Steen's first Cello Recital

Steen played Twinkles and all their Variations in his first solo recital! It was a very long song and we worked so hard so he could stay with his teacher on the accompaniment the whole time! He did so good with his technique and the first two variations were so wonderful. Unfortunately somewhere in the middle his hand got a little off and so the intonation went with it...so I took the liberty of just uploading my favorite portion of the video. ;-) In the part I edited out the chords just sounded like minor 3rds instead of major...maybe a Halloween version! I'm sure in some far east country those chords sounded perfect! Ha Ha! We are so proud of Steen!

Christmas Eve

I love this time of year...hanging out, playing games, eating junk food AND being with family! Unfortuantely, we've had some stomach flu going thru the neighborhood and so we had to uninvite ourselves from Christmas dinner with my family and a week later uninvite ourselves from Christmas dinner with Steven's extended familiy. It was a bummer not to be able to see and play with cousins as much...but we made the most of it and had a very nice and quiet Christmas Eve!

Instead of having Roast Beef with my family, we had homemade chicken noodle soup, jello, and rolls! Food fit for a (Recovering stomach flu) champion!

The kids and I each got a new pair of p.j.s that they opened up on Christmas Eve...it's TRADITION!

Steven didn't really want a new pair of pjs this year...but when the kids realized he didn't have a present to open they insisted he needed one...so he wrapped up his old pjs and opened them...SURPRISE...I've never seen these PJs before!
We reinacted the nativity with puppets my friend gave us for Christmas!

It wasn't the Christmas Eve we planned on, but it was great to have our own traditions

and celebrate a quiet peaceful Christmas with our little family!

Rockin out to Jingle Bells

Steen had his preschool Christmas sing. He did a great job...especially considering he didn't even want to get dressed to go because he was worried he couldn't remember any of the songs. My favorite was him rockin' out to Jingle Bells while the teacher is trying to shh their bell ringing until the chorus.

Here is some advice from preschoolers...if you build a snowman...don't make a pet out of it...don't bring it home to sleep with you...it might run away, but first...it will wet your bed! LOL!

Rudolf is such a classic. Watch for Steen's friend Emma on the left side of the camera...she keeps loosing her antlers.

Twas' the Night Before Christmas

Michaela played Mrs. Claus in the third grade school play. It was so fun to watch her perform! She got the stomach flu the night before the Wednesday performance and actually had to stay home from school. (One of her understudies covered for her...LOL) Luckily she was better the second day (although a little pale).

Here is Mrs. Claus pouring Santa some hot chocolate and assuring him that everything is going to be O.K.
Taking the final bow...way to go third graders! They need to take their show on the road!

Michaela turns 9!

Michaela is 9 years old and sweeter than ever!

Just before her 8th birthday when she donated 12 inches of hair to locks of love.

Dance picture 7 years old.

Violin Recital Age 6

Michaela 3 years old!Halloween - age 2.5The day she was born!


Happy Birthday to a sweet girl! She truly has a gift for loving people as they are. She is creative and loves to read! She plays the violin beautifully and has fun playing with her American Girl Doll Lizzy! We love our Michaela!

Andrea's Recital

Andrea finished her violin Suzuki Book 1. We celebrated her accomplishment by having a book recital where she played 18 of the pieces from her book for family and friends. She did an awesome job and it we were grateful to those who could come and support her! Afterwards we had donuts, hot chocolate, homemade cinnamon rolls, etc. Way to go Andrea...on to Book 2!

Rachel's present

Elisa's sweet cousin Rachel knit some booties, scarf, mittens and hat. It was adorable. We tried to take some pics of Rachel and Elisa all dressed up, but we caught Elisa at a bad time...the pics were still worth posting. Thanks Rachel! You are sooo talented!