Band Concert

Tonight we enjoyed listening to Allie toot her horn in the Beginner's Band Winter Concert at WBMS.  Some of our favorite songs were Jingle Bells and Twinkle, Twinkle.  Allie did great!!

Breakfast with Santa

You better watch out!! Look who came to town!! What a magical EARLY morning having breakfast with Santa himself. The kids enjoyed face painting, Christmas balloon art, a delicious breakfast, and a goodie bag. When Santa arrived he sang his way in, singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. There was even alpacas to visit with too. We all have a magical morning.

Gingerbread Houses

Annual gingerbread houses with the cousins. I made one for my library book display at school (putting it way up high and hoping no kids climb the bookshelf to snatch some candy off of it). Ayden made a model of our new lake house . It looks just like it! This was the first year I didn’t have to help these kiddos with their houses.

Allie is 12!

It’s my beautiful, baby girl’s birthday today!! This does not seem possible. How are you TWELVE?!? Watching you over these past 12 years has made my heart swell. You have brought a tremendous amount of joy and love to our whole family. I’m so proud of all that you are…mature, helpful, cooperative, understanding, daring, witty, funny, and dedicated. When you put your mind to something I just know you will accomplish something amazing. Stay true to yourself and be confident in all that you do this next year. I love you so much and I’m looking forward to our next chapter of adventures with my Allie Girl!

We’ve been celebrating this girl ALL WEEK! When you have school all day and practice all night on your birthday-day…you get creative!

Last weekend we kicked off our Allie-festivities. Dinner with Nana eating her favorite food, noodles…and a birthday taco cake (she had her heart set on a taco shaped cake). A trip to the mall to spend her gift cards and birthday money, and share a birthday milkshake with her mama.

Today our little elves continued their tradition of bringing a surprise this morning. One of her teachers decorated her locker at school and her computers teacher made her 4th hour sing Happy Birthday to her. A double birthday celebration with a cheer friend whose birthday is a day after Allie’s…a pirate theme seemed fitting.

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Allie’s birthday. She was spoiled with gifts from her friends and cheer besties too. 12 is pretty awesome so far!

Northpole Breakfast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…thankful for these little elves (and their pets) that bring us so much joy each year. Our annual North Pole breakfast kicked off our Christmas craziness. Jingle and Belle brought a cute puzzle, treats, and hot chocolate for the kiddos, and brought us all matching Christmas jammies! We made elf shaped pancakes and enjoyed reading our letters from our far away friends. Ayden was thrilled to have Jingle and Brownie back and even read him a few stories!! Melt my heart.

Thankful

 Thankful for time off from school, sleeping in, family dinner, and time spent with family.  So much to be thankful for.

 

First Snow

I dislike the cold…but yesterday I was thankful for the snow. This little guy played outside for HOURS all by himself!! He even shoveled the sidewalk that runs through our courtyard. I adore his love for snow and winter.