The girls' school holiday parties

Claire's school party came first.  It was in the cafeteria and there were stations - crafts, races, games, snack, etc…  I worked the craft station and the kids make crafty penguins.  I can't believe I didn't take a picture of Claire's, though.  It was hectic, to say the least, with the entire 1st grade in the cafeteria, but it was so much fun.  It was a lot for Mommy to try to juggle the parties in the middle of finals, but I am always so thankful to have a job that allows me to also be in the classroom with my girls.

Harper's class had a book exchange.  Each kid brought a wrapped book and they opened one another's gift.  It was also pajama day where they got to wear their pajamas to class, get sleeping bags out, have a class picnic and watch a movie.  Mommies and Daddies were not allowed to attend Harper's party which made me sad, but her teacher got a few great shots of her that she shared with me.

Lorelei and Claire

Claire and me

Making her penguin

Harper's present 

Holding up their books

During the movie time.   I love seeing Harper on her nap mat snuggling with her shirts like she does at home.

Santa came to ACC

We took our nephews and our girls to ACC to meet Santa Claus.  It was a really fun day!  ACC had Santa and two of his reindeer with him.  The kids could decorate cookies, visit with Santa, pet the reindeer, bounce in the bouncy house, watch a magician, have their faces painted, etc…  ACC was PACKED and it was worth every minute of fun (and waiting in line!).

The boys before our visit with Santa

Peeking in on Santa in anticipation

The boys and Santa

The girls telling Santa that they have been good girls

All smiles!

We even got a family picture with Santa

Claire and Harper met Dasher

Pops waited in line with the girls to have their faces painted

Claire as Rudolph & Harper the Rainbow Snow Princess

Even though she wasn't with us, Lilliann did get to go visit Santa.   I don't think her trip to Santa went quite as well, but I promise that she's been a good girl too.  

Harper's Hyde Park Christmas Program

This is Harper's 2nd year at Hyde Park CDC and we love it!  She learns Spanish, takes dance lessons, takes gymnastics, and attends music class in addition to all the wonderful things she learns from her teachers in the classroom.  But, our favorite thing she gets to do is a weekly Bible unit and a weekly Wednesday trip to Hyde Park's chapel to praise God with her friends.  Each year, Hyde Park CDC has a Christmas program where they sing all the Christmas songs they have been learning.  Last year, Harper hardly sang.  She swayed back and forth, and sang a bit here and there.  This year, she sang and danced.  It was great!  Her class sang "Feliz Navidad," "This is Jesus' Birthday," and my favorite "Away in a Manger."  Daddy has the sound bites so I hope to add those soon.  Way to go, Harper!  Grandma, Pops, Daddy and I had so much fun watching you perform.

Both Preschool classes on stage - Harper is bottom row, 2nd from right

Singing and snapping to "This is Jesus' Birthday"

"Away in a Manger"

Up close during "Feliz Navidad"

LOL Christmas Program 2013

Claire, Chris, and Charlie have been attending LOL (Loving Our Lord) every Wednesday from 4:30-6:15 at our church.  LOL teaches a Bible lesson, allows the kids to play with each other, and they sing songs.  Every year, they perform a Christmas program.  For those of you who know Claire well, you know she loves to sing!  This was right down her alley…  Grandma, Mimi, Papa, Christi, Harper, Mommy & Daddy all came to watch (Pops was very sick).  It was fun watching Claire enjoy singing and praising God at the same time!

Charlie, Chris, and Claire entering the church to begin their Christmas play 

Singing in the LOL choir (stands for Loving Our Lord)

Charlie in action

Chris in action

Claire in action

Mimi & Papa came to watch Claire's Christmas program

The fam after the program

Happy Thanksgiving from the Nix Family!

We spent our Thanksgiving in Houston with the Nix family. We had a wonderful time in Houston.  It was really fun to spend good, quality time with Lilliann.  She is moving & grooving, and the girls LOVE playing with her.  Every year, we take family pictures. This year, these are my favorites…  We are really blessed and very thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Doss 1st grade!

Every year, the Doss 1st graders put on a Thanksgiving play.  It is quite impressive!  Each class sings two songs and EVERY single 1st grader has lines to memorize and perform.  Claire was a green bean.  Her lines for her class were the opening lines, and she did a GREAT job.  We were very proud of her.

Click on the links below to watch her class perform:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjJimNKXBpo&list=UU9C2si1UYpigVa4253ZZ8rw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNcH_vtIaUE&list=UU9C2si1UYpigVa4253ZZ8rw

She led her class in to their line 

Saying her lines

Singing

Her class

Her class post performance

Claire with Grandma and Pops.  We are so thankful for your love and support of our girls.  

We can't leave Dancing Pony out!  She didn't' perform but her school did make costumes!

Fall fun!

We took professional pictures, thanks to Christi!  We had fun and the photos turned out very nice.  Here's a sneak peek!

Mimi and Papa drove in to have lunch with Harper and Claire.

Harper got to ride the Zilker Zephyr with her Mimi & Papa 

Harper and one of her besties, Dyllann, on the playground at school

Harper on a rainy day at school

1st grade school picture

Happy at school!

This is one of Harper's favorite spots at the new house, outside on the bench. 

One of Harper's first "all girls" big girl birthday parties to attend.

Claire and Daddy made a UT game

Claire, Mommy, and Harper braved the freezing temps to go see the Domain tree lighting!  We FROZE!