Cotillion and Church Christmas Program Weekend!

December 1st, Fred returned with a fun scavenger hunt that led Madi to a gingerbread house kit to put together!

Seeing the route our cruise will take on the Facebook page made us all excited to be setting sail in a few days!

Saturday afternoon was Madi's Girl Scout Christmas party. 

They met at the Mudroom and picked out a piece of pottery to paint.

Madi chose a tile and made this ice cream sundae.  We were all so impressed!

We all brought yummy treats to share!

And then the girls revealed each Secret Santa and exchanged gifts! 

This was Madi's first Secret Santa experience and she loved it!

Wfinished pieces!

Saturday evening was a family event. 

We grilled out and Madi decorated her gingerbread house.

December 2:  Fred left another scavenger hunt for Madi. 

It ended with a nutcracker for her collection.  On this one you can countdown the days to Christmas!

Sunday was a busy day! 

Right after church, Madi had cotillion.

Elly and Rylee rode along with us making it much more fun!

Sunday evening was the Children's Christmas program at church.

Madi sang and danced in the ballet portion.

Madi & Maisen after the program.  Both girls did so well!

All these Christmas events sure get us in the spirit! 

Go Jayton Jaybirds!

 We jumped in the car on Friday at 3:30pm to head to Sterling City to watch Tripp play with the Jayton Jaybirds! 

 We met for dinner at a local Mexican food restaurant first of course!

We love #6!

 We were sure to bring our cold weather gear and we're glad we did!

 I got a few videos of Tripp kicking but not the best ones.  Oh well!  He and the team did amazing!

The Jaybirds win and advance to the next round!

 It was so fun that all of us - Uncle Rod, Grandma, Grandpa, Cody's mom and stepdad, . . . - could all be there to cheer Tripp on!

 Man I sure love that #6.

Just can't believe he's already 15.  Time slow down!

Daddy/Daughter Night at Cotillion

 Wednesday night was Daddy/Daughter night at cotillion. 

 Madi has been wanting long dresses and boy did she look beautiful!

 Off they go . . .

 Thankful for church friends that are also in cotillion so Matt has some friends too. 

 And I'm also thankful for friends that are chaperoning and take videos for you!

Cotillion has been a good experience so far!

Back to Writing

 Madi went to a fun Harry Potter-themed birthday party last week for one of her Girl Scout friends.

 

Sunday after church, Madi joined Elora and Kiran with a lesson from Cousin Klay at his academy. 

Klay said Madi did great and he would love to train her.  :)

Sunday afternoon was Girl Scouts!

Madi is surrounded by such great friends.  We are so thankful.

 Monday

I'm back to writing two hours a day thanks to Doug.  He may me schedule two hours a day to write so I chose 8 to 10 each morning.  I struggle to write in general but I really had a hard time after losing Casey.  Hopefully I get this dissertation done in the next year. 

 We did a closet clean out and gave Maci all of Madi's lego sets.  Loved seeing a picture of her completing one the first day!

 A little diving at swim practice . . .

 Tuesday

 Wednesday - Looks like she wears the same clothes but actually she just loves the new jacket I bought her.  :)

 She got some clay from Girl Scouts on Sunday and enjoyed making a Chewbacca.  I was impressed.

 Madi decorated the board in my office before Thanksgiving so I had to take a picture before erasing it for a meeting.

 Thursday

 Friday

 During our SC Meeting on Friday, my site coordinators presented me with this framed picture of Casey's flag lowering ceremony that I missed since I was out of town. 

I love that our university does this for those we lost, but I wish it wasn't the case.  It looks great in my office though.