Other happenings in December

The past couple of years, Richie has made an igloo in our front yard with all the snow from shoveling. This is the first day of construction. It gets better every year. This year, there are steps up the side, and you can slide down the other side! With the other big snows we've gotten, it's gotten much bigger since this picture was taken.


Every year the Garners rotate through names and do homemade presents for Christmas. Richie had Makenna this year and as a part of his gift, he brought her 2 boys down to our house for a sleepover to give her a break. We had a fun time with Ethan and Caleb making gingerbread houses and going sledding. The kids got to go to bed extra late and they all slept together in the same room.


Miles and Gwen had another dance recital! Richie and Lindy got to come, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Garner. The kids did so well! Their confidence and skills amazed me. Gwen's performance was my favorite this time because the little girl next to her was NOT happy about being on stage. Her pouty face and refusal to move, alongside Gwen's radiant smile and moves was hilarious. After they danced, Santa came. All the kids ran to get in line, but Gwen very cautiously joined the line with a frown on her face. I asked her what the matter was and she said, "He doesn't look like the other Santa's I've seen before." :( Afterwards, I explained to them both that sometimes the real Santa sends helpers to visit with the kids and passes the messages on to him. Miles said, "Oh, that makes sense, because his beard looked like it was falling off his face." They are growing up TOO FAST!!!


Caleb turned 3 and Makenna threw a super fun "Wreck it Ralph" party. The kids cried when it was time to go home. (The sign of a truly good kid's party.)