Gingerbread House 2011

Huge THANK YOU to Aunt Janee & Uncle Jim for the wonderful surprise in the mail! My kids could not have been more thrilled to make a real Gingerbread House! We might have to make the "store bought housing kit" a tradition. It was a much better experience than previous homemade versions we've tried...

OliverBoy thought the box itself was a fabulous toy. Fine with me, because he would have caused chaos at the table.

Connor was in charge of the sides. Awesomely, he even put on candy window flowerboxes.

Um, yes, a fair amount of sampling took place.


GollumTyler thought he could reach more candy if he actually sat on the table. Dave took the picture, then got after him, wink.

OliverBoy figured out that there was candy he couldn't reach on the table by this point. This is his "I am not amused." look.


Beth handled the front and back of the house. Love everything she did, putting a lot of thought/creativity in. Super great.

Final product! Kids are already asking when they can snitch candy off it...I told them after I took a picture, wink. So, by the time you read this, the Gingerbread House will be unrecognizable!

Merry Christmas! (Hey, Janee, can you see the gorgeous nativity you made me in the background? It is so lovely. Love it and you!)

Wonderfully Busy Saturday

We had a crazy busy Saturday with church errands, Columbia River Temple sessions, dance recital rehearsals followed by the actual recital later that afternoon, and finally a piano recital. Whew, glad it's done, but it was a wonderful day!

Beth before her dance recital....

She looks beautiful. Any chance to wear makeup is always much anticipated. Don't you love the Christmas tree decorated to Oliver's reach level? Gotta love a one year old in the house!

Beth's recital...




After Beth and Dad got home, we got ready immediately for Beth & Tyler's piano recital. It was Tyler's first one ever! He was so excited that he was just about driving us crazy, manic with excitement. But the boy did not disappoint. We thought he did phenomenal.

Our two performers before we left for the recital...


Tyler's FIRST EVER piano recital!...



And Beth, as well, did a stellar job. She changed a few notes at the end because "that's the way the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings it." I agree with her musical interpretation.




Our kids with Miss Connie - Connie, we just love you! Thank you for all the love & care you bring to our family!


Much deserved snack time after the playing - Tyler looks so content with himself. I just love this picture.


Oh, yes, Oliver survived the crazy day! Bless his heart. If you can see his eyes, he's nonverbally asking, "Are we done? Going home now, right?!"

Connor and Beth's School Concert

Connor and Beth did a great job in their concert. Beth got to do a dance with a group of kids during one song, and Connor had two speaking parts and did very well!

Before the Concert

Beth getting ready

Connor poised

Oliver is obviously excited as well. He spent most of the time in the halls.

Tyler being charming as usual

Connor with Mrs. Atterberry

Beth with Mrs. Goberville