Annual Traditions

As the end of November nears, we enjoyed some annual traditions getting ready for the holiday season!


Putting up the tree:

Christmas cards! 
We got our family pics back early this year so I was able to get our cards done.

Adopting a family-
Rea had fun shopping for our adopted girl this year- she really got into the spirit and we love teaching her how to give back.

Festival of Trees:
We love supporting this fundraiser and have a great time with all the crafts. Rea loves voting for her favorite tree.  I have to admit, it got me weepy this year.  Hate thinking of the illnesses some littles have to deal with and praying for those who are no longer with us.

Disney on Ice-
I wasn't sure if Rea would be interested this year so we gave her the choice and she wanted to go. An early Christmas present!  We had a great time and as we were leaving, Rea said, 'Mom, the best part was getting to be with you today.'  She's a charmer! :)

Hope everyone had a relaxing and safe holiday weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We headed north this year and celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family.

We shared laughs, played games and ate our weight in goodies. So very thankful for our family and being able to celebrate, for our health, happiness and God's love.  So much to be grateful for!

Being silly-

Helping Gramma make the fruit turkey-

Family shot-

Best ever pumpkin pie-

From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving!

Looking through the window...

That time of year- parent observation nights!

We get to look through the window and observe our little dancers.  They get to showcase their hard work from September.  Rea is on track for a great dance year!

Competition-

Hip hop!

Technique:

Can't wait to watch her perform!

Firsts...

New Outlet mall visit-

We had some spare time last weekend so Rea and I headed to the new outlet mall.  Despite 2 different toy stores, I was proud of Rea that she didn't ask for a toy.  She did, however, ask for a book at the book store, and I was happy to oblige!  I think she's a reader like her Mama. :)

We looked around and she declared, "Mom this is a mall for teenagers. Not 8 year olds!"  I had to agree with her. She loved the fireplace but we probably won't be too tempted to go back every weekend, which is probably a good thing!

Reagan's first hockey game!

Andy surprised us with tickets to the Iowa Wild game last weekend.  Great timing as the 4th grade class from Rea's school sang the National Anthem.  We had fun 'making noise' every time the 'make some noise' sign popped up, eating popcorn and cotton candy and watching the Iowa Wild win!

Matching shirts for the game.
#momlife
#kidlife

*Made adorably by my friend Jess at Gia Rose Designs

Her first school pic of 2nd grade-

Her first turkey hat (and hopefully her last)-
Yes she talked me into it. No I'm not proud of it. Yes she'll get some laughs on turkey day.

Hope everyone is having a great November!

Hello November!

October slipped away as quickly as it came and before I knew it, November was here!

Rea 'sold back' almost 2 lbs of her Halloween candy. The local dentist will donate to the troops. Love this idea!

I love that her new PE teacher posts pics of gym time- Love seeing her in action!
(Orange dress/brown boots)

Between sleepovers, birthday parties and dance workshop, our weekend was a whirlwind. 


But I got to cross an item off my bucket list- seeing Fik-shun dance in person!  He is a FORCE!  Rea had so much fun and asked to go again next year. Her early Christmas present from us.

Little reader-

Rea is going through chapter books faster than we can check them out!  Love that she enjoys reading so much...

Hope everyone has a great start to their November!