December in Review

Well, I don't know about you, but December just flew by for us! So, I guess I'll just try to sum up the whole month in one post. This is always such a busy month for us between wrapping up high school volleyball, beginning club volleyball, piano recitals and concerts, and that little thing called Christmas! It is an enjoyable time of year, but I usually give a little sigh of relief when it's over. And, now that it's over, I have a little time to update my blog, so here we go...
We started off the month with a little ride aboard the Polar Express, courtesy of Aunt Jill. It was pretty fun for the girls (but quite cold with no heat!). You board this old steam engine and they simulate going to theNorth Pole. And then you arrive at the North Pole and you get to meet Santa, have hot chocolate and cookies, and make a little craft. It was cute, although did I mention cold? Mom was ready to leave the North Pole...


Jaclyn also had her Winter Recital this year and did very well. She played Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree and Morning Has Broken. Ashlyn has demonstrated ability to play also, so she was able to start piano lessons this December. She is doing very well, so she will get to be a part of the next recital!




This year we decided to stay at our house for Christmas morning, so we celebrated at home for the first time! Over the years, we'll see which activities "stick" and become traditions, but this year we tried out a cinnamon role Christmas tree. Kinda fun, I thought. :)

And then came the presents! We had a lot of building and activity gifts this year, which was great. So, the girls have been building and creating ever since.

Christmas afternoon, we packed up and went to Des Moines and then on to Kansas City on Monday. We had a wonderful time with both sets of families. We spent 5 days in K.C., so the girls got their fill of cousins...hopefully it'll last until Summer.

We always have a little "concert" in Kansas City for the cousins, so both of my girls got to play their songs this year. Ashlyn played Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Jaclyn played her songs, and then Kendall couldn't be left out, so she ran up to the piano and "played", but her song was accompanied by some pretty hilarious dance moves. She kinda stole the show.

Then more presents...

Jaclyn had a desire this year to learn to sew with a sewing machine, so my Mom was very kind to give her an introductory lesson. All the girls wanted to be involved, so they all got a chance to give it a try. They made a little cupcake blanket.

And last but not least was a trip to the new American Girl Store in Kansas City! Our gift to Katelyn was to get her doll's hair done at the salon, so she and Jaclyn got to go together and give their dolls a spa day. (I needed that for my Christmas present!)

It was a fun month. I hope that all of you had a blessed Christmas season too!

Merry Christmas!