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. 

Regan Plays The Flute At Church...

Regan played the flute for the first time at our church on Sunday, Dec. 16th.  It was a last minute decision to have her play so she only had about 2 days to practice this song.  I was proud of her for getting up in front of the whole congregation and playing.  

Christmas Parade...

Each year our Chick-fil-A participates in a local town Christmas Parade.  For the last two years, our whole family has enjoyed being in the parade along with the Cows and some of our employees.  It is always such a fun parade with lots of spectators.  We handed out a lot of coupons and CFA mints. 

Our Santa Cow and Santa Elf.

 The girls enjoyed having the Cows to themselves before the parade.

 Reece cuddling and keeping warm with Santa Cow.

 Riley cuddling with Santa Elf.

Tony's view of the parade.

Regan's Winter Piano Recital 2012...

Regan had her winter piano recital on on Dec. 9, 2012.  She played 8 songs this year, which is a lot, and was not as prepared as usual.  The recital is always hard because they play on a Grand piano that none of the kids are used to playing on.  Regan says the keys are very stiff and hard to play and she is also used to our old piano that has about 9 keytops missing.  We have since had them replaced because we realized Regan was learning a lot by feel.  We were proud of Regan's perseverance and courage to get up in front of so many people and play 8 songs.  She played "Minuet in G Minor" By: Bach, "Over The Rainbow" By: H. Arden, "Evenstar" By: H. Share, "Two Guitars" (Russian Gypsy Song), "Easy Does It" Duet By: J. Alfred, "Nocturne" Duet By: J. Alfred, "Away In The Manger" By: Mier, and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" By: Mier.    

Regan playing a duet with her teacher, Mrs. Elena.

Mrs. Elena with her students.

 

Disney on Ice...



One of my niece's birthday gifts this year from her parents was to go see "Disney on Ice."  I remember seeing this many times when I was little and loved it!  Abby and Lizzie asked Reece and I to go with them.  On Dec. 5th we joined them for a wonderful evening.  We went to Red Robin for dinner and then headed to the show.  The girls had a fabulous time together as did Abby and I.  I think Abby and I enjoyed the show as much as the girls, we were singing and clapping along.  Disney did an amazing job with the costumes and staging.   

 The show is about to begin and we have two very excited girls!

 Mickey and Minnie Mouse were the MCs of the show...

 This was my favorite, Ariel, the costumes were absolutely amazing.

 Reece was trying to predict what princess would come out next.

 Maximus the Horse from "Tangled" was fascinating.  There was at least 2 people in this costume and they were very talented skaters.  The horse looked so real.

 Enjoying our night together!!

 Abby and Lizzie

 Sweet cousins!

The Finale...

Fall Fun In The Leaves...

 Riley and Reece raked up this big pile of leaves all by themselves.

 After it was raked up, they enjoyed jumping in the pile and throwing leaves

We had so many leaves in our backyard this year!

The Flu...

The last week of November, Tony and I got really sick.  I went to the doctor after being sick for 3 days and tested positive for the Flu and Tony had the same symptoms (just a little milder) so we assumed he had the same thing.  We quarantined ourselves in the bedroom and the girls took care of themselves.  When we did have to be around the girls we wore masks.  It was a tough week.  I was sick in bed for a full 8 days. :(  The girls were amazing and took good care of us. 

One night while I was sick in bed, Reece came in and read her entire devotion out loud to me.  It was very sweet.  However, I was paranoid of her being in my room since we were so sick, so she sat in a chair next to my bed and I wore a mask.