June.

When we return back to Finland winter should be in full force. Temperatures around -20 Celsius, snow on the ground, and more daylight will welcome us. Safe travels to everyone this holiday season!

White Christmas

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
with every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry an' bright
and may all your Christmas's be white!"
- Irving Berlin


Dreaming may be the closest to snow most of Europe gets this Christmas. With record high temperatures throughout the entire continent, the holiday spirit is at a low. Thanks to Global Warming, 2006 is the sixth warmest on record. Many families planned ski vacations to the Swiss Alps for their holiday and now have to turn it into a hiking vacation. One of the top British Christmas destinations for 'believing' families is Rovaniemi, Finland the home of Santa Claus. Tourist flock there to enjoy sleigh rides pulled by real reindeer, Santa Park, Santa Claus Village, and snow ball fights. The town that sits on the Artic Circle that is usually blanketed in white is green this year.


Helsinki received it's first snowfall of December last night. With a forecast returning above freezing tomorrow, the snow will soon disappear leaving the city without a white Christmas this year! In the news today, even the animals of the city are being effected by the warm temperatures.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

"We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star.

O Star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light."
- Rev. John Henry Hopkins


Big's preschool had their Christmas Play this afternoon at Finlandia Hall. All 4 locations of his school gathered to perform on stage. Big's classmates were dressed as 'Baby Kings' as their skit was looking for the King of Christmas. Their only line spoken was "Where's the king?" along with singing various carols and dancing with angels during the 2 hour show.



Out of his 6 classmates, 5 showed. Out of the 5, only 3 were brave enough to dress in costume and walk onto the stage. I am sad to say my child was not one of the brave ones today. After an hour of struggling and bribes (a package of M&Ms in his pocket), I did get his costume and crown on long enough to take a few pictures. After all that he would not let me leave the dressing room without him.





Unfortunately, Big watched the play from the front row on my lap. When his class first stepped on stage, he mentioned wanting to join them so I encouraged him to participate. He made it up the stairs and about 10 more feet before "freezing." Needless to say he rejoined me in the audience.








I was quite proud of all the Baby Kings and their performance today. Hopefully Big will gain enough courage to join next time.