Ben's first Solo

For the first time ever Ben participated in a solo competition.  He wasn't going to do it this year, but his teacher really wanted him to so we jumped on board.  We were a month late in getting started so it was crunch time to find a good piece of music and an accompanist for him, but we were able to get it done and he still had time to learn the piece.  We are very proud of his accomplishment and hard work.  He recieved a I- which is very good for his first time and he didn't have a tutor coaching him.  Good job Ben!

Warming up

Certificate

Why????

Sometimes I wonder why.  Why did I clean the house only to have the kids come home from school?  Why did I cook that elaborate dinner only to have the kids complain?  Why did I bathe the baby only to have him poop up his back?  Why did I shower only to wear the baby's food all day?  Why?  Why?  Why? 

Well I'm not sure why, but I think it helps make things "normal" when life is crazy.  Know what I mean?

Christmas

The littlest tree.

Yes this was our tree this year.

They're at the gate and ready to run to their stockings.  Couldn't have them sneaking a peek now could we?

What does the stocking hold?  I wonder if Lex remembers Mary Poppins and was hoping that her stocking would possess the same attributes as Mary's hand bag.

Sometime he can be so cute

This one is always a cutie

Peter got the hat from Grandma Edgar.  Doesn't he look dapper?

So in love with his new blanket.  I think he only bugged me all year for me to make it for him.

Elmo and Lex a perfect pair

What does this hold?  Peter's first Christmas stocking.

Spongbob pj's.  Watch out Chris or Aunt Brin may come take them from you.

Opening his first present

After Christmas morning at our house it was off to Grandma's and Grandpa's for the rest of the day

Let me warn you:  In the next few pictures you will see many people.  Not all families were able to make it so you are only seeing a small sample of our family size.

Peter recieved some much needed diapers.  Thanks Grandma!

Evan and his love of Dora.  Thanks Aunt Lilly ("I think," says the momma)

More family

And still more family

Christmas is done and so is the year.  This year brought some changes for us the big one being the addition of Peter to our family.  I'm glad the rush of the holiday season is done and I'm ready to see what the new year will bring.

Chocolate houses and Christmas Eve

At our house for Christmas we make chocolate houses that we eat on New Year's Day.  I admit this year to being tired with all the other Christmas preparations and just wasn't going to do the houses, but the kids weren't buying my excuses so the houses got made.

Ben and Chris got one to work on

Evan and Lexie's was graham crackers

Somehow we also managed to have a Christmas Eve party.  It was fun to have everyone there.  Just before it was time to go home.  Those who wanted performed a skit or some other talent for the group and then the Christmas Story was told with a live nativity.  Let me tell you the nativity was definately "live".  It was difficult to keep them focused and up there at times.

Chris play the piano

My dad read the story while the young kids acted the part.

The 3 wise men?  Not so sure about that title :)