December Continues

December was quite the month! Carlos had several meetings for school, the girls had gymnastics every Tuesday, a birthday party early in the month, and then a stretch where both girls were home due to Aimy's chicken pox. And, of course, just before the holidays, Alixe came down with the chicken pox too. Hers was more impressive than Aimy's - more spots, a bit itchier, and with a nice cold on top of everything that made it hard for her to sleep and more uncomfortable overall. Fortunately she was a pretty good sport about it all, especially about taking her medicine. Aimy also had fun at the free skating day for kids under 8, and she went to the local pool with her class for swimming lessons on the last Friday before the holidays. And on my own side of things, I had a concert with my second concert band the first weekend in December, and went to concerts for other concert bands every weekend until Christmas. It was neat to see what other groups were working on and to be inspired to play even better.

I found pictures of Aimy making the reindeer from the last post

Very focused. She loves crafts!

She can make sounds! Looks like
we might have another brass player
in the family

Playing games at one of the outdoor
concerts we went to in December

A snow angel and some trees
playing Christmas tunes

"Houston, we have a Popcorn"
- when I went to see Star Wars

Aimy and her "fiancé" Antoine
at the local tempoarary skating rink.
Those two love hanging out together

Another jazz band, this time made up of snowmen

Alixe wasn't sure if she was happy
about having her picture taken
with a snowwoman

But for me, one of the most exciting things that happened in December was my naturalization ceremony. That's right - I officially have dual citizenship! The ceremony took place at the préfecture in Mont-de-Marsan, and I'll admit to getting a bit choked up more than once. After all this waiting, it feels amazing to officially feel at home.

Me with the deputy mayor of Biscarrosse (whose daughter
is in the orchestra with me! Small world) and the Préfete. I
have just given up my resident card and been
given my official folder with my citizenship papers

Everyone sitting was naturalized - but this is only half
of the room! I think we were about 40 to be naturalized
that day.