Little Helper

Getting Christmas cards done with a new baby and other little ones can be challenging.  Lucky for me, though, I have Kari to help me!  She loved being a part of all of the preparations and did a good job of stamping our return address on the envelopes!  Thanks, Kari!

Kari the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Of course, Ju Ju wanted in on the photo-op.

Each Christmas, the dancers all put on an informal recital.  This year, Kari's class danced to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  It was so cute!  She had been singing it all week and to see the dance that went with it was really fun.

 Such great moves!

Here is Kari's little class--they all got to wear whatever Christmas attire they wanted.  Very festive indeed!

All Aboard!

Merry Christmas (almost)!  We had a terrific ward party this year.  The theme was Polar Express and everyone was invited to wear their pajamas!  It took a little bit of convincing, but the older kids finally agreed to wear their striped jammies so we could all be matchy-matchy, more or less.  I think we looked great!

 There were fun little craft activities for the kids.  They all had fun making things and were oh-so proud of their creations.

At each little station, the children would get their ticket punched, like the movie.  (See the gold "Believe" paper in Em's picture to the left?  That's the ticket.)

 Santa came for a visit as well!  Last year, Juliana wanted nothing to do with visiting Santa.  This year, however, she was the only one who wanted to talk to him!  Just look at how sweet and happy she is!!!  Melt my heart!

It was a wonderful evening!  Everyone who planned and carried it out worked REALLY hard and it showed!  I wish I had taken some pictures of all of the decorations and different components of the night.  It was quite impressive and everyone had a great time.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

 We love Grandpa Harvey and what better way to say, "Happy birthday," than a t-shirt with a picture of the grand-kids!

 Harvey's always such a good sport with all of the children crowding around him :-).  They're so lucky to have such a wonderful Grandpa!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Tree shopping in our family has varied from year to year.  Long ago (in a galaxy far, far away), we all bundled up and picked out a tree.  (Around here you go buy one, you don't trek out to the wilderness Chevy Chase-style and chop one down.)  Then, we got smart and only started taking the kids who actually wanted to go.  Most years it's only been Christian.  This year, both Christian and Kari wanted to go along!  They were a big help and we all liked the tree we picked out :-).

 Then came the real fun...the decorating!  First, though, the lights.  UGH.  I recall growing up how LOOOONNNGGG it would take my mom to string the lights.  (She hated seeing the wires :-).)  Now, I understand her pain.  Because the lights are a pain.  But, once those were up we got cracking on the ornaments!

Ju Ju loved touching the tree :-).

 I love watching my kids work together!  Such sweet memories.

 We finished up the ornaments when Daddy got home.  (We have a LOT of ornaments.)  And, only one ornament got broken!

 We put Christmas music on while we were decorating and Christian broke out his dance moves.

 Then, he and Emily partnered up!

See Kari's face?  Well, the evening ended on a bit of a crazy note...imagine that!  But, in years to come, I'm sure we'll remember the fun....right??

Sewing With Grandma

 Emily was excited to use her new sewing machine!  However, since I am not a seamstress by any means, we called in the cavalry (Grandma) to teach us how to use it.  It was pretty cute watching everyone watch what was going on.

Ju Ju, in her undies for whatever reason she deemed necessary,
liked all of the  different colored threads.

The finished product!  Her first "Draughty Dog."  (You put it on the bottom of your doors to keep out any drafts :-).)  She was so proud!

Volleyball

See that big smile?  Yup, that's Emily loving volleyball!  This year she told us that she wanted to take a break from dance and try something new.  So, we signed her up for volleyball and she loved it.  I can't tell you how nice it was to hear her excited about going to practices and games!  She's such a social butterfly and being on a team definitely fits her like a glove!

For anyone who doesn't know, volleyball at her age is a game of serves.  Whichever team gets the most serves over usually wins.  Emily really helped her team with some excellent serves throughout their season!  She has good instincts and decent passing form too so I'm guessing she may be a good libero one day!

Emily and her good friend, Ella.  (I'm guessing Ella will be the middle blocker to Emily's libero :-).  Lucky girl!)

Other future players--Campbell, Juliana, and Brooklynn :-).