How Could it Be?

Every year we, as parents, dress the kids up and take the "Santa" picture.  For some reason it's become the Christmas memory we want to remember most.  But we all know it's never that easy.  We primp the kids, bribe them with sweets, and just hope there's no tantrums, let alone a good picture.

This year I was standing in line behind this mom who was taking her boy (I'd guess 2 yr. old) to visit Santa for the 3rd time this year.  He was impeccably dressed in a red sweater getup and she was loaded with treats.  As they walked up he immediately started crying, fearing for his life.  Makes sense really......Santa is scary!  Another way we tortured our kids for our enjoyment.

Ady had told us she was excited to sit on Santa's lap this year and kept saying "no cry."  We weren't completely confident she was ready, but we were willing to try.  Turns out she was more than ready and couldn't contain her excitement, making sure to ask for a "pink doggy".  

Although I was excited to finally have all kids sit on Santa's lap and get an adorable pic (see below), it was a little bittersweet - another realization we have 3 big kids and no more babies!  Our "Santa" window with all 3 believing will be short.  Before we know it we'll be bribing Brooklynn to keep the secret for her sisters and some of the magic, the excitement, will be gone forever.  There's nothing better than the enthusiasm they have at this age for it all - Santa, the lights, the trees, and of course the presents.

2010 - I can't believe I tortured Chandler like this!

 And again in 2011

 2012 - She finally (reluctantly) sits on his lap

And this year!  I just love this picture!

Recital Time

I constantly can't believe how quickly time flies but recital time was upon us yet again!  This session Brooklynn enrolled in lyrical jazz, which seemed to fit her style perfectly, while Chandler stayed in tap/ballet but moved into level 3.  They have become quite the dancers and absolutely love performing!

Getting ready to leave

Waiting backstage

Chandler's class

Chandler's tap number:  Pennies from Heaven

Brooklynn dancing to Circle of Life

What a performance!

Typical Chandler trying to steal the spotlight

I can't help but be so proud of them and truly think they have a talent for dancing.  After the performance their teachers recommended they tryout for the city dance team.  After much consideration we decided we'll stick with the rec program a little longer.  I hate to commit them at such a young age to one activity.  Sadly, there's pressure to push them into one activity young so they can be the best, but we're too afraid of burnout.  If dancing is their passion, we will be all in and support them in whatever they need, but for now I think we'll continue to dabble in dance, swimming, soccer, and (hopefully) softball.  What's wrong at just being good at a lot of things, right?

Christmas is Here!

The Black Friday sales are always so tempting, but with them starting on Thanksgiving now we've decided to boycott.  So every year I say I'm going to wake up early and head out on Friday for some steals.  The tough part is leaving the family Christmas decorating day.  So I usually step out for an hour or two so I don't miss the fun.  The girls looks forward to this day every year, especially to get the outdoor decorations out.

This year we were lucky enough to have Kenz staying with us to enjoy the day and help us decorate.  We always save the tree decorating until the evening with hot chocolate and Christmas carols (kinda cheesy but I LOVE it).  It's always fun to break out the ornaments and try to figure out who's in the picture or who made the ornament.  The evening didn't disappoint, and I think we did a great job.  

Nice to have a tall one to disperse the ornaments

Ta-Da!

I think we'll need a taller tree soon, because we had to even leave ornaments off.  Maybe next year we'll find a real tree!

Killin' It!

Most people know how stressful Brooklynn's kindergarten school year was - changing teachers, struggle to adapt to being away from us, and her difficulties with transitions throughout the day.  Her assessments showed zero growth until December, so we knew she was too stressed to even learn.  I don't remember a night when Steve and I weren't lying in bed discussing her day - good or bad.  It was just rough!  And I'm sure that it didn't help with her being the first to leave the nest.

This year has been a complete turnaround!  She has made so many friends, loves her teacher, and is finally enjoying school.  She has conquered a lot this past year, but enjoying school has been the toughest obstacle.

She has increased her reading level tremendously, and she's almost at a 2nd grade level.  She's working through her math struggles instead of giving up.  And her writing is awesome!  I just love reading her journal each month.

For her tenacity she was awarded student of the month for November.  Each month they choose a character trait and this one was perseverance.  Last year Brooklynn scored lowest in this category (yes, they assess this now....crazy).  She was known to give up when it got tough.  This year she works through it, figures it out, and is so proud of herself!  I truly believe perseverance is the most important quality in a good learner, and I'm ecstatic to see what the future holds for her.

We are so proud of you Boo Bear!

*Now we can focus our nightly talks about the trouble your sisters are getting into!