7 December

 The weekend lens......It was Icy and cold.  I still got a really icy run in Saturday morning as a part of the December 20.

 There was some Santa letter writing going on. 

 The littlest wants a marker maker.  He was so excited to leave his letter for the elf.

 Not sure where he stands on the whole thing (and I didn't ask....yet)

 The grandmas arrived Saturday afternoon.  Words cannot express how special it was to me to have my Grandmother visit for the first time in ages.  She is the kindest most generous person I know, always caring, always helping.  She is honest about the struggle in Grandpa going to live in the nursing home, but her attitude is always so cheerful.  Her positive attitude is a bright, teaching light to this world and a gift to our family.  She helped me with a knitting lesson, I've been trying to learn for years. 

 She got me started on a couple of rows. and She had a blast Playing and drawing with Bre all day Sunday.  Apparently there are some pictures on B's iPod of Grandma posing with some stuffed animals that I have to check out! 

 then they worked on some gifts.

 We sat by the warm fire and tree and talked the afternoon away.  So nice to spend a day at home away from the hustle and bustle. 

 Then onto our book reading for the evening.  So amazing to have the grandmas share in our nightly advent book reading.,

 Sunday......The Candy Cane classic.  I love this swim meet, always well run and the kids do well. I got to be the "team photographer" for the older kids session....obviously I loved that :)

 T set a PR in every event and won his heat in the 100 breaststroke.  (You get a candy cane for winning your heat!) 

 Then right after, it was onto the piano recital.  I love the chance to hear all the kids performances, especially at Christmastime, there is just something about the music. 

L was sick Friday and then Saturday night and on the couch all day Sunday, so he missed playing :(  It was such a bummer because his teacher says L is such a performer (I believe it!).  He so, so wanted to play.  Stay tuned until Spring.  T did great, but is working on a much harder song for the Spring, can't wait!  Hope your weekend was warm and cozy!

9 June

Today....

The BIG piano recital (and Ls' First ever Piano recital).  For the longest time L said there was no way he was going to do the recital....EVER.  His piano teacher said he would give him a week to think about it and then decide (I knew he would never change his mind because When L makes up his mind about something,....it is made up).  We just let it drop.  About a month later L suddenly said, Hey, I can play Pop goes the Weasel no problem, I think I'll do the recital!"  And that was that, he was in!  We only had like two meltdowns about getting dressed (notice the shoes, they were no problem this time btw).  The shot of them getting ready went something like..."Hey, I'll help you with your shirt buttons, then I'll punch you in the face...." SO them.  As always it was a really fun day filled with beautiful music, and all the kids played great.  Love this.