It's Official

The Star is Up

And before it was... Darin for some reason pulled out both of our "boxes" from High School and early married life. He pulled out this jacket that Paris can't wait to wear for "80's day" . We had so much fun walking down memory lane with the kids. It was priceless seeing the kids gather around asking all about every little thing. Ava kept saying, "what's this?" with complete exuberence at every item pulled out of the box. It was adorable. I hope they remain this excited about who we were. Doubtful , I know...

It turns out that it is not actually a good idea to buy a pre-lit tree. We have only had the tree for a couple of years and the lights went out on it. It took us hours to remove the old lights. Ugggghh!!

Of course Madeline and Ava are all dressed up for the "occassion". Sunday seems to be the only day they pull out the "dress up clothes."

It's hard to capturesthe true essence of our tree. The flash distorts the colors. It's an "all kid" tree. Every ornament is for the kids, by the kids and of the kids. Exactly the way we want it!!
Tonite Darin and I were thinking how sad it will be when the kids aren't home with us to decorate the tree! I wouldn't have one if it weren't for them...

And the Best Actress Award Goes to...

Yep, you guessed it! Paris!! This weekend Paris had a film festival at her school. Her team had 7 hours to make a short movie. They already had the story line, but they had to do all the filming and editing in the same day. She made cupcakes from scratch (they were beautiful and amazing) to keep the boys focused. There was another boy on her team (not pictured). I guess the cupcakes did the trick, because her team one. She also received the "Best Actress" award. We were sooo proud of her. She loves doing the news everyday and thinks about new fun ideas everyday. It combines so many of her great talents!! We feel lucky she goes to such a great school that provides this fun, creative outlet for her.

Christmas Play

Our Ward put on this really cute Christmas play this weekend. Darin and I are the mom and dad of this cute little family. The rest of the play is all the primary kids. It was adorable and hopefully will be a tradition for the ward. I wish I had more pictures, but as you can see I was busy.

Savvy had to work extra hard at being an "unrighteous person."

Madeline was the star angel as "Gabriel" She said her line perfect. We were so proud of her. She was apprehensive at first, but was a true "star."

Easton played the part of the "inn keeper" who let's Mary and Joseph stay. The music was beautiful.

Ava's First Dance Performance

Ava loves to dance! She walks around her very tiptoe's all the time. Everytime music comes on she just can't help herself, she wants to dance. I love having all these "dancers" in the house. It's a dream come true for me!

Ava loves to watch the dvd of her at this recital. She can't get enough of it. I can't blame her, either can I!

Madeline was so proud of her! She is on a "dancing break" this year after we burned her out last year letting her do "mini company". I think she was re-inspired after Ava's big debut. Thanks Tosha for bringing extra flowers:) It was sooo cold outside I didn't want to get out of the car to get them...