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).

Sledding

Lynn invited us over for a play date and we were lucky Kyle volunteered to go outside with the girls to get in a little sledding!   Thanks to Lynn, she caught a few great moments for me with her camera!  These girls looked like they had a blast!  

 This one is my favorite by far….look at these two faces!

 We are looking forward to some more snowy days to come.  I would like to hit the ski slopes soon!

Snow at Last

These two took out the snowman stuff and got to work all by themselves.  In about an hour here is what they came up with!  I was really impressed that they could do this without any help at all!!!

Art Studio

Each year we try to go to the art studio with friends to make our annual Christmas ornament.  This year we had a group of 7….lots of fun!

 Dawson's ornament before going in the kiln.

And three sassy girls giving me attitude!

Mother Daughter Luncheon

The Mother Daughter Luncheon is always a fun time to spend with friends.  The event is a fundraiser for the school PTO.  It consists of lunch, raffle baskets, a DJ and tons of running around. (Which I'm sure they should not be doing…..so much fun though!) 

The girls all had balloons and they were popping them everywhere.  

 And Dawson joined in on the fun after awhile.

 It was fun to walk around and put raffle tickets in all the different bags.  We didn't win which is always a slight disappointment!

 Three good first grade friends!