Christmas Recital

 We are filled with such joy to hear you playing piano.  It has always been a dream of ours to have someone able to play Christmas songs around the piano, and now we have two!  You both participated in your recital Sunday and did such a fantastic job!  Isabelle did a fabulous solo of 

"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman" and Allie performed an amazing duet, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" with Mrs. Donahue.  After, you enjoyed milk and cookies for a treat!

Snowy Saturday

 We woke up to a winter wonderland with perfect packing snow where you and Allie made your own individual snowmen.  When you weren't looking, Allie snatched that top hat off yours and put it on her snowman she was building in the back yard.  

 I remind you of how lucky we are to live in a state that has such diverse seasons.  You all love the snow!

 Sledding is such fun!

 You happened to have a deep conversation with your snowman.  You asked him not to melt.  He also made a trip on a sled to your clubhouse where you safely brought him up the stairs and for a long time was your playmate and a good friend. :)

 Inside the warmth of our home we were able to decorate the gingerbread house that now has no candy from sneaky sisters eating it.

{This is Our Life} 50.52 {Reflect/Reflections}

 Look up.  Look all around.  Relish the beauty....the twinkling lights and decoration.  The wonderment reflects on your face as you take it in.  Every day I notice your excitement like you are seeing it for the first time.  The simplicity of a bare tree lit up just for you.  Your expression would lead anyone to believe that it might be the most amazing thing you have ever seen.

{This is Our Life} 49.52 {Traditions}

The holiday season includes so many traditions that we have started as a family.  IUPUI night at The Children's Museum has always been something we look forward to every year.  Unfortunately our friends weren't able to come this year!  We first enjoyed an Italian buffet dinner and then took a few turns on the Yuleslide.  

 We went to Jolly Days where the girls got their picture taken with Santa.  No tears this year!  Admittedly we were both a little sad since they are all growing up!

 Juliette wants a car and a guitar and markers.

 Isabelle wants an iPod and a Lego set.

 Allie would like art supplies and a Lego set.

 We then ventured up to the 4th floor for hot chocolate and sweets and a ride on the carousel.

 Amazing mirrors!

Bumblebee with a few snowballs of his own.

It was a late evening but always so much fun.  Isabelle said that Jolly Days was her favorite.  Juliette liked the slide and Allie liked it all!  :)  

Swim...lane 1

 I know you were so so nervous for this swim meet and you told me repeatedly how you didn't want to go but you mustered up the courage to go and complete 5 races!  You learned so much this session and we are so proud of you.  You are able to do 4 strokes now and can easily swim laps better then me.  Your favorite stroke is the freestyle and you have so much fun in the water and have met so many nice friends.  I can't wait to see you grow and accomplish so much.  It isn't always about winning the race but how hard you work and your attitude to get to the finish line!  

Miss Jingles aka Maisy

Miss Maisy loves the Christmas tree.  I love the fact I can declaw her in a few months.  She also chomps on the light strands and the only thing that flashes in my head is the cat in Christmas vacation.   Better watch where you chew, kitty.  :)

First snow of the season

If the meteorologists want to forecast freezing temperatures I enjoy some snow to go with it!  The first snow of the season is just magical and your faces absolutely showed joy when you looked out the window on Friday.  Coupled with a 2 hour delay for school you truly were excited!  Finding matching snow gloves, ski pants that weren't 2 sizes too small and boots was no easy feat but you were all able to go outside, make snow angles, throw and eat snow, and sled down the hill in the back.  The snow was light and fluffy and super slick for sledding.  Wet, cold and happy you tumbled in the house and had marshmallows, candy cane sugar sticks and hot cocoa before school.  

 and a few from Instagram...:)