Gracie's Tri-County Christmas Program

Gracie's school finally got to have their Christmas program tonight, and let me tell you...Gracie was the star of the program. You'll see!

Let me start by saying that it is almost impossible to take a good picture in our church because of the weird lighting, so none of these are very good. That being said, this is Gracie's pre-kindergarten class playing the handbells. It is so cute to watch their little bodies shake as they try to aggressively play their bells. The teacher sits in front and holds up color coded cards so they know when to ring their bells.

I like how Zachery, mister green bell, is ringing his above his head. It didn't rattle Gracie though. She was focused on the teacher!

I told you she was the star of the program. Poor Gracie had to stuff herself into a star costume that was too small. She looked a little uncomfortable, but she was really pleased with herself. She got to stand up higher than everyone else, which made it great for us to see her better. Her class sang Silent Night, Away In A Manger and recited Luke 2. I didn't get a picture of the whole nativity scene, but there were kings, shepherds and sheep lined up beside Mary, Joseph and the angel.

We really were so proud of Gracie. Last year at her school's program she was ushered off to the side of the stage by the principal because she couldn't stop crying. Mrs. Helton held her hand on the end of the stage while her class sang. This year, she was full of spunk and ready to perform.

What do you do when you get bored at a doctor's office?

I know what we do when the doctor makes us wait. Gracie had a dermatology appointment today in Kirksville, and we had to wait over an hour. She was getting very antsy, so she grabbed the camera from the diaper bag. The next 10 minutes were spent taking some very "special" pictures. I would have deleted several of them, but they were just too funny.

Finally, a cute one! Oh, and the end result of the appointment...her treatments seem to be helping, but there were two new warts this time. Very tiny, though. All in all, her hands look much better than a few months ago. She had 6 warts this month. Next month we are hoping for zero!

Twice the Trouble

Gracie was sitting at her new Sleeping Beauty vanity when little sis decided to join in on the action. It was pretty cute until they noticed we were watching. Gracie was busy chattering away to Ella about the beautification process. It's a good thing our house has three bathrooms since they may each need their own bathroom in future years.

Happy 11 Month Birthday, Ella!

Little Ella is eleven months old today. It's hard to believe we will be celebrating her birthday soon. She is such an active little girl. She loves to stand up at her new activity center and bob her knees to the music. It is pretty cute to see her "dancing." She climbs up the basement steps now, gives high fives and has a fake laugh she uses when she hears us laughing at something. It's hysterical to hear her force a laugh. She's always learning something.

One thing Ella has learned is that big people food is better than jars of baby food. She mooches food worse than any dog I've ever known. Today she tried her first Popsicle. Brent was eating one when she noticed that she should get over to him in a hurry so she could participate. I have promised myself that I will not allow her to grow up to be a picky eater. I know I don't have total control over that issue, but I'm going to do my best to keep her interested in a variety of foods. Maybe she can teach Gracie to be more adventurous during mealtime.

Going Bonkers

Brent and I took Gracie, Jaden, Mason, Lucas and Kalyn (Brent's sister Brenda's kids) to Bonkers today. If you haven't ever been there, this picture doesn't really do it justice, but it gives you an idea of its size. This is just a shot of one wall...now imagine the same thing on all the other walls as well. It's a really fun place to take kids, but WOW...the volume is really something. We used to take Gracie to Bonkers in Quincy when we lived in Kahoka, but this was our first time at the Columbia Bonkers. It was a really nice facility. I think all of the kids really had a good time.

Gracie played hard the whole time we were there. In fact, when it was time to go her cheeks were fire engine red.

Yes, that's Gracie running wild on the upper level. Did I mention she was unafraid?!!!

Library Day

We are avid library fans. We got at least once a week to get new books. Ella is starting to get in on the action.

She loves books, and the minute I put her down, she hurries over to start pulling them off the shelf.

I love this picture. Ella looked so excited to see the "green" book. It sticks out farther than the rest because of its size, and she kept going back to it over and over.

Success! She finally got it off the shelf, but then didn't get to check it out because her big sister had no interest in it.

Gracie gets to pick out 4 books because she is 4-years old. That's our system. I guess in the next month she will get to start picking out 5 books.

Our library has a nice selection of movies you can check out, too. Ella is especially fond of the sound they make when they hit the floor. It's a big "no no" for her. So far, she hasn't learned her lesson.

Christmas In Moberly

Ella was a little overwhelmed by the size of one of her presents. It was almost taller than her.

Ella is obviously not bored by wrapping paper yet, even though this was her third Christmas.

Brent was trying to brainwash Ella into be a MU fan by letting her wear his new hat.

Brent helped Ella set up her farm. She likes all the animal sounds it makes.

Never mind the fancy toys...Gracie was probably most excited about a new coloring book she got.

Polly Pocket is one of Gracie's new favorite things. Thank you, Beaverson's!

Ella took it upon herself to help Uncle Dana open one of his presents

Ella's new toy got her all excited. She loves balls, and you put balls in this animal and they come out various holes. It's pretty cute Thanks again, Beaverson's.

The bow on Ella's back represents the fact that she was my best Christmas present this year. We have enjoyed having her so much, and she made Christmas even more fun.

Brent's mom gave us a Wii for Christmas, and my dad even got in on the action as we tried it out for the first time. Way to go, Grandpa!

Here's Brent giving Gracie her lesson on how to use the Wii. She has been a very fast learner and loves to play and try to improve her game each time.

Our little artist is also a big fan of the Blendy Pens she got from Grandpa and Nana. They really are pretty cool. I will admit that I played with them for quite a while.

Brent, Uncle Dana and Gracie tried out the Elefun game Gracie got. It was amusing to watch them trying to catch the butterflies in their nets.

Nana and Ella enjoyed a little quality time while everyone else was looking ridiculous playing the Wii.