The Durneys Go Dutch: January 2025

A lot of merriment before we left for our Winter break on the 15th.

Starting with Sinterklaas. Jude's grade did the traditional Dutch secret gift exchange where they wrote a poem for their selected person to help them guess who the present is for. They then had to purchase a small present and wrap it creatively to reflect the recipient. Jude got a girl in his class who likes swimming and playing the flute and we were so impressed by what he created for her. In addition to the usual Sinterklaas arrival on horse into the parking lot and time with him in school, they also got to do their gift exchange. A good day!

Incomplete, but he made swim lanes with beads and string and cut out images of swimmer and lined the inner flaps with Sinterklaas music for flute.

The kids must have been good because Sint delivered presents that evening!

Dakota and Kristen joined me for cookie baking this year

All dressed up for his piano concert

I didn't think I'd be able to join friends for a boat tour of the light festival this year, but Jude's piano concert was slated to end earlier than expected and my FOMO won out. So glad I could go as the lights were really cool this year and the company was even better.

Pre-drinks at Hilary's and then waiting for our sweet ride to show up

Bathroom (break) selfie

We had our caroling party the following evening so I was responsible and tore myself away from the fun after party at a local bar to catch the last tram home.

Bustling city at midnight

So festive back home

Carina organized a paint-your-own pottery morning at Artsy Avenue. I picked it up post-glaze on my birthday and love it!

Back at home, it was time for some serious party prep.

The kids did some rehearsing of their Jingle Bells trio

Pete insisted we buy this when we got our tree.

Last year, the kids did a great kid's club on the top floor to entertain the little ones during the party. Since the top floor is now our primary suite, they had to change things up a bit. Maeve didn't want to be involved in the club this year and asked to bartend. We made a punch that was easy for her to ladle and she put out a tip jar. Win-win.

After a lot of mingling, it was music time! The trio started us off and then lots of kids and grownups took turns sharing their musical abilities.

Deck the Halls solo

Nathan upped the game and busted out his trumpet.

Maeve had some help behind the bar.

Sammy and Violet- the sweetest!

A very successful party!

Jude chose this Santa from the garden center.

Audrey turned 40 and Hilary planned the best surprise. She loves Zumba so Hilary got her favorite teacher to run a private class for us. Our coordination could use some work, but it was really fun!

Post-workout lunch

With work being slow this month, I felt like everything was under control for our Winter break so squeezed in one final lunch in the city with these lovely ladies on the last day of school.