Goodbye Turkey...Hello Santa

With just three short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year we're in full blown Christmas cheer mode around here.  But Turkey and giving thanks should not be forgotten!  We celebrated with lunch in the school cafeteria...

And one of my highlights of the whole year watching Emerson perform in her pre-school Thanksgiving program!  She had carefully picked out her "pilgrim" outfit...

And I cannot explain the joy I felt the moment she walked in the auditorium in this little get up...

She stole my heart with her enthusiastic performance, emphatic waving and kiss blowing from the risers...

I just adore her...

The temperatures dropped just in time to give us a real reason to wear warm coats and feel super cozy as we headed off to celebrate Thanksgiving in Temple!

June joined us for her first (AND LAST) road trip...

We also found out a great way to pass some time in the car is with a good old fashioned laughing contest...




We arrived for a few days of relaxing, movie going and hanging out with some of our favorite people...

And of course we ate!  Roxi style with all the fixin's (thanks to a couple of little eager helpers)...

And then we came home to Christmas!

Hanging out by a roaring fire...

And curling up with a good Christmas movie...

These are a few of my favorite things!




Tis the Season to be jolly!

Lullaby Bird

The past few months we've been navigating unchartered waters.  With no previous drama experience on mine or Nate's part (let's be honest public speaking gives me hives), Carter's new found interest in theater is new for all of us!  This past weekend she performed in her very first play and as all good mother's would say, "It was awesome!!"  

Seriously it really was! I was so impressed with the amount of time and effort that went into a production put on by 2nd through 8th graders...

Once Upon a Mattress was a hit!  They performed four days in a row for over 800 people.  I was so grateful for Carter to have such an awesome introduction into this fun world of drama.  I think she's going to fit right in...

She spoke loudly, clearly and got a laugh every night with her line, "Excuse me...ummmmm...that is utterly untrue!" And she nailed her part as a Lullaby Bird if I do say so myself...

And I did :)...

She also had plenty of adoring fans (read awesome supporters/family/friends who are like family) who came to cheer her on!  Kimmi and Bryan...

G.G. and Mimi...

Roxi and Emerson...

Olivia!

Attie, Christina and darling munchkins...

Cayce and the adorable Yates...

Clint and Jenny....

And a BIG hip, hip, hooray for Jenny's awesome make-up skills...

Sweet little friends...

Sweet big Joey :)...

And last but certainly not least Nonna and Poppa...

While it was so nice after many hours spent practicing, memorizing, etc. to say, "That's a wrap!" 

We couldn't have been more proud of our little actress (who knows if a career in the theater doesn't work out there's always Toddlers and Tiaras :)...

Seriously Carter, you were amazing!  I enjoyed every second of watching you perform and I hope this is only the beginning of your dramatic endeavors.  I'm so proud of you for being brave, taking the stage and making your mark.  I love you sweet girl!!

XOXO Mom