12-1, Christmas Lights

You know I'm not a die-hard photographer when I won't get out of the car when it's 15 degrees to take pictures of the Christmas lights.  It's even more embarrassing to admit that half the time I won't even make Sven pull over and I'll just do a 'drive-by shooting'.   Oh well, it is what it is and it explains the quality of these next few photos!!  Anyway, we were surprised to see the town and neighborhood Christmas lights going up the weekend before Thanksgiving.  But, something about it, made it seem ok-- probably the snow, frigid air and lingering sunset over the Rockies.  With Sven's work schedule and Nikolas' karate classes, we haven't had any time to drive around yet and look at other lights, but here are a few from our neighborhood and our town.

12-1, Nikolas' Yellow Belt

Three months has passed since Nikolas began karate.  He started as a white belt (everyone does).  Each month he attended the minimum requirement of eight classes and received a stripe on his belt. After his second stripe, he was eligible to test for the next ranking belt- the yellow belt.  He performed precisely and confidently and earned his yellow belt on December 1.  He was SO excited and we are so proud of him.  Not only has he progressed with his belt, but a few weeks ago the Shihan invited Nikolas to begin practicing with the Black Belt class.  It's very rare for a white belt (as he was at the time) to be allowed into the Black Belt class.  After a few weeks of this trial, the Shihan confirmed that he would like Nikolas to move out of the Basic class and continue with the Black Belt program.  We're not quite sure where Nikolas gets his athletic drive from, but it sure is inspiring to watch him excel at the various activities that he chooses.

This is part of Nikolas' test for his yellow belt.

I can blame this vertical format on Sven.  =)  He manned the video while I took still shots.  Ha!

(For those of you who receive these post updates directly via email, you  might not be able to see the videos.  If this is the case, go to the blog website to see the videos, www.krauss-haus.blogspot.com.)

12-1 What a difference.....

Oh yes, what a difference a day makes!  On Wednesday, it was in the 60s, sunny and beautiful!  Sven and I raked leaves in the yard wearing short-sleeved shirts.  JUST my idea of a November day! And then....and then.....Thursday.  We woke up to temperatures in the 20s and snow on the ground.  Oh no,  winter was upon us within one day.  

In Montana (as with everywhere else I've lived since then), they say that if you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes and it will change.  I am thinking that this phrase may best apply to Colorado!  So....I'm waiting......