A Girl & a Box

And this was even before Christmas!

She was sitting so cute in the box that I grabbed the camera to take a pic. Before I could even push the shutter she was up saying, "Look it, mommy, look it!"

Thankfully she was gracious enough to sit back down for shot #2!

Concert and Party

Last Tuesday we had our Christmas concert at Beacon.

Bob sneaking a picture while we were waiting to get started.

Getting started. Check that tutu!!

Wednesday the Pre-K/K had their Christmas party. We joined as a family for a little bit. 

Our snack/activity contribution was Nutter Butter reindeer. It involved chocolate frosting and a mess. But it was yummy!!

We LOVE Teacher Angel and the creativity that she brings to her classroom. And she doesn't mind a little mess.

Hotel Rats

Etta and Mae LOVE staying in a hotel.

Big Celebration

This past weekend we traveled to Bozeman, MT (good roads both ways!!) to attend Erik's graduation from MSU. The ceremony was about 1 hour, 45 minutes and the girls did really well. Brought a tear to my eye. Can't believe that it's been 4 1/2 years since we went to Fort Benton for his high school graduation! (Make sure to click on the link. It may bring tears to your eyes!)

Watching the graduates process in. My camera went from the cold, cold outside to the warm inside. Slightly foggy.

Etta hanging close to Grandma Cynthia. While Etta had been looking forward to The Big Celebration, her entire focus this month has been on the date: two-two, when Mom, Dad and Erik get here for Christmas.

The dias.

The balloons.

The graduates.

Erik is the second behind the flag.

Next in line.

Receiving his diploma! So proud of him!!

Little Bed

Etta used to love to play "Little Bed". It was, and actually still is, one of her favorite things to do. Get out your blankets, pillows and stuffed animals and make yourself a nest. Mae got in on the action last week. Pretty much the only stipulation that I have is that they have to get it all out themselves, and put it away themselves. Mae had been building one in the doorway into our kitchen for awhile but this day decided in front of the fireplace would be a good place to lounge and read books.

Here's an example of how Etta would play. Well, close enough. I didn't want to go through all of my blog posts to find something better.

Super Heroes

One day after church Mae stripped naked, asked for a cape and proceeded to run around saying, "I'm Spiderman!" 

Although it comes out more "I 'iderman" since she is refusing to put any consonants on the fronts of most words...

But I bet you all didn't know that Spiderman is naked with a pink plaid cape.

Of course Etta decided she needed to join in on the fun.

First pose.

Silly pose.

How YOU doin'?

Christmas Decorating

We've spent the last three weekends decluttering, cleaning, organizing and (according to Etta) s.l.o.w.l.y. decorating. Finally, yesterday, we got around to decorating the trees. No pics from our "big" (4-foot artificial) tree, but did get some from the little tree in the girls' room.

Lights on, ready for ornaments.

First ornament up.

Mae decided she wanted to help too.

So fun discovering what is there.

Mae liked to pick them out and try to hang them, but then needed help for actual placement.

Blurry group shot. If you look close Mae is sticking out her tongue. 

Proud girls.

What it looks like in the dark.

Practice Session #2

They enjoy pulling out the trumpets and "practicing" with daddy.

Although Mae still seems more suited for a woodwind or choir.

And Friday night at the basketball game she was doing "magic fingers" with the cheerleaders while the Bengals were shooting free throws. Just kill me now...