Big Sis / Little Sis Tea

A tradition at the Elms is for the first grade to host a tea for their big sisters otherwise known as their prayer partners.  It involves tons of planning but all leads to a beautiful day.

                 

Dawson's big sis Rowen is a ballet dancer and performs in many of our local ballets including the Nutcracker.

 The girls painted handmade teacups for their prayer partner and for themselves.  They were a nice touch to the event!

 Some simple flower pots….which the first graders got to take home!

 They recited a poem for the sixth graders thanking them for all they have done for them.

 And finally sat down to enjoy some delicious food and tea!

 Dawson's very good friend Lilly.

And some how I volunteered to take everyone's picture together.  They were super cute!

Out of Here!

As a last minute decision, Grammy decided to take everyone to Disney World for a few days over Springbreak.  This included her grandchildren and my cousin from Michigan.  Keep in mind, most of them are close to or over twenty years old.  They had a blast!

 We had to take a picture of this snowman from Hollywood Studios.  This was for all my friends back home suffering through another winter storm or two over the break.  It seems like we might not ever see the sun!!!!

 We did run in to our friends for a bit in Hollywood Studios.  The only problem is that with the new Magic Bands at Disney, your family is now on a tight ride schedule so we each had our own ways to go.  Not sure if I like the Magic Bands or not yet?  They really lock you in to everything!!!  The girls were looking at some original planning work from the movie "Frozen."  

 Silly girls getting ready to watch Fantasmic.

 My favorite ride of all….DUMBO!  Go Grammy and Dawson!

 Waiting for the parade….

 Disney just rolled out a new parade "Festival of Fantasy" a few weeks ago.  The floats were beautiful and filled with bright colors.  We loved all the costumes but, felt it was a bit too short.  We wanted more!  

 Captain Hook was one of my favorites.

 And of course, one can never forget Tinkerbell….a favorite of Dawson's.

 And a few Irish dancers that proceeded Merida from "Brave".

 The fire breathing dragon from "Sleeping Beauty".  The fire was real and right in front of us!  On a side note, I was shocked they were working on the castle during the day and the cranes were there constantly.  Surprising that Disney would want these in everyone's pictures and not do the work at night.  

 We LOVED this float!

 Our last night was spent at the HOOP DEE DOO REVIEW.  It's kind of like the old Hee Ha show!

 There was lots of slapstick humor, dancing, singing and napkin waving!

And when the food was served, the servers all came out at once and slammed the heavy, steal buckets of family style food right on our table.  Everyone was shocked and laughed!

Last but not least, I caught this group taking a ride on the boardwalk.  

New Year's at Noon

For the past few years we have attending the Natural History Museum for a New Year's at Noon celebration with our cousins.  Every year they have a craft, animal presentation, scavenger hunt and a trip to the planetarium.  Always a ton of fun!

 The girls always listen attentively when it comes to animal facts.

 Lots of owl visitors.

 What a great wing span!

 Making a shaker for the New Year's celebration.

 And a fun scavenger hunt……

 And in the end, some balloons fell and there were bubbles to walk all over to celebrate.  Welcome 2014!

Catch Up Time

Yes, I have been missing for a few months but, I'm back and ready to catch up on a few events.  I'm sorry I'm so far behind but, looking forward to many more photo and blogging opportunities.  I did not take many pics this year because of so many happenings but, these few capture some important moments!

 Finally, a look alike doll.  Her name of course is "D".

 On Christmas morning, Santa always leaves a sack!

 Stocking stuffers and surprises…..

And a new bone and bed for Ella.  Everyone was happy!

Lock 3 Christmas Program

Dawson's school sang a few carols at Lock 3 while they unveiled a school banner that was part of a New Year's countdown.  Schools from all over the county do this each night.

 The kids were just put together in a group.  I had to laugh because I was all prepared to take lots of pictures.  I couldn't even get a picture of her!  Can you find my little Dawson?  Hahaha

 Her school banner which was done by some 6th grade students.  It was quite impressive.

and at the end, the kids just ran around and had some fun!

Polar Express...

We are so lucky to live in a National Park (as I've said over and over) to enjoy all the the fun events they offer!   Another fun year on the Polar Express.  This year, we decided to take Bella with us.  The magic never ends on this train ride!

 When we boarded the train we were instantly greeted by Elf Flashy (yes, that's what she said her name was).  She told us her job at the North Pole was a toy maker.  Dawson told her she wanted an American Girl doll and Elf Flashy said she would be the one that would make that doll!  On Christmas morning when Dawson opened that doll, she instantly said….Elf Flashy made this doll!  That made me laugh out loud!

 

One of my favorite parts of the train ride is the reading of the "Polar Express" book.  It always catches the attention of both the adults and children. 

She's looking out the window in search of the North Pole!

 Dawson was answering the question of the names of all the reindeers.  I was shocked she raised her hand!

 The North Pole was fantastic!  We had snow the night before so it was perfect!

 Santa made a quick move when Dawson wasn't looking and sat down.  I caught a quick picture!  This lasted about one second and she was out of her seat away from that big guy in red!  Still not a fan of him!

 On our way back from the North Pole, it was time to sing some carols and ring our bells.  We were singing "Jingle Bells".

We were day 11 in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" song.  

On our way home, a few tired girls crashed.   (or pretended to be asleep as I found out later).