New Year's Eve relaxing

Nothing like cuddling down with the cousins for a little holiday movie watching to ring in the new year. 

Thank yous for Santa

Emma and I got to see Santa earlier in the month and thank him ahead of time, but Dad forgot to post the pictures. We remembered to smile this year! And Emma got proof for Mom that she has been good this year, because Mom has been asking for some sort of supporting evidence for that claim. 

Christmas morning!

I know we left cookies for Santa on this table last night, but now all that's here is...

PRESENTS!

AND LOTS OF THEM!

Opening our gifts was a ton of fun, but it was really nice to give out some presents too. Grandmom loved her book of pictures of us. I mean, of course she did. How could she withstand our cuteness? 

Christmas party 2017, part 2

Sure, we look cute, but you would not believe how many cookies this crew ate. It's unsettling. 

Emma dance recital

This past Wednesday was my first dance recital, and it was as fabulous as you'd expect. We had music and costumes and the greatest moves you've ever imagined.

First, we had our opening dance:

Then a skills demonstration:

Then a little singing: 

Then, of course, our grand finale:



It was all really awesome. Next time I'll push the teacher for a solo dance. I think I'm ready.

Officially a cub scout

I've been going to cub scout meetings for a few months now, but this wee we had our official welcome ceremony. I got face paint and had to promise to be good to my neighbors and my pack, which shouldn't be a problem. 

Next up: My buddy Matthew and I need to get some cub scout uniforms. Otherwise we won't match with the rest of the kids. 

Christmas party 2017, part 1

Aunt Jeanne's annual Christmas party was this weekend, and all of the younger ones stopped for one minute to pose for a picture. 

After this, we tackled the Christmas tree. 

First snowfall

I keep telling Mom and Dad that it's going to snow on Christmas this year. Maybe after Saturday's snow, they'll believe me. 

First penance

First reconciliation was today -- I was a little worried about the sacrament, but it turned out to be pretty cool. Plus, it was good practice for first communion this spring!

Hanging out with Henry

Henry is only six months old, so Emma and I had to babysit him this week when his Mom had a concert this week. He and I had a lot of fun holding hands and playing with toys. Emma tried too, but every time Henry put his hand out, she gave him a high five. No worries, he still had a lot of fun. 

Emma counting to 100

.. the impatient person's way.

Trimming the tree

December means getting ready for Christmas, so Emma and I set up the whole house this weekend. Mom and Dad helped a little too, I guess.

Getting the tree up is important, but getting Aunt Olga's Christmas village up is even more important. The trick is to remember to leave room for all the different houses.

Emma did a great job leaving a path for the train to wind through the town too. She did keep trying to open the presents in the box cars. 

Not bad for an afternoon's work. I think Santa will be pleased.