Lights!

A little tired on the way to Fayetteville

The lights on the square

We met our neighbors on the square and ate dinner at Hog Haus after we looked at the lights. The kids had a great time together. In this pic, Sarah, Aida, Alex, Emma and Katie

Finally! Our kids are old enough to sit at a "kids" table at a restaurant!! How nice!

Basketball!

Henry had his first basketball game today! It was very fun! They called all of his teammate's names out on the loud speaker and the boys ran out on the court! Henry was very shy at first. There were a lot of people and he was a little intimidated. He finally went out and played in the 6th period. Each game has 6 - 6 minute periods. They have a little half time and they even have little cheerleaders! They don't keep score, but Henry has a really good team. They won!

Henry and Coach Goodhart

Henry is in the white jersey with the yellow belt. They know who to block by which belt they wear.

Santa Rosy

Bunnies

Lisa had this pic on her Facebook and I HAD to put it on our blog. Emma and Aida look so cute! I am so grateful for nice neighbors and friends!!!

Henry's Christmas Party

Henry had his Christmas party at school today. It was Polar Express themed so they wore their pjs to school and had hot chocolate. I was in charge of the craft (which really stressed me out!). It was fun. Nate came along with several other parents too.

Henry stirring his hot chocolate. They had whipped cream, chocolate chips, marshmallows and peppermint sticks to add to it! Yum!

Santa made an appearance - Aida decided he wasn't the REAL Santa - just someone dressed up!

Me helping with the dreaded craft! They made these cute choo choo trains with their pictures inside. I spent two night gluing tiny sequins and bows on tiny wreaths and buttons on tiny wheels! I should get the good homeroom mom award!


Henry bowling - They knocked over snowman pins with a snow"ball".

Henry playing musical chairs - which can be a vicious game!

Listening to the Polar Express story

Henry and Mrs. Machan - Our favorite teacher!

Ornament Exchange

Lisa, Jodi and Stephanie hosted an ornament exchange party for some of the ladies in the neighborhood. It was a lot of fun. Everyone brought a wrapped ornament and we played "Dirty Santa" where you can steal an ornament from another person. I ended up with Pottery Barn reindeer coasters! One of the ladies accidentally bought those instead of an ornament! I LOVE them! It was nice to get together with friends and visit (with no men around!)

Lauren, Lisa and I

Jodi in the green was one of the hostesses

Ornament thieves!

Arantxa and Lisa

Stephanie had a nice Christmas tree. Lisa happened to get in this pic too!

Kelli - due in 8 days! Lisa and Karen

Christmas Cookies!

We made some Christmas cookies after school today. Emma came over to make cookies too. The kids had fun decorating and cookie cutting.

Programs

Aida and Henry have had some programs at their schools. Aida has had a Christmas program and a Sunday program where they sang "America the Beautiful." Henry had a Thanksgiving program before Thanksgiving break.

Aida at her Christmas program. She looks so grown up!


Henry's Thanksgiving program.

Henry dressed as a turkey.

Aida singing "America the Beautiful." It was so sweet hearing little children singing this song!

Singing "Whole World in his Hands..."

Muddy Dog!

Rosy went out back to potty yesterday, and it was already wet outside from the drizzle. Well, apparently she got into some mud! When I opened the door to let her back in, before I knew it she bolted in the door and splashed mud all over the place. Daddy was over and I was screaming for him to grab her! This all felt like slow motion!! We got her and put her back outside until I decided what to do! First I had to mop the kitchen and living room as you will see why in the pics below. Then I opened the door and held Rosy's collar while Daddy wrapped her in an old towel so we could bathe her! Oh the love of DOGS!!!

Pre-bath - The Muddy Pup! She looks so innocent - not the case!

The living room floor

The kitchen floor

Henry and Daddy helping me bathe Rosy.

Pitiful!

We have to blow dry Rosy because she has so much hair!

Gingerbread House

We got a gingerbread house kit and decorated it this week. It turned out cute.

A Christmas Carol

We went to the Walton Arts Center to see "A Christmas Carol." It was a good performance. Aida got a little bit bored and we went outside before the very end, but all in all she did pretty well. Henry really enjoyed it! The WAC recommended it for ages 6 and up and they were right! Not really for 4 year olds!

I had nice red tights and red velvet shoes picked out for Aida, but she had other plans. I can't win every battle!

In front of the WAC Christmas tree

Henry before the show

Aida