Christmas Break 2008

Happy Holidays everyone! We hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas season. Having Steven home for an entire week with no hospital responsibilities was definitely the best present I received. We are also loving the two week break that the public school system offers each year and have enjoyed that extra time with Ryley.

The weather outside this year was definitely frightful up until Christmas Day. We therefore enjoyed many indoor activities together which included numerous games, "Bolt" in 3D, and The Children's Museum, (the last activity of course being their favorite). Since that time we have been given the gift of 70 degree weather and have taken every opportunity available to enjoy the sun and fresh air. Our favorite game lately has been "hide n seek with walkie talkies", and while checking out various parks in the area we were also lucky enough to stumbled across a yummy surprise.












Each with their favorite gift this Christmas





Steven and I hung these Christmas Eve and looked at one another shaking our heads laughing. Laughing that we have enough children to fill a mantel, but mostly in complete awe of the many gifts we have been given throughout our lives. Four of which are hanging right here beside us.

Recital #1

Ryley had her first piano recital last night. She did a wonderful job and had a great experience. For her first piece she played "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and finished off with "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells".

Steven is the Primary pianist and has a great time watching the girls sing in opening exercises, but this was their first opportunity to do something musical together. They've had a great time practicing over the past few weeks and it was really fun to watch them perform.

I charged the video camera all day in preparation for the recital and when my moment came to record I realized it was dead. I have thus learned a valuable lesson that you cannot charge a video camera and leave it turned on- it defeats the purpose. I am SO disappointed to have no video to post, but please stay tuned for spring when her next recital takes place.

On a personal note, I'm sorry to say that while in my youth I gave up piano lessons after only a year. I loved doing theatre and have since picked up the guitar, but to this day I regret that decision. I have been taking lessons myself over the past six months and hope to advance past "Chopsticks" sometime soon. I opted to skip this recital due to the fact that I would be the only adult student, however, come spring I may just set my pride aside and go for it!

What's the worst that could happen? Don't answer that.

Holiday Festivities (Thus Far)

For some reason Haley J wasn't really into decorating this year.

Sorry

I have to apologize to our family. I have been terrible with posting pictures of Haley's growth. I promise to be better. Here she is. She sure is a wonderful, happy baby. She has blessed our lives immeasurably.

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great Thanksgiving this year in Kentucky with two of Steven's sisters and their families! The kids had the best time with their cousins. It was so great to see everyone and spend this special time together.

Thank you for having us Kathryn and James.