Sledding Splendor

This winter we have been treated to some picturesque snowfalls -- where our backyard looks like a beautiful snow globe.

Luckily our new house is equipped with a perfect little sledding hill where the kids have been learning how to snowboard.

Even Teyah and Kyler tried it out.

 

Temps hovering below freezing ... snow crystals forming on the face ... with fresh powder to play in, it makes it all bearable.

 Hooray for snow! Enjoy this dreamy video that captures the magic of the day.

The Nutcracker Cuties

This year's Nutcracker performance featured these two sweet little rodents. 

But, once the masks came out, one turned into a scurrying mouse and the other a scary rat.

While waiting to take the stage, the girls played card games, ate treats, and got a backstage look at all the show's fancy costumes.

This was Teyah's first year performing in Nutcracker, and she had so much fun! She did a great job as the 'blind mouse.' Aubrie is already eager for next year's performance--wondering if she will be a soldier or a puppet! The Nutcracker is so exciting!

Christmas

Christmas this year was so fun for our family. It was the first one in awhile where we weren't moving, showing our house, or traveling! We had time to do all our favorite activities.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve breakfast in our PJ's...a long-standing tradition with our dear friends.

Christmas is the best with these four cuties!

Of course we had our own nativity. This one was special because Ellie wrote and directed it all by herself. It even included scripts that she typed out!

The only thing Ellie wanted for Christmas this year was glasses. I'm sure we will remind her of that someday when she actually needs them. But her fake glasses have contributed to her sense of style. She decided she better not wear them to school though, so she doesn't confuse anyone!

Santa was pretty crafty this year, making this Lego creation for Aubrie's enjoyment.

I particularly loved finally buying and having all the fun boy toys that we have never had around here until recently. Notice Kyler's cars all lined up nicely. 

We can thank Grandma T. for this adorable dress-up!

These cuties are divvying up the lip balm, to make it fair. Glad they have a smile with that process! It was such a fun, relaxing Christmas! We loved celebrating our first Christmas in our new house!

The Doll band

Aubrie often amazes us with her creativity. We particularly enjoyed this ensemble of band instruments she devised for the dolls. Each doll has its own musical instrument created from an everyday household utensil.  My favorite ... the tuba that prince charming is playing (made out of a pencil sharpener).