Fun in the snow!

My kids experienced snow for the very first time at their own house yesterday!  Kaylee had seen it before in Boise, but Aaron and Bekah had never seen it.  They had a blast.  It wasn't much, but it was enough to make snow angels and go sledding down the hill in our backyard.

 

 

Bekah is 2!

Sweet little Bekah turned 2 on the 3rd of January.  Her nicknames are Tiny Boo and Precious Thing.  She loves to be read to, and loves her 2 baby dolls she got for Christmas.  She loves going Bye-Bye and her favorite things to do during the week are go to the two preschool playdate gyms and church on Sunday.  She loves nursery and her teacher, Sister Harmen.  Her favorite friend is Leyla.

 Taken the morning of her birthday - we were at one of the preschool playdates.  

At her party - Peter Piper Pizza - just the fam.   

We love you Bekah and are so happy you're in our family.  Happy Birthday baby girl!

Christmas 2012

The first part of December was filled with rehearsals and performances for our Stake's production of Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols".  I produced it and Shawn played Dr. Halifax and the Man in Uniform.  There were a lot of late nights at the Stake Center, but the production ended up being wonderful, and really added to the spirit of our Christmas season.

These next two pics pretty much sum up our weather for the month of December.  Highs in the 80's and lows in the 70's - 60's if we were lucky.  Sad, but true.

They have an annual Christmas tree lighting event here in Corpus called Harbor Lights.  They light up the tree downtown and then have a boat parade with lit up boats in the harbor that come sail past as you sit and watch on the seawall.  It was really cool to see.  

The Islanders also kicked off the season with a lighting ceremony and a concert Shawn was in charge of.  They had some fun kid activities before the concert started.  Shawn had all the kids up on the stage ringing jingle bells while the band played.  I love this pic of Bekah coloring her picture on the floor of the PAC with her legs up and crossed.  :)

We got to see Santa several times this season!  He made an appearance right after Thanksgiving when Grandma and Grandpa Smith were here.

At the lighting of the park.

On Christmas morning - phew - he was tired and HOT!

We like this Santa the best.  :)

Our ward had it's annual Christmas party.  The kids sang "Away in a Manger" and "Rudolph".  Shawn played "Chestnuts Roasting" on his trumpet, and we sang "Angels We Have Heard on High" as a family.  I sang "Silver Bells" with Valerie McCoy.  Here is Johnny Tijerina reading the Christmas story to the children.

We had a fun night decorating our tree.  Here's baby girl putting the star on top.

Sights of the season.

Kaylee and I got to attend a performance of the Nutcracker.

My three cute kiddos ready for church the Sunday before Christmas.

Christmas Eve!! 

Started out with breakfast tacos by the bay.  Love it!

We made ornaments.

Had our yummy Christmas feast.

Went out and looked at lights.

Came back and acted out the Christmas story.

Made sure Santa and his reindeers were taken care of.

Christmas morning!

Kaylee's Fall Activities

Kay rocked it out as one of the "Rockin Robins" for tribute to the oldies.  :)

My beauty on her first day of 5th grade!

Ready to work!

Kaylee was asked to help with the announcements all year for her school.  She went to the library first thing every morning and sat with Ms. Dellinger (the assistant principal) to read off the menu and any birthdays.  

Here's Kaylee receiving an "All-Star of the Day" award at school.

This is a bad quality picture, but it was so cute - Kay got a certificate to make her own mini-pizza from Papa Murphy's for getting straight A's.  She had a good time doing that and then shared the pizza with Aaron and Bekah.  :)

My little poser.  :)

Thanksgiving art project Kaylee made in her class.  We each put in what we're thankful for and read it at Thanksgiving dinner.

One of my fav pics of my girls.  Hanging out at Aaron's soccer game.

Such a good big sis.  :)

Here are a couple of Kay's performances in December...the first was the Christmas dance her class did at the Christmas recital, and the second is at her school talent show.  She sang Dynamite.

Aaron's Fall 2012

Aaron began Preschool this fall at Ms. Diane's Building Blocks Preschool.  Here he is on his first day.

 First day arriving at school.

 In October, his class took a field trip to the pumpkin patch.

 His arts and crafts teacher, Ms. Misti.

His Preschool teacher, Ms. Diane.

Playtime on the last day before Christmas break.

Christmas program.

We absolutely LOVED Miss Diane and her fabulous preschool.  My favorite memory is on the very first day...Aaron was so excited when we got there he ran right into the classroom and yelled, "I'm here!"  Classic Aaron.  :)

Aaron participated in his first season of soccer this fall!  His team was the Stingrays.  Here he is before his first game.

Waiting for the game to start with his teammates.

Team huddle.

Watch him in action!

Last game.

With his best soccer bud, Santiago.

More action.

Aaron had a great time in soccer.  It will start back up again in the spring.  We're excited for another great season!