The Nutcracker

To start off the holiday season we got to see our niece Hannah in the ballet production of the Nutcracker for the Eugene Ballet company. She was a mouse, she did so great. She even got to Roar as they were running off the stage. I don't have any pics of her in costume since it was dark in the theater. We were so proud she is a great dance and used to be so shy, but she is coming out of her shell.

Brooklyn and Jake waiting for the performance to begin.

Ah sibling love. ( I think Jake was just so happy to be missing school :) )

The next evening Brooklyn and I got to go the a Tea Party with the cast members. They got to meet them and dance with the ballerinas, make a craft, and have yummy treats with delicious hot chocolate.

Hannah with the Sugar Plum Fairy, I think?

Lucy was a little nervous. but looks so darn cute

B with Grandma Etta coloring before the tea started

Some of the yummy treats.

Time for dancing in the Ballroom, they had fun with each other.

Trying to dance with the older girls, Brooklyn is not quite coordinated enough to go as fast as they go.

Some cousin love. Thanks for inviting us Stephanie it was a great time and thank you Hannah for being such a great ballerina that we get to come to these fun events.

Family filled Weekend

Baby Shelby being gretted by her Cousin B. Jeanette came into town for Jake's baptism so we got to meet Shelby for the first time she was 3 months old here.

Easy on the makeout session Brooklyn

Shelby wondering why she left sunny California to be all bundled up.

Eliza was excited to meet her newest cousin as well. The Johnson family came as well, it was a house full but fun.

Saturday morning we went to the local toy store to see Santa. We went last year and it was agreat , I love this Santa.

They rang the bell that he was coming, Brooklyn and Eliza went out to see him. Brooklyn started coming back in when she saw him.

Eliza on the other hand got picked up by Santa. It was so great it was the first time she had been to see him. Santa was so great to all the kids.

I thought if Lucas and Eliza went first Brooklyn would not be so afraid ...

Um...

NOOOOOOO

you have candy well then, "thank you". That was as close as she wanted to get to him, at least she said kept her manners. The funny thing is from that day on she talked about Santa and says Ho Ho Ho. She even wears her Santa whenever she sees them. Maybe next year.

Jake after his baptism he was so happy, Lucas is next in March.

Little Ricky, such a proud dad and son. Congratulations Jake your family is proud of you. You are a great example to all of us.

Proud Parents

The crew that came to celebrate with Jake.

Marissa, Eliza and Shelby ready to go home. It was a short trip for everyone, but fun to have them all here. It makes me miss them more, but when they come to visit we get to spend good times together.

We were outside saying our final goodbyes to everyone and decided to enjoy the sunshine and the snow for a little while.

After playing in PJ's and slippers we thought a few more waterproof layers would be a better idea.

Brooklyn loved it.

Yes she kept her necklace on this girl loves to play dress up.

We do not own a sled so we used a rubbermaid box lid.

Sunday night we went to Ricky and Stephs for dinner and for our families tradition of gingerbread making. Brooklyn was quite excited not just to eat the candy but to decorate.

 Hannah waiting patiently to make her own gingerbread house out of graham crackers.

With the help of uncle Ricky, frosting, cousin Lucy and Brooklyn the house was completed. Thanks for having us over, Brooklymn had a blast and not to much of a sugar high.

Some fun Pics!

Every year I make a calendar for my inlaws and with the help of my sisters we make a calendar for our parents. I needed some holiday pics so we did a quick photo shoot at the house.

B laughing at Annde

Kiddos were getting restless so we playing in the snow while Danny cleared the driveway

B helping shovel the snow with the dust pan.

Then a special package arrived for Brooklyn's birthday from Uncle Mark and Auntie Cara.

AquaDoodle Cool!

What our house looked like the day it snowed it was the only time it snowed in the month of Dec and Jan.

I love it when it snows it is so pretty adn Brooklyn likes to go play in it.

Just being silly