Emma's Dance Recital

Emma was so excited this year to be back with her favorite dance teacher, Miss Amy.  She got to dance as an angel with the older dancers that were on pointe.  And for her tap dance, she was a Chinese dancer from the Nutcracker.  I'm pretty sure she had the best time of her life.  I rushed backstage just seconds before she went on stage and snapped this picture.  Heavenly angel!

 

Tacky Sweater Party

Our family was invited to a "Tacky Sweater" party this year at our friends, Ryan and Amanda's house.  The invitation said there would be a prize for the tackiest individual, and I'm pretty sure Trenton took that as a personal challenge.  We spent our evening the night before the party searching every nook and cranny of our local Goodwill, and we even raided my mom's closet.  (Hopefully that didn't offend her?)  Anyway, our efforts paid off, because not only did Trenton win tackiest adult, but Emma won for the kid's category.  Ha ha.  Emma won a gingerbread making kit, and Trenton won a bottle of strawberry cider with its very own tacky sweater.
 

 

School Christmas Parties

Ben's preschool party consisted of fun crafts, yummy treats, games, and a Christmas story.  What more could a 4 year old ask for?

Emma's party was equally precious.  Unfortunately, I missed the program because I had to pick Ben up from school, but I was still able to spend time with her during the meal.  I'm definitely having to come to terms with the reality that I am only one person, and I can't be in two places at once.  Thankfully, my kids are the most understanding creatures on the planet, and they're grateful for any time I can share with them.  Now that it's Christmas break, we will have plenty of time together.  Thank goodness for that.

Emma's 6th Birthday

Last Sunday, we headed over to Laurie and Darrell's to celebrate Emma's and Diana's birthdays.  The kids were elated that they got to take a surprise trip around the cul-de-sac on a motorcycle.  Then the kids decorated cookies with Grandma.  After dinner, Emma was spoiled with even more gifts from the family and yummy cheesecake for dessert.

On Emma's actual birthday, we saw the new Disney movie, "Frozen," and headed back to our house to celebrate with my side of the family.