Ethan's Singing Debut

The entire First Grade at Ethan's Elementary School performed in a Christmas Musical called "Holidays Around the World". He DID NOT want a speaking part and asked to be in the back row (he is shy like his mother ;).

The twins waiting for the show to start.

Can you find Ethan? He is looking right at the camera...

The kids are pulling out their jingle bell necklaces at the end for the grand finale- Ethan's favorite part!

Quick Trip to Ohio

Have I told you I have an awesome grandmother?

Well, I do. I love her a lot. And, we have started a new tradition for her (3 years running). Each December for her birthday we take a girls weekend and drive up to see her. My mom, my sister, my cousin, Livy and I make the annual trip. Sadly I barely got my camera out- but here are a few pics to prove we were there!

Here is Livy licking the spoon clean! One of our favorite Ohio traditions... sweets!

Probably Livy's favorite part of the trip - my cousin's kids came over to play. She had a blast - especially getting their full attention (with no brothers for competition!).

Four adorable kiddos from the Tangeman line!

Getting that Christmas Card Photo...

During our "Christmas Card Shoot" I let me kids acts like kids for a few minutes.

I won't send this out in the mail - but I will post it here.

You can see who my kids really are and their true nature.

I am going to get Christmas cards out this year... I am just a little behind. So, if you are wondering, I have not forgotten you. I am just too busy this month!

Hoots' Christmas Party

For the past 10 years we have been blessed to throw an annual Christmas Party.
We are so thankful for our awesome friends, and always love to have a night we can all get together. Our party was early this year (just 8 days after thanksgiving) because of so many other commitments this month. We had the best food, the best gifts (for the White Elephant Game), and the best turnout we have ever had. Enjoy a couple pics... (if anyone else has any- I would love more- email them to me).

Our home, ready to entertain.

This year I did a couple new things... first I set up mason jar luminaries. Simple clear jars with sand a tea light. The effect was awesome on a cold night.

I also made this cake for the first time. Peppermint Red Velvet Cake. Recipe here. It was delicious. I will definitely do it again.

All but one luminary stayed lit all night!
Waiting to say Good-bye to our sweet friends.

Olivia's Christmas Debut

Last Sunday, Olivia made her "dancing" debut in the Kernersville Christmas Parade.

It was a frigid day, but it was still fun. The grandparents and brothers were real troopers to wait 3 hours to see her for 5 seconds!

Ethan waiting... the hat cracks me up. It used to be my brother's hat. Either my grandmother or my great Aunt knitted it many years ago.

Twin brother waiting for sister.

Ballet is one of the first things the twins have done apart. Olivia was skeptical at first (because of this), but in the end they both love time away from each other!

Olivia's dance teacher and dance company.

You had to be 5 to "dance in the parade" so Livy rode in a truck and waved to everyone.

it was really cold, but she still had fun.

This picture makes it look more like it was my parade debut, than Olivia's.

(I just chaperoned. No dancing this time.)

She is in the pink coat next to me waving the pom pom.

My Elves

These three elves make everything at Christmas more fun!