Merry Christmas!

We had another wonderful Christmas season, and we were, once again, blessed with some wonderful memories and gifts.  The girls have enjoyed being stuck inside during these bitterly cold days because it has given them time to explore and play with all the gifts they were given.  It was definitely a fun season for the girls, anticipating the arrival of Santa, and it's fun for Jeremy and me to enjoy the season through them.  Merry Christmas!

Dance Sneak Peek

A few weeks ago, parents were invited into dance class to watch the children dance.  Even though I'm sure it totally disrupted the flow of the class, it was definitely fun to see.  For being only three-years-old at the time, Kate did pretty well with the dance moves and following directions.  There were a couple of points she started to show off a little and watch herself in the mirror, and when that occurred, Audrey turned to me and said, "I will listen much better than that!"  Audrey, on the other hand, did follow every direction perfectly and does look more grown-up out there than last year.  All in all, it made the 90 minutes between the two classes pass very quickly for me, and I think we have two beautiful ballerinas on our hands.  The recital in May could be pretty entertaining!

Readers and Leaders

During an assembly at school last Thursday, Audrey was honored as one of kindergarten's "Readers and Leaders".  Audrey was chosen to receive the "Excellence" award for kindergarten because of the pride she takes in the work she does.  Her teacher said Audrey always gives her best effort on everything she does!  When receiving the award, Audrey had to stand up in front of the entire elementary in the gym and get recognized.  It was apparent to me she felt uncomfortable, but probably not to anyone else.  She did great!

After that part was done, Audrey was also recognized as one of the seven kindergarten students to read over 100 books during the month.  As a reward, the students were allowed to put a pie in our principal's face.  Each time before this that Audrey had qualified for one of these rewards, she was too shy/uncomfortable to do it.  This time, though, she did it!  She walked up in front of the crowd and smashed a pie on our principal's shirt.  It is silly to say, but I got tears in my eyes feeling proud of her for taking a risk!  Way to go, Audrey!  Dad and I are so proud of all you have accomplished in school already!

Kate's Interview

Here is Kate's four-year-old interview...

Favorite Food: Pizza
Foods I Don’t Like: Eggs
Favorite Thing to Learn: Art with my sister
Favorite Color: Orange
Best Friend: Audi
Favorite Game to Play: Doggie, Doggie Where’s Your Bone?
Favorite Books to Read: Fancy Nancy
Favorite TV Show: Eloise
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Things I Do Well: Writing
Favorite Place to Go: Pizza Ranch
Favorite Thing to Do With Family:  Play
Favorite Thing about House:  The Christmas tree
Favorite Thing to do Outside: Be outside with Dad
Favorite Chore: Picking up toys
Least Favorite Chore:  Organizing the shoes
Favorite Song:  Kids Bop
When I Grow Up I Want to Be a: Tooth Fairy
Place I Want to Visit:  Pizza Ranch
Favorite Part of Each Day:  Watching my shows
Favorite Drink:  Hot cocoa
Favorite Sport or Activity to Play:  Hide and seek
Something New I Want to Learn How to Do:  Climb trees
Best Part of Your Family:  “Being with Dad, Audi, and Mom.  And don’t forget Charlie. And Mila and Belle.”

Happy Birthday, Kate!

How can our baby girl be four years old already?  As Kate says, "I have to keep growing, Mom!  I want to get as old as Audi."  Kate's sweet smile, hearty laugh, and innocent way of viewing the world add such an endearing element to our days.  This past year has seen Kate continue to expand her vocabulary, ramp up her imaginative play, and definitely become more of an equal in playing with Audrey.  Kate continues to love reading, art projects, wearing dresses, leaving her hair down and wild, and watching "her shows".  If allowed, this girl could watch TV and/or movies ALL DAY LONG and not get wiggly.

We love you with our whole hearts, Miss Kate!  This next year will bring more fun, more laughter, more dancing, more noodles with sprinkle cheese, and definitely more adventures with you leading the way.  We love the happy, caring, and excited young lady you are becoming!  Keep showing those dimples, big girl! :)

Gingerbread Train

For their birthdays, the girls received a fun kit from Great-Aunt Nancy that made a gingerbread train.  Jade came to babysit on Saturday night, so that we could go to a Christmas party.  To help ease Audrey's nerves about us leaving, I threw out the idea of doing the kit.  Audrey was excited, and Jade was willing!  It was a success, and I think all three girls had a blast.  Thanks, Nancy, for the kit, and thanks to Jade for watching the girls!

Two silly girls and their final product!

If Audrey's plan to become a teacher falls through, she does have potential with photography.

Concert

Our beautiful kindergarten girl put on her first school vocal concert Monday night.  Audrey had slight nerves beforehand, but handled everything beautifully while performing.  She smiled, had fun, and remembered all her words.  Those beautiful kindergarten voices may have shouted more than sang, but it was definitely an adorable, successful concert for them!  Their holiday spirit is contagious! :)

A certain little sister HAD to be dressed up too!

Tree Cutting Clothes

These two goofy girls insisted on jeans and sweatshirts the day we got the tree because they said they needed jeans for "working".  Audrey even has the perfect sweater on!  The clothes worked, I guess, because we found the perfect tree!