Pre Christmas fun

We were so happy to put up our tree this year. With all that happened last year we just weren't able to do it. The kids are big enough now that they were able to help put the tree together. It went really fast. Not sure why, but I only got one picture of the process. The kids love the countdown to Christmas. On Christmas Eve we made gingerbread cookies for Santa. Our art abilities leave much to be desired, but we all had fun decorating them. Even Grandma Sandra joined in the fun. They were really good cookies. I think Santa had 4 of them.

School Awards

Both girls received awards at school in Dec. Kallie got her award for Outstanding AR Reading points. The higher the reading level, the more points you receive. The principal said that Kallie had a lot of points for a fifth grader...she's in third grade. She really loves to read. Jenna got her award for excellence in reading also. She is reading and writing better every day. Her teacher sends home extra books almost every day. We are so happy that they have found a joy in reading.

Thanksgiving

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in AZ at my sister Tanya's house. We played with friends, relaxed and had lots of time with family. Jenna and Corbin helped me make the rolls. We enjoyed...football/movie watching, kids playing in the tent, crafts, cooking, and keeping Griffin busy. It was crazy but so fun and so yummy.

Using the Sun

It's silly, I know, but this brings me joy. Byron hung a clothes line for me in our patio area. I love that, most of the time, I can hang the laundry out to dry. I kind of get a little giddy each time I pay for 4 washes and only have to pay for one dry. It's the simple things in life, right?

Jenna turns 6

The week before Thanksgiving Jenna turned 6. We had such a fun day. At school they had a Thanksgiving feast. It was crazy with all the kindergartners and their families. After school we enjoyed a yummy bouquet of fruit and a fun whoopie cushion b-day card. Jenna was so excited to open presents. She is learning to read and so we had to read the book she got right away. Thanks for all the love that was sent our way for her special day!

Aaarrrggg...

Corbin went to a friend's pirate birthday party. The kids did pirate crafts, searched for treasure, ate a pirate ship cake, and came home with lots of booty.

May I introduce...

So I went into the kids room one morning to wake them up, glanced around, and this is what I saw on the shelf. I looked for a few minutes, a little confused, and then Kallie says to me..."Darth Vader is introducing Yoda to the Storm Trooper." Yep, thought of it all on her own. I laughed soo hard.