Riley's Holiday Spectacular-Continued

Riley's Holiday performance FINALLY arrived! It was a weekend of 3 performances for which they rehearsed every weekend since this Summer! I am glad it is finally over, but it is sure worth all the work the girl's put into it! It is my favorite performance! I watched Friday night and helped backstage on Saturday and Sunday. Everything went smoothly except for the tree I was trying to place on stage fell on my head!! And also, Nana tried to fly down from Indianapolis just for Riley's performance, but spent the entire weekend in airports at Allentown, PA and Philadelphia, PA!! Poor thing, we just felt awful that she had to go through all of that mess!! She will probably never fly again!! We did miss having her here.

Riley's Holiday Spectacular-Continued

Riley's Holiday Spectacular-Continued

Riley's Holiday Spectacular-Continued

Riley's Holiday Spectacular

 

 

 

 

Christmas Parade 2009

Everyone in my family was in the Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade last night. Riley walked with her dance company, Jensen walked with her soccer club, and Neil & Garrett were on the cub scout float. The weather was a big factor, but it cleared out until the parade started and then there was a light mist for the entire parade. Thank goodness it wasn't pouring.

Christmas Tree 2009

Just a couple of pictures of our Christmas tree this year. I think it is beautiful and we all are so excited about everyone arriving to celebrate. It is going to be so much fun to have a house full of family! Then we will be off to Indianapolis to celebrate so more, we can't wait! We are hoping for snow in Indy!

Gingerbread Houses 2009

In the past, when Neil and I have attended our Holiday parties, our babysitter, Krystal and her husband, JD, have had a Gingerbread house decorating contest and then gone to the Festival of Lights. Well, this year was different for two reasons: 1. Krystal and JD moved to Rock Hill and 2. Our usual Christmas parties did not take place because of the economy or we didn't make the list. So we decided to carry on the tradition with Neil and I participating. Of course, it was boys against girls minus Riley, who was working on a separate project for school. Unfortunately, the girl's house had structural issues and collapsed so I guess the boys won. Although their house has a LOT of bling on it! The lamp shade covers were made by Neil, he continues to impress me with his creative abilities! I think he could sell them!

Riley's 13th Birthday!

I can't believe I can write this but......we officially have a teenager in the house! That means I am OLD! Her birthday was pretty low key since she is in the middle of dance rehearsals every weekend until her Holiday Performance! She plans on having a big celebration in January, in the form of a boy/girl dance party at our house! Woohoo, looking forward to that one!

Barrier Island with Garrett in 2009

I went with Garrett's SAIL class to the Barrier Island for a three-day field trip. We had a great time with all the third graders, but came home exhausted and stinky. We both took long, hot showers and baths immediately upon our return. The last picture is a group shot of my cabin of girls. Since I am a girl, I could not stay in a cabin with Garrett so I had to stay with the girls!

Thanksgiving 2009

Update

It has been so long since I have updated this blog! There are many pictures to show. We have been very busy, as usual! I hope that I can get everything downloaded! I am starting with Thanksgiving 2009. We went to the Gaddum's house in Wilmington, North Carolina and had a fabulous time. Most of the Leeders were able to join us! As always, there was never a dull moment!