Christmas Eve 2012

We had a great Christmas Eve!  We started our day by serving at the local rescue mission.  The girls did a great job serving the food and making many people happy.  They even made the local news that evening.  Before we left our house for the Rescue Mission, the girls had collected some of their own money that they wanted to give to some of the residents of the mission (their own idea).  We told the girls it would be better to give it to, Ernie Mills, the founder of the mission and he could put it to good use for all the residents.  So after we served lunch, the girls went up to Ernie and gave him the money.  He was very moved by their generosity (they gave $20.00).  Ernie's wife, Gail, then gave us a personal tour of the new shelter that would be opening up in 2013.  It was a very nice morning helping and loving others and the girls were begging to do it again next year.

 Silly photo...

 Sleepy girls...

Tony helped me in the kitchen Christmas Eve night preparing breakfast casseroles for the morning.

Riley's Birthday Party with Friends...

On 12/19, we celebrated Riley's 9th Birthday (yet again) with her friends.  She had a party at a local trampoline arena and had a jumping, jolly time!!

 Sweet friends!! (Ellie, McKenzie, Hannah, Riley, and Lizzie)

 Silly Photo...

 This photo cracks me up.  I love Regan's expression as she realizes she is about to jump on Riley.

 Daddy had fun too!

 Riley ducking to dodge a ball in "Dodge Ball" game and slipped down the trampoline.

 Loves this photo of Reece!

 Riley with two of her dear friends, Julianne and McKenzie.

 Daddy bouncing all the girls.

Riley doing a cartwheel into the foam pit.

Pizza for dinner...

We love you Riley!!!

I wonder what Riley wished for???

 Cheers to Riley...

Goodbye Hugs...

Riley the Angel...

On 12/19, Riley was an angel in her school Christmas program.

Riley's Class Christmas Party

On 12/19 Riley's class had their Christmas Party.  They decorated cookies, they played games, decorated ornaments and had a yummy snack.  

 The Class Tree

 I was able to help out with Riley's party.

Riley with her good friend, Leah.

Reece's Project Celebration...



Reece is at a school that has an emphasis on Project Based Learning.  Every quarter they focus on a different topic that covers several subjects and they work in groups on their project.  At the end of the quarter, they have a huge project celebration that the parents are invited to.  This quarter they studied "Forces and Motion."   

 Reece with her group (Fiorella, Kamryn, and Noah)

 Reece is showing us that starting the car further back with more force (stronger push) makes the car go farther. 

 Each group made their own car, Reece's group named their car, Chick-fil-A

 The parents could try out the different cars on the ramp.  Tony is racing Reece's car and it won.

Reece's group's presentation

This was posted out in the hallway.  "Our Fierce Wonderings."

The Start of Riley's 9th Birthday...

Riley's 9th birthday celebration lasted for quite a while.  We started celebrating on Saturday, Dec. 15th with dinner at her favorite wings place.  I love the fact that our daughter chooses Buffalo Wings for her birthday dinner.  She also opened two of her presents that evening.  Then, on Monday, Dec. 17th (her actual birthday) she shared cupcakes with her classmates at school.  That evening, we went to Red Robin for dinner and  she enjoyed a Cheeseburger and free birthday Sundae.  Riley then opened the rest of her presents from family.  On Wednesday, Dec. 19th she will have her birthday party at a local Trampoline Arena and celebrate with all her closest friends.    

Riley got a stereo (boom box) for her room.

 Riley's sisters got her an outfit for her stuffed animal dogs.

 Grandma and Grandpa got Riley an outfit and game.

 We got Riley the new American Girl Doll Movie, "McKenna" who is a gymnast.  Riley has been wanting to see this movie for quite some time.

Aunt Kim and Uncle Jeff got Riley some books about dogs and Aunt Kim painted an awesome picture of Riley's favorite dog friend, Chaz.  Riley was so thrilled and has it hanging in her room now.

Riley is on the phone with Grandma and Grandpa.  They were singing, "Happy Birthday" to her.

Enjoying her birthday Sundae.

Daddy's girl.

We love you sweet Riley!!!  You are so beautiful inside and out and bring us great joy!  We love your sweet spirit, tender and kind heart, your compassion toward others (and dogs), your energy and positive attitude, your cute laughter, and your love for God.  It is hard to believe you are already 9 years old.