Ski video

more skiing

We headed out to Lake Lipno with the Pokluda's for a couple of days of skiing. We signed the kids up for ski lessons for a couple of hours each day and we took every advantage of skiing that we could, including night skiing! The weather was cold (-20 Celsius) but the sun was shining and we had a blast. By the end of the trip Lucy and Clark were able to take the chair lift by themselves, and they were able to ski down the beginner slope with no problem.

Swimming

We so wanted to warm up after all of the snowy days so we headed to aqua palace for a few hours of swimming and water slide fun.

new years eve

After a day of skiing we headed to the Pokluda's for a festive night. We thought we would stay for a couple of hours and then head home... but my crew was in a partying mood and we stayed all night! The evening was filled with dancing, karaoke, and a few "shows" by the kids. We stayed till a bit after a 11 then headed home to watch fireworks, and welcome in the new year with the clanging of pots and pans.

Happy New Year!

Skiing!

I have always been a summer person, love the beach, hot weather and all summer sports. Living in Prague where our winters are so long I have come to appreciate the cold, the snow, and the feel of real winter. I love sledding, and watching the snow fall from the comfort of my home, but winter sports were missing from my life. I have skied a handful of times, I have enjoyed it but have always been a bit intimated by it - especially now with three kids in tow. This year we

decided to take the plunge and learn how to ski. Some friends invited us to join us for a day

of skiing so we jumped at the chance. Getting skis, figuring out where to go, trying to help the kids, trying to feel stable on skis myself... it was all painful. We relized quickly we would need reinforcements... we hired a couple of ski teachers who were FABULOUS! They got them on the tow rope and up to the top of the hill. They taught them how to turn and stop and lean left and right. By the end of the day Lucy and Clark where very comfortable and excited about

skiing... so much so we decided to come back the next day and keep working at it. All three of them had lessons the next day and did fabulous. Piper just kept laughing and telling her teacher she wanted to go faster.

Happy New Year!

Love, the Davises

ice skating

This year we have decided to embrace all winter sports. All over the city little ice skating rinks appear - here in Prague they are downtown, while in all neighboring villages little ponds are frozen and people skate on them. We headed downtown to a rink and gave it a whirl. To my surprise Lucy stepped out and just went for it, and she did great. Clark laughed and laughed and half skated and half fell but had a great time. And Miss P enjoyed it too. The next day they all wanted to go back so we headed back for day two. The Falk's came with us and everyone did even better. Piper even wanted to skate by herself, she didn't make it very far but she was determined to try. I love the feeling of skating outside, snow falling and the very crisp air outside it just makes me feel like we are in a movie with great background music playing.

notice the bunny hat is still on her head...

this is how we roll...getting rid of the tree

Papa and Yaya's Visit

We had a wonderful visit with Phil's parents- a.k.a. Papa and Yaya. We spent a lot of time playing games chatting, hanging out and just being. That is what we all loved most just being together. But we did manage to get out a bit... here are some highlightsIn Davis tradition we had our annual Davis after-Christmas bowling tournament. Since not all of the Davis clan was here we called in some friends that feel like family, the Falks and Pokludas to join in the festivities. Of course the bowling scores were sent back to Richmond...

Snowman building...
Sledding ...
into the creek...

Christmas markets...

Snuggle time...

plus forts, games, coloring, art projects, cookie baking, and lots and lots of laughs... sweet bliss.

Christmas!

We had a very fun Christmas! Papa and Yaya came to Prague to celebrate with us. We started things off right with a packed out Christmas Eve service at church worshiping and celebrating the birth of Jesus. The rest of the evening was spent with family and friends feasting on an Italian potluck, Jake made spaghetti and meatballs and everyone else brought things to share including peppermint ice cream! We even had a special viewing of the Grinch.

Lucy, Clark and Piper wrote a special note to Santa saying thank you for all of his hard work to bring the toys. They left out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. And got into their matching pj's for a night of sweet dreams of anticipation for the next morning!

Yaya woke up at 5:30 ready to open gifts but as the children were still sleeping we made her wait till 7.

Stockings where filled and packages ripped open! Lucy and Clark were very excited that Santa brought them each a Nintendo DS and Piper LOVES her bunny hat that Mr. and Mrs. Shoemake sent for her. Lots of squeals, lots of laughter, and lots of hugs of thanksgiving. The rest of the day was spent in our jammies, playing with new toys, napping, watching movies and just enjoying each other. It was fabulous!!!!

Merry Christmas from ours to yours!