Happy Holidays

For the first time since I was young, I truly felt the anticipation of Christmas again. Lily was very aware of all things Christmas, which made for a fun year. For her big present from us, we got her a Princess "big girl" bike. The problem with a bike for Christmas in MN is obvious, but we have taken advantage of the abandoned halls of Concordia during the break. I must admit that my heart skips a bit at the sight of her riding so fast, but she is getting better about braking.


We also celebrated our little family Christmas with cookie cutter pancakes. I think Lily ate more toppings than pancake, but what is Christmas for?


We had a great Christmas down in Luverne with my family as well. We made it down there just before the storm, and we ended up staying an extra day because of the weather. There was plenty of space and fun to be had, so all-in-all it was a great trip (except for the drive home which took an extra 2 1/2 hours!)


Here are some highlights:


Lily attempting to be like her big cousin Connor, the goalie


Time with cousins and the candy-cane pinata

Sled rides behind the four-wheeler

Hot-tubbing in a blizzard. . .

And the hairstyles that it creates!

Lily playing dress-up and beauty shop with Maddie.

Playing "Beyond Balderdash" with the adults and older kids. There are no pictures -- we were too busy laughing ourselves to tears. I highly recommend this game!

Having my whole family together.

"Transparents night" and Shepherds at the mall

Last Thursday was the last night of Lily's recent gymnastics session. On the final night parents are invited inside to watch. Lily was very excited about "transparents night." The video below was their "final test." It was so cute to watch each kid show off for the parents.

The bubble gum ice cream cone to celebrate!

And a few days later at the mall. . .
Lily and I were walking behind an elderly gentleman who was using a cane. Her eyes lit up as she pointed at him. "Mom, he must be a shepherd!" Merry Christmas!

It's the Holiday Season

Here is a little clip from Lily's Christmas Program at church. She did a great job and it was an improvement over Thursday night at her school program where she stood with her fingers in her mouth the whole time. (By the way, does anyone else notice the crazy parent syndrome that occurs at these programs -- parents doing whatever it takes to get the perfect photo or video angle?)

And on a totally different note, here is Mike's first catch of the year. Now doesn't that look much more delicious than the duck?

In the majority

Tonight at supper Lily is telling Mike that she had chips and salsa for a snack at school. He asks if she liked it.
"I didn't like the salsa, so I just ate the chips. Do you like salsa, Dad?"
"I do," Mike replies.
"I don't," Lily says with a wrinkled nose. "Do you like salsa, Mom?"
"Yep."
"I like salsa, too," agrees Lily.
Mike notes that it appears she doesn't need everyone to agree with her, but she does need to be in the majority.

Enjoying some local fun

Last Friday we took Lily to the Cobber hockey game. They ended up with a victory over Bethel. Lily had such a great time that she sobbed when the game was over. (Although, she may have been sad because it meant bedtime and no more skittles!)

Her girly side returned on Saturday morning when she and I went to a Storybook Breakfast at the West Fargo High School. As a fundraiser, the students in their drama department dress up like children's book characters. There was breakfast, pictures with santa and crafts. It was right up Lily's alley. Here a couple of her favorites:

Belle and the Beast

Snow White and her prince.

On Saturday night, Mike and I had a chance to go the Concordia Christmas Concert. It was an amazing production. PBS was even there filming it and plans to show it Dec 23-25. It is the first time in our four years here that we have made it. We were both impressed.