Leaving a fantastic 2010...

It is safe to say that 2010 proved to be another great year for the Hooper family! It seems like each year gets better and better, so 2011 has a lot to live up to. Just in 2010, Caden learned how to read, Keali learned how to write many of her letters, the family moved to Europe, Scott had a great work year, and I have the best job imaginable. We are truly very fortunate and we appreciate it each day.

December was a very busy and fun month for us. Just a few highlights:

- Sinterklaas came in from Spain and went back again - without Caden or Keali in a burlap sack!

- We had our first visitor from the States (thanks Ashley!) which gave us an opportunity/excuse to go to the Van Gogh museum AND pick up our Christmas tree in typical Dutch fashion (on a bicycle).

- Caden had his first big play at school where he "performed" as a polar bear (super cute!).

- Scott and I made a quick trip to Houston where we were able to see many of our friends.

- We had our first overseas Christmas in Europe. Fortunately the reindeer food enticed Santa's reindeer to come all the way over here so Santa could leave gifts for the kids. Skype allowed us to see our family on Christmas day, but we still missed seeing everyone in person.

- I received my annual painted piggy bank from the kids and LOVED it! That combined with my iPad may point to my best Christmas yet!

- Scott cooked up some excellent dinners for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The European portion sizes went out the window for the holidays!

- We took the kids to see the World Circus. It consists of acts from circus's around the world performing all in one big circus. It was a fantastic show and the kids loved it. I don't think they have ever sat still for so long...

- We found an awesome indoor swimming pool with slides and wave pools and lots of shallow water for the kids to play in. This may be their highlight of the whole month. Everyday they ask if they can go to the "swimmy place".

- And lastly, Scott and I went out for New Year's Eve. We had a delicious dinner at a Michelin rated restaurant and then went out to see the crazies! Trams stop running in A'dam on NYE due to people blowing up firecrackers ON the trams! People were all over the place blowing up fireworks throughout the city, streets, etc. When we came home, the cab couldn't drive us the last block due to the 30+ people blowing fireworks all the way down our street. Now I fully appreciate why Houston has made it illegal to have fireworks in the city limits!

January 2011 brings lots of fun to the party too. Keali turns 4 this month, and I am scheduled to return to the States for about a week. Scott's work churns back up this month, and life just generally returns to normal once the kids are back in school.

We are looking forward to a great 2011!