School Christmas Program

Christmas at City Creek Mall

I bundled the kids up for Christmas pictures. We only got a few because of distractions and the excitement of the Christmas buzz around us. But these are some of the better ones we were able to take. I love these little monkeys!

Caroling, Caroling through the snow...

Hannah's whole grade went caroling around the neighborhood to spread some Christmas joy. Ella and I were able to surprise her at their final stop. Look how happy she is to see us!

My little miss sunshine

Little beauty is a trouble maker. Here she is trying her first cupcake, well technically her second. I wasn't fast enough to get the camera for the first one. She shoved them in her mouth all at once and so quickly that it was easy to miss.

She is getting into all kinds of trouble lately and climbing up everything she can. My aprons, towels, and wash cloths end up all over the floor. (And yes, I still have a terrible camera phone, bear with me.)

Here she is trying on my new scarf. When I took it off her to wear it myself I got in trouble with her. She loves to wear it.

Oh my goodness! I love this face so much. She is a funny baby. Ella has been saying "hi dada", "no", "more", and "hi." She is growing up so very fast.

And here is the video of her inhaling her cupcake. She is so funny!

Happy Birthday Ella Mae

My sweet baby doll is one today. This year has been the absolute fastest year of my life. It has been so much fun to watch her grow up and learn so many things. She adores her brother, sister, daddy, and mom. Ella is on the verge of walking on her own, and has been for months, so we got her this cute turtle to help her learn She didn't get too excited about her other gifts but this one was really exciting so I posted the video of her playing with it. She has so much personality. I love her very much! Happy birthday baby girl!

Ella's first Thanksgiving

This beautiful girl enjoyed yams, green beans, turkey, dressing, and lots of messy potatoes. It was really fun to watch her enjoy the food and get so messy. There were lots of laughs as we watched her.

A bath was required after her feast! She had so many potatoes that this is what happened to her hair. Hahaha. I love this baby doll!

Hannah's performance at the Gift Show

My beautiful girl had her first performance of the year at the Gift Show. She loves dance and works so hard at it, besides having crazy talent. I love to watch her.

Here she is with cousin Annie. I didn't see Marki until she got on stage so I didn't get a picture of her. But it is so fun for Hannah to be around her cousins as they all dance so beautifully.

This is one of Hannah's mini dynamite friends, Sophie. Aren't they the cutest?

This is the video I shot but I was clearly in a terrible viewing spot. Hannah always seemed to be behind one of the speakers or on the back row. What you can see is great, though. I'm excited to see how she grows through the year and to see the other dances these girls are working on each week.

50's day

I was informed on Thursday of last week that today would be 50's day to celebrate the 50th day of school. I ran to the store for fabric and supplies to make this poodle skirt for Hannah to were today. I think she looks adorable and I am quite proud of my creation. I have always loved the 1950's era and wanted a poodle skirt of my own so I was excited to make this for her. You can't see her bobby socks or ribboned pony tail in these pictures but she looked great!

Dancing baby girl

Ella is getting really fun and playful as she learns more each day. Here she is playing and dancing.

Random pictures

Sorry if any of the Ella pictures are duplicates, I have not been keeping track of the pictures I have added.

I adore the school pictures of Richard and Hannah. They are so beautiful! I love these kids!! They are growing up so fast but we are enjoying every moment.

This little baby is a cookie monster! She took this cookie right out of my hand and laughed at me. She is so funny!

She has been pulling herself up more and more and would rather be standing than sitting any day.

When Richard and Hannah got their awards for Reflections they received many coupons for kids meals. I took them to one of the restaurants to redeem their coupon and Ella was so excited to share. Here she is eating some of Richard's celery.

The kids have been helping me in the yard and Ella was great about helping us divide our leaf piles up.

These pictures of Hannah with her stuffed animal friends are so funny. She did this pose and I made her stay there while I grabbed my camera. She is so silly and always making us smile.

School Parade and Neighborhood Trunk-or-Treat

I love my beautiful, nice witchy pooh!

Darth Vader (unmasked) ran past me so quickly I barely got a picture.

My little jack-o-lantern traded in her costume for a skeleton one for the parade.

The neighborhood trunk-or-treat was a big success and a lot of fun. I am thankful for these pictures they took of the kids.

One last picture of the Taggart/Criddle Halloween party. I can barely find Richard.

We have had a lot of fun but I am ready to move on from Halloween. :)

Reflections 2013...Believe, Dream, Inspire

The theme for the 2013 Reflections was Believe, Dream, Inspire. Two weeks ago I got a call that Richard won in his division for the film category and Hannah won in her division for choreography. It was very difficult to keep that from them but it was worth seeing their faces today as their names were announced. I am so very proud of them!!!

Now their entries will be moving on to the next level of competition. They are so awesome!

(I am sorry that I didn't get more pictures but I had my camera on the wrong setting.)

They want to each enter more categories next year so we better get started. :)

Halloween party

Chris's parents invited us over for a fun Halloween party. The food was great, the company wonderful, and the games/activities a lot of fun.

Here is my beautiful, nice witch.

And my very handsome Darth Vader.

Grandpa and pumpkin Ella.

The donuts on a string is always a very fun activity.

 

Colby and Richard, the masked men.

Ella was getting a new tooth last night and was drooling all over. But she is still so beautiful!

We ended the night by decorating yummy cookies. It was so much fun.