Nov - Dec 2025

November and December were mostly quiet since none of the kids were doing sports and Lydia's art class had ended.  

Nate was super proud of himself for 'hunting' a fly that had been pestering us.  Here is his classic deadhead photo with the fly:

He based it off a classic Calvin and Hobbes comic.

Nate and I were able to go in to Derek's class and help while the kids did a fun STEM building activity.  His group's creation withstood the rain and wind. 

Karina also got her wisdom teeth removed!! In August she was having some pain in her mouth with her wisdom teeth so we scheduled a consultation.  The x-ray showed that her wisdom teeth were at the surface.  The oral surgeon said it is easier to remove the wisdom teeth before their roots grow too much because it makes recovery much easier and less painful, and surgery simpler.  Karina's teeth are straight (she never needed braces!), but there was definitely no room for her wisdom teeth to come in.  So we decided to just have the wisdom teeth removed before they had the chance to pop out and make her teeth crooked.  Karina opted for local anesthesia only, though general anesthesia was a choice.  She was a pro as the surgeon drilled into the teeth and removed them with pliers.  I sat in the room during surgery and it was eerie. 

Karina's face was super swollen after the surgery.  The gauze made her look like a vampire!

Over Thanksgiving, Mimi and Mormor came to visit.  We also had the opportunity to dogsit Renni and also a cat named Willow.  Willow is a fancy 'ragdoll' breed of cat.  Ragdolls are known for their docile, placid temperament, and affectionate nature.  While very pretty, Willow was the definition of a scaredy cat.  She did not like us and spent much of her time hiding.  We spent hours looking for her, before Mormor found her hiding in the linen closet.  We tried to keep her locked in the office, but Karina took pity on her and decided to release her to the rest of the house.

Karina, Mimi, and Mormor sort of made friends with Willow and got to hold and pet her.  

 

Renni on the other hand was a joy to have at our house!  He is 12 pounds of cuteness that brings happiness to everyone.  He loves everyone, and has a way of putting people in a good mood and bringing them joy.  He was certainly a contrast to the cat. 

Thanksgiving was a success.  Mormor made the turkey, potatoes, green beans, and gravy, and I made the cranbrosia, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, pecan pie, oreo pie, and pumpkin roll.  Everything turned out, and I enjoy the tradition. 

Our bundle of joy Renni and the reluctant cat.  I will admit that Willow is very pretty.  

We went on a hike on the Trolley #9 trail that goes from downtown Ellicott City and into Catonsville.  It's a beautiful paved 2.5 mile there and back trail (1.25 miles each way) through the forest. 

After Thanksgiving week, Mimi and Mormor flew home.  In December we also visited a house with Christmas lights (and they give away free popcorn and hot chocolate), and visited the train garden at the fire station where you search for items in the train garden.  

Karina and Lydia are doing great with piano.  Here they are with Miss Maja, their piano teacher.  They had a piano recital at a fancy retirement home. 

I thought Karina's hair looked particularly nice for her recital.

For Christmas it was just us and we had a great few days.    

After Christmas in Maryland, we drove to Kentucky for 5 days from Dec 26-31.