Christmas Card Pictures 2016

It's hard to believe we will soon be a family of six!  Which is what makes these Christmas pictures all the more special.  I want to remember our family of five, this unique time in our lives, and that big changes are just around the corner....these pictures capture each of those sentiments and are relished for those reasons.  

Collegium Christmas Program

At the moment I am loving the classical, christian school my kids are attending.  They are learning so much, hanging out with great kids, and still able to be home several days a week.  This past Wednesday was Collegium's Christmas Program.  Avery was able to play the piano at the beginning of the program; Audrey recited several poems, one with a group, and one by herself; and Amelia read an article she wrote about the Spartan-Athenian war.  At the end of the program several classes got together to sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" in Latin.  In addition, all classes had art projects on display making the afternoon both a visual and auditory pleasure!

Audrey's Santa Birthday Party

Audrey's Santa themed birthday party is always so much fun around the holidays.  She gets so excited that Santa is willing to make a pit stop at her party, because she knows he is one busy guy.  "Santa" is such a cool dude; full of funny tales, tricks, and explanations that make his visit worthwhile and unique - a definite repeat for next year.  This year he brought a naught and nice list and actually mentioned names of children from the party that were on the "nice" list...they were delighted.  He also had an hour glass that served as a way to measure whether a child was "naughty or nice".  In addition, he had a special stop watch, explaining to the children how he stopped time and thus could complete all his deliveries all over the world.  He read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and paused to answer what seemed like 100 questions from the children.  A couple of my favorite "Santa" touches included his awesome autograph on the back of our party goers elf craft and a picture of Rudolph on his cell phone...so cool!!! 

We were lucky to have Mimi, Papa, and Auntie Zan in town, as they were a huge help.  Audrey especially loved having her family around to help celebrate turning 7!!!  I know someday my kids will outgrown this party, Avery is getting very close, but with baby #4 due during the holiday season I think Santa will be dropping by for a few more years!

Things I Want To Remember - Audrey Turning 7

Dearest Audrey - you are such a special, spunky, super, little girl!!!  You make me smile each and every day with your warm-morning hugs, your sweet grin, and your silly antics.  

On December 3rd you were so excited to turn seven and counted down the days until your birthday for almost a whole month.  

On your birthday you asked to have your nails painted with a special design, because you notice those sorts of details, so we headed to the salon and you came home with snowflakes on your fingernails.  

Cake and frosting are not your favorite, so you helped me make a cookie pie instead.  

You loved opening your presents and excitedly opened all your gifts, squealing with delight at each and every newly, unwrapped find.  

Watching you grow up is magical, because you approach everything with a contagious, eager-enthusiasm that is hard to contain. 

These are the things I want to remember about you at this stage in life.....

1.  Lady - You still love "Lady" your special stuffed animal that you have slept with almost every single night since you were three.

2.  Journaling -  I can see you someday keeping a diary, as you love writing down your thoughts on paper.  In fact, you asked for a journal as a birthday gift, received one, and have posted thoughts almost nightly since receiving it.  

3.  Reading  - Reading by yourself before bedtime has become a nightly ritual.  Junie B. Jones books are your favorite because you think she is so funny.   You prefer a magazine subscription called "Storytime", because it contains fairytales, over Ranger Rick because fiction is your thing.

4.  Latin- To my surprise you love Latin, enjoy talking in Latin, and like to write letters to family members with Latin phrases.

5.  Piano -  You really want to play the piano like Avery and Amelia, but haven't started piano lessons...yet.  In the meantime, you engage in piano practice, on your own, by practicing out of Avery and Amelia's beginner piano-lesson books. 

6.  Jane-  Our next door neighbor is your best bud.  You two girls are like peas in a pod and seem to love playing the same imaginary games for hours in your rooms.  

7.  School -  You love going to school.  I am amazed at how well you handle your homework load, which includes an extensive amount of writing, which you complete almost entirely on your own. 

8.  Baby Voice - You still sometimes talk in a baby-voice, which drives you dad nuts, saying it's your "cute voice".  

9.  Sibling Bonds - You and Amelia have special sibling bond and enjoy rooming together, sharing your special secrets at night.  As for your brother, you guys enjoy building and creating unique things from his treasure box.  Avery is your go-to guy when you need something fixed.

10.  Christmas Music - Holy smokes, do you love Christmas music.  You ask to have it on the radio, to play it at home, and sing it in your spare time.  You recently learned "O Come All Ye Faithful" in Latin and are delighted when they play the Latin version on the radio.   Your favorite Christmas song is "Feliz Navidad".