Rembrandt in America

 

Today the boys and I had a rare treat as we visited the "Rembrandt in America" Exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Art.  It is the largest collection of Rembrandts paintings from America ever assembled and the only location on the East Coast!  What an incredible experience to study his history and then to see his actual paintings was a real delight.  What a gifted painter he was.  Unfortunately, no photos inside were allowed, but we promise we had a great time with our homeschool co-op.  What a blessing!

Will the real "Papaw" please stand up??!!!

The real Papaw . . .

PaPAW the Blue Dog - Anthony's favorite stuffed animal!

Of course, the real Papaw has been around for much longer, but PaPAW the Blue Dog holds a very special place in Anthony's heart.  If you look closely enough, you can see the months of accumulated dirt :(   Since PaPAW travels with us everywhere and Anthony is constantly conversing with him, it became a little confusing when the real Papaw was visiting us last week as to whom he was really talking to :)  He's a part of the family, but we love the real Papaw the most :)

January skies

What a beautiful sunset the Lord gave us!  Its hard to believe this is January and we are having such warm weather.  We love it as it reminds us of Florida winters :)  This was the scene out our front door a few nights ago and we had to catch it in a picture.  We serve a loving and creative God!

The goal, basketball goal, that is :)

Amaury putting together a great gift from Papaw - a basketball goal!  Nathan was a big help.

The other two decided to play in the yard :)

Noah, on a play break, taking it easy.

Papaw, recognizing that the boys needed more than the one-hour a week practice sessions to improve their game, bought them a basketball goal.  Let's just say that its getting a lot of use these days.  With the warmer than usual winter weather, the boys have played every day since it was assembled.  Can't wait to see how it improves their confidence and skills.  Thanks, Papaw!

Anthony at school

Art time, drawing a Norman Rockwell :)

Listening intently during Science time :)

Anthony is in 1st grade and really enjoys our weekly homeschool co-op.  Possibly his favorite time is Science where he regularly participates in several experiments.  These first six weeks we're studying chemistry.  In Art time we are studying uniquely American artists like Rockwell and O'Keeffe.  What a blessing to be part of such a wonderful educational environment!

Upward 2012

Anthony's (red shirt) team, the Falcons, listening to devotions . . .

Nathan's first year in Upward :)  His team is the Lakers!

Even Papaw got in on the action . . .

Anthony awaiting tip-off . . .

Despite the strange face, quite possibly Anthony's favorite time --- SNACK time!

Nathan's  (#12) getting in on the action!

We really enjoy Upward!  This is Anthony's second year and the first for Nathan.  We love the opportunity the kids have for so many different sports and the Christian approach to the game.  We're looking forward to a great season!

New Year's Eve at HOME!

What's New Year's Eve without a little Twister?!

The Championship Round (shhh!  Anthony won!)

The official Twister spinner ;)

Thomas is always invited to our parties!

A little Domino action :)

Celebrating at midnight!

A boy and his dog ("Papaw") . . .

Welcome to 2012!

We have really loved creating some fun family traditions at the holidays over the years :)  We really enjoy New Year's Eve at the Santos house :)  Lots of fun and silly games, good food, and the countdown to midnight :)  There's no place we'd rather be!  Thanks be to God for a fantastic year full of good health, great friend, countless blessings, His protection, provision, love, mercy, and grace over our family.  May we continue to grow in our knowledge and love for Him in 2012!

 I love that New Year's Day fell on a Sunday and we could start the year off right by heading out to our wonderful church :)  The day was so warm and bright (as you can tell by the photos of our half-closed eyes!) and picture perfect in so many ways.  We are blessed beyond measure :)