December 2017

December was full of...well...everything. It always seems that way when the end of the year hits though. This year, Alex started band and is currently playing my old trumpet. He's coming along on his playing so well! And with band comes concert time. Alex has his bad concert on the same day that Abby had her 4th grade music concert. It was actually pretty funny when they played the ugly sweater song. Abby's favorite part? Making an ugly sweater to wear. And I never even got her to wear it for a picture other than in the group shot here.

Alex's band concert

After the band and vocal concerts with my three turkeys.

I got the pleasure of being treated to a pretty snazzy haircut courtesy of Mandy for my early birthday present. It was by far the fanciest haircut experience I've ever had.

Then we got to go to see Santa and enjoy our annual trolley and carriage ride around the town. This year Josh had to work, so I took the kids by myself. We still had plenty of fun and it wasn't too bad of weather for the occasion.

 

 Then of course we had to make gingerbread houses from our traditional graham crackers and buttload of sugary goodness. I'm the only one that didn't even nibble a single bite when it was done. The kids, however, devoured them entirely.

A proud moment incoming! Alex was chosen as a Top Dog student at school. This basically means that he shows all the requirements and characteristics needed to be the best student he can be at school. This is a big deal as only one boy and one girl is chosen each month out of the school year. I am super-duper proud of this kiddo. He's a great kid and an AWESOME student. That's means we're doing something right. He gets certain privileges throughout the year including helping out Mr. Reynold's (the gym teacher who is seriously the best) and missing school to help out at the end of the year. He got to bring home the trophy for a month and it was filled with all sorts of goodies to celebrate him. Go Alex!

Josh and I celebrated our 16th anniversary. Seriously. How has it been this long? Poof! Time gone. We celebrated by going to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the balcony in our theater. Great time and a great movie! Happy 16th to us and many more to come!  (P.S. We never take selfies together.)

 Then there was the annual trip to the city light display that is always a favorite. We go out to eat at Wendy's, go Christmas shopping and then enjoy the lights. It's not a great picture, but it was a wonderful time.

Evie had another round of gingerbread house making at school. *sniff* the last Christmas party in Pre-K. :(

Christmas cookie decorating. Yum

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And the last Christmas singing concert in pre-K . *sniff*

 Christmas is always one of my favorite times of the year and this year did not disappoint. We have lots of traditions and each one is special. This year, we had most of my brothers around too which was fun. It was a great holiday season and went by way too fast. I miss it when it's gone (even if the tree is messy and annoying at times). I feel like I will blink and these pictures will have grown children in them with families of their own. I enjoy every minute and love the time we spend as a family. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas cookie decorating the night before Christmas. Yum!

Alex and his loot.

Evie and her goodies.

Abby and her treasures.

Christmas Day at Grandma's house. Love it!

Evie sure does love Great Grandma!

I spent forever making this quilt for mom with all of Dad's old t-shirts. She cried. I cried. And I made pillows for all my brothers. It was a lot of work, but turned out to be one of the  best gifts I've ever got the joy of giving.

Christmas Eve and the annual Jammies present they get. New jammies are always fun!