December Wrap Up

 We have packed a lot of fun in the last two weeks of the year as we always do. Andi had a piano recital on the 20th with her new piano teacher, and even with a cast did a great job. She played Rockin Around the Christmas Tree as a duet with her teacher, due to the cast, but the song she wrote herself she was able to play.

 Kelsie and Cameron and their family came in to town and we were able to have a fun pizza and playing night. The big boys even let the kids come play nerf wars with them at the church. I guess it's time to train the next generation.

 We spent Christmas Eve with the Bulkeleys and after a lovely dinner had our traditional talent program, carol singing and reading of the Santa Letter. Poor Sammy had been sick all week and was feeling pretty awful that night, but perked up enough to join in on the Santa letter fun. Santa brought most of the kids Jammies, and Sam quietly wandered off after opening his. I drug him back in to open a few more things and we had this conversation.
S: "Mom, when I opened the Jammies I was thinking, Why Santa? Why would you do this to me?"
M: "You weren't excited about your jammies?"
S: "No, but then I opened the bow and arrow and thought, YES! That's what I'm talking about!"
Way to go Aunt Tenille, you saved his Christmas Eve!

Christmas morning was relaxing and nice. We opened present at our house when the kids finally got out of bed, played with them for a few hours and then got ready for church. They loved that it was only one hour.

I love how excited Sam was about this Chemistry set. He's been less excited about it as we've done experiments and the results aren't quite as dramatic and explosive as he was envisioning, but we've made some cool things. 

Peter was most excited about these magnetic block tiles and has been building with them every day.

You can't tell what she's holding, but Andi was most excited to get an Ipod. DJ Andi has been going non stop since then.

 

 After Church we went to my parents for an early dinner and gifts. The kids all crashed when we got home, which means it was a wonderful and successful Christmas.
This last week was spent playing with new toys a lot, but also some fun outings. We ice blocked with the whole fam one afternoon. I guess it's the bakersfield version of sledding since we never get snow.

 

 We also went to the kids museum for a few hours on a rainy day. I love that even with the age spread, they all enjoy playing there.

They worked together and made this fort and were very proud of themselves. 

 

  

 

And last night we went to Dinner with just the adults in my family because Bobby came to town for a couple days "on business".  I feel like this year went by so much faster than any year yet, and I hope it was a fluke. Time needs to slow down just a bit so I can keep up. We've been blessed greatly this year and are grateful for all the time we've had to spend with family and friends and build relationships.

Festive Fun

November flew by! Andi's soccer team participated in the tournament at the end of the season and probably played one of their best games of the entire season. And instead of the traditional pizza party we had a taco party, which made me very happy. 

 

Peter has been loving his wednesday playgroups. It's his favorite day of the week and just loves to hang out with the boys. They are a cute bunch!

 Thad has been out of town a lot on a big project, and big projects mean big tools. The boys thought this one was pretty awesome. It's totally real, so imagine the bolts that it's used on!

We also took the annual backyard family pictures, and a miracle happened. We got a good shot, no photo shop necessary. I feel like this was a milestone, like family pictures won't be such a ridiculous and painful endeavor going forward. At least I hope so! And I even liked the picture of just Thad and I, which I never do.

 

We had two Thanksgivings this year, one with my moms extended family the weekend before, and then hosted Thads family on Thanksgiving day. I love Bakersfield Thanksgiving. While everyone else is bundled up braving storms to get to gatherings, we set the kids table up outside and they run free while the adults talk in peace. 

Then December came and we've been busier than ever. Sammy had a cub scout push cart Derby the first weekend and had a great time. 

 Such a great time that he talked Thad into building him his own. Which they did that same day. Then Sam and Peter painted it and named it Thunder and they've been having a great time with it, when they aren't arguing over who's turn it is to push.

Then Andi decided to break a growth plate in her pinky the day before her school band concert. Don't worry, her teacher still had her come play the notes that she could with her remaining 8 fingers.

She plays the flute, the same one I used to play, and that my Dad used to play. Her piano teacher is also going to have her perform at her recital this week, cast and all.  With December we finally got some fall like weather. Peter was so proud of the leaf pile he raked all by himself. They've been raking leaves almost daily. Not putting the in the trash or anything, just reusing them for jumping in.

Andi was also able to go to Camp KEEP with her 6th grade class last week. They go over to the coast, and it rained on them all week. But they had a great time. Here she is with her friends and their 4th grade teacher who went as their councilor. They love Ms Sloan, and the fact that they are taller than her now.

And last night we went to Christmas town to see the light display. It was actually cold, so we bundled everyone up and had a fun night. They of course had to ride the sledding hill very first, and after that they were moving too fast for pictures.

I can't believe Christmas will be here in 5 days. I think I'm ready.