We started December with an FCCLA meeting.
Milo sang in the elementary school chorus for the annual downtown Christmas Tree Lighting.
We got our family pictures back and we are so pleased with them. Our family has grown up so much and the kids are amazing, beautiful, smart, fun and a delight to have in our home. It is fun to get to document that with these photos. (It probably should be mentioned that many threats were made in frustration during the session and the bribe of eating out at a restaurant was employed to make these happen. Everyone was a lot happier when we sat down to eat at Gnat's Landing afterward.)
Aunt Callie sends us advent calendars every year, but this puzzle one was definitely a favorite for us.
We had a fun time at the ward Christmas party. Milo was excited to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas (and also to check on his genuineness...) Logan spent weeks planning the dance and it was SO fun.
Milo did a great job in his chorus concert, both singing and playing the piano.
Carli and her friend Madeline helping get ready for the high school chorus Christmas concert. Carli did a phenomenal job singing Mary Did You Know in a trio. She is a really talented musician.
All six of my classes made and decorated sugar cookies this year. I'm not sure I will do it again, but I think the kids enjoyed it.
It's fun that Ms. White sets up extra events for the kids to sing. The chorus went to sing Christmas songs at the airport and had a great time.
One of my sweet, super quiet 6th graders gave me the best Christmas present. It's the Game of Life! Just like my bulletin board! Truly made my day
One of my 7th grade students gave me these awesome Kitchenaid mixer earrings. So cute and perfect for me!
Our annual gingerbread house creations. Carli gave up on icing and went for the glue gun to design her quidditch stadium.
The advent puzzle finished!
The Buche de Noel!
Our neighbor, John, joined us for our Christmas Eve dinner and having him around really made our night special. We enjoyed bread, dips, veggies and fruit, plus the buche de noel for dessert.
Almost time for Santa to come!
The weekend after Christmas we headed north to the mountains in Helen. This was our third time staying in the barrel cabins in Unicoi State Park. It is one of our favorite traditions. This time we took a day to hike around Tallulah Falls State Park and it was fantastic. It was a perfect weather day and we loved the views, the hikes, the suspension bridge and spending time together. The stairs gave us a run for our money, but it was worth it.
We ended the day at Anna Ruby Falls and recreated a few family photos from years past. We all look a little different now, so it's fun to compare. This year we went several days later than we have before and we noticed a BIG difference in the size of the crowds.
Logan, Janie and Milo went on a search for a geocache and Janie brought back a prize for Tad, who loves jewelry. It wasn't until a little later we realized this particular necklace wasn't exactly suitable for an 8-year-old to wear out in public. Oops...
I can't think of a better way to celebrate the new year than in this beautiful place with these beautiful (and a little crazy) people.
