Cousin Photos

When we were in Virginia Beach at Thanksgiving we had a photo shoot with my nieces and nephew and the girls. Here are some of those pictures:

Krissy, Kaitlin, Shelly, Lily, and Eric

The writing above their heads says. "We're all a little weird"

Eric and Krissy---such a photogenic duo

The girls recreating a photo from 2008

2008 photo

Lin, Eric, and Krissy

Christmas Card Photos

We took our Christmas card photos while we were in Virginia Beach at the bay and at one of the parks in the area. I loved so many of these pictures. It was hard to decide which one to choose for our card. 

Lily at the park

At the gazebo at the park

Sister Love

Bayville Park

At the bay

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in the background

Shelly at the park

And this is the final product.

Perspective

At this time of year I might miss my mom more than ever. I miss her enthusiasm for the season. I miss the way she decorated her home, how she helped me hunt for the perfect gifts, and her mince meat cookies!!! :)


But, as I think about her I am reminded of my great fortune. I was lucky enough to have this mother who embodied all the virtues of motherhood. She was a strong woman who showed me how to be a loving and caring mother. 

So while I miss her each day, I need to remember that I am beyond blessed to have loved someone so much.

Hot Chocolate Bar and Doughnuts

Another advent activity was to have doughnuts and a hot chocolate bar. So, after school on Thursday we enjoyed hot chocolate (french vanilla, milk chocolate, and caramel) with marshmallows, mini M&Ms, caramel sauce, and candy canes. The mugs with sweaters were from Target.

The doughnuts were, of course, from Krispy Kreme! It was a great little break after school before the girls got busy with their homework.

Loving the retro KK box!

Christmas Choral Concert

Elli and Shelly

Ready to sing!

Singing!!!!!!!

Plates performed during The Nutcracker

5th grade girls dance with Santa

5th Grade friends

Enjoy a little snippet of the concert in the video below: