Abby -- The January Kid

Big things happened for Abby in January. She got glasses, as you can clearly see in the first picture, just the second day after getting her new specs. Then on the 23rd, Abby turned 12. It was a Wednesday birthday, so no big party or anything. She decided this year she'd really like to have a summer birthday party, so we'll wait until the sun is shining and a pool party can be planned!

Merry Christmas (December 25, 2007)

A few shots from Christmas day, including presents from Santa (Webkinz), girls with our dog Casper, the girls with Betsy's parents (affectionately called Amma and Pop). We started out the day at our house to open stockings and then the presents to each other. After lunch we headed to Amma and Pop's for the rest of the day. It was a quiet Christmas, but a good one just the same.

The Stockings Were Hung... (December 24, 2007)

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...along with cookies and milk for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and the "Santa bags" the girls were hoping Santa would fill.

Betsy the Angel, Of Course! (December 24, 2007)

As the director of preschool ministries at church, I (Betsy) was asked to do the preschool sermonette during the Christmas Eve service. Somehow during the planning of the service, the idea that I ought to dress like an angel was thought up. I decided since there was nobody better suited to play the part of an angel, I might as well go along with the idea, so into an angel costume I went, complete with halo and wings. There are times you've just gotta have fun (even if you make a fool of yourself in the process). After the service we had a huge surprise for all to see in the church gym: a live nativity! It was so fun to see the kids (and adults) as they walked into the gym to see "Baby Jesus," Mary, Joseph, the angel, two shepherds and five real animals (an alpaca, a camel, a yak, a goat, and a miniture donkey). What a Christmas Eve service it was! It will be hard to top this one.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party (December 23, 2007)

We have had an annual Happy Birthday Jesus party with two families from our church for I'm not sure how many years, but lots! Here's a picture of all of the kiddos.

Icy Cold (December 13, 2007)

We had a day that was icy cold, but beautiful. I decided it wasn't very often that I get to take a picture of ice covered trees, so I quick jumped outside, snapped the picture, and went back inside where it was nice and warm!

Ho-Ho-Ho! (December 8, 2007)

This Christmas Molly wanted to go see Santa, but Abby chose to stay home... I guess that's what happens when you're 11 years old, unfortunately. Molly had fun at Breakfast with Santa regardless. I say you should never be too old to go see Santa!

First Snowball (December 3, 2007)

Molly was very anxious to go outside and make a snowball with the first good snowball making kind of snow we got, which was on December 3rd. Here's proof that she got her wish and made a snowball. By the looks of the amount of snow we got, there sure wasn't enough to make more than a snowball. I'm pretty convinced Molly thinks half of the fun is getting ready to go out to play in the snow -- snow pants, gloves, scarf, boots, coat, hat... I'm also pretty convinced the part I don't like is when all the cold and snowy clothing items then come into our house! At least winter doesn't stay around all year long.