A Hallmark moment...or is that a Landmark Occasion?

Our elementary school publishes a yearbook annually, and each year, parents of 'graduating 5th graders' have the opportunity to purchase an advertisement for their kids to be published in the yearbook.

Karen has been planning Nicholas' ad for about a year now–the centerpiece for it is a photograph with each of his teachers over the last 4 years. His 2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, and both 5th grade teachers are shown, and we owe these four amazing individuals our unending gratitude and appreciation! Many parents tout their children's teachers as 'the best in the world'; we can actually say they are among the very best in our state (and likely in the nation)!

THANK YOU TEACHERS!!

The Best Christmas Present Ever?

 Our new church presented a children's musical "The Best Christmas Present Ever" back in early December. The kids started practicing in September, and met every Sunday until the first weekend in December...yikes!  Caroline was so excited to do it, and tried out for a solo. She got Mom's favorite...Happy Birthday Jesus! She did an awesome job; one of her directors called her "her little angel", and she certainly stole the show (except for the Guest of Honor, Jesus, of course!) HE certainly is the Best Christmas Present Ever!

Ice skating? Here?

You Bet!  For the first time ever, our local zoo offered ice skating this winter! It was rough ice, but still pretty fun...we went for to celebrate a birthday party with some good friends, and had a blast.

Happy Birthday Emma!

Caroline & Emma

pausing for a pose

We really are Ice Skating!

Catching their breath

slow going at times...

What a fun time!

Winter Wonderland (aka 'snow-pocalypse I')

Back in mid-January, we had a snow day from school. Our area received about 5 inches of snow, which immediately qualified this storm as the 'White Death 2011', or my new favorite term, 'Snow-pocalypse'. (heard that one from some friends in Atlanta that got walloped by the same storm...too good!

Well...rather than lay around and lounge into nothing-ness, we got on the phone. I think the text message went something like this..."snow-ball fight, your place, 10:00 AM".  The single response was..."bring it".  Donned we then our gay apparel, rubber boots and all (thanks to the Georgia game @ the Liberty Bowl), and off we trekked over the river and through the woods to our good friends (and now snow-pocalypse opponents).  After some frivolous fraternizing (shown here), we got down to business!

After the Snow-pocalypse, the kids made some friends, and they all made a new friend.  Nicholas had so much fun, he made his own friend when we got home.

Funny things kids say...

Right before Christmas, we are all sitting in the living room together. Caroline was quietly reading a book when she says "Mom, I have this tooth that is smooth and soft...is that my sweet tooth?" Don't you love it!

When I'm supposed to be working...

Yes, it's shameful, but I just received a link in an email at work, and dedicated my lunch time to a mindless pleasure...Enjoy!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Simple Gifts

Grace, Caroline, Nicholas, and Caroline

Back in October 2010, Nicholas and Caroline were members of a select choir from their school to was asked to sing with the local  orchestra. What a treat!  The choir was comprised predominantly of 4th & 5th graders, but their teacher also accepted three 2nd graders to sing with them. The orchestra was performing Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring (one of my all-time favorites). The new conductor likes to "spice things up" a bit on her concerts, and the special event on this night was the choir.  The children walked out on stage just before the Copland, and sang the folk song that Appalachian Spring was based on, the Shaker melody Simple Gifts. It was a truly magical moment for us, watching our children on stage performing with the orchestra, and it was a night that I personally hope I will never forget...