Christmas Programs

Both girls were in Christmas programs at their schools during December. One night we were at Kamryn's school and the next night (literally) we were at Riley's. Both programs were wonderful.
I was actually surprised that Riley's school could do a program (2nd grade performed at PTO night) that had Christmas songs in it. They did sing a little about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but most was about Christmas and Santa getting amnesia and being lost at the South Pole. It was a very funny program and all the kids did great.

The stage full of second graders singing. Riley is up there somewhere, but she's in the back row so it's hard to see her.
Kamryn's class (k-4), the k-3 class and the kindergarten's waiting to go on

Kamryn and her friends Taylor and Peyton. They were both stars and Kamryn was one of the angels.

Kamryn after getting her halo

Kamryn's program is very Christ centered which makes since she goes to a private school at a Baptist church. We love this school for the girls when they are young (Riley went there too) as they learn so much about our Savior. They can both tell you more Bible stories than me probably. They did a good job learning all their parts and songs. I was excited because Kamryn learned several hymns and was then able to sing at church with us on Sundays. Usually she just pretends while we all sing since she can't read the words yet. We're very proud of the girls and the great job they did.

Santa

The girls with Santa

Doug and I picked up Riley one Tuesday and then went to get Kamryn from school so we could go and see Santa. When we got to Kamryn's school to pick her up she asked if her friend Taylor could come with us. We called Taylor's mom and she said OK so off we went. Luckily I had some extra clothes so Taylor could change out of her school uniform. We love going to see this Santa and have gone every year since the girls were little. It's fun to see how the kids progress. The girls enjoy giving Santa their lists.

Riley, Kamryn and Taylor with Santa

Kamryn giving Santa her list

Riley pleading with Santa and assuring him that she would be good The girls throwing coins in the fountain at the mall

20 Year Banquet

Doug and I at his 20 Year Banquet.

Every year Disney puts on banquets for the cast members who have hit milestones (10, 15, 20, 25, years etc). Doug had hit 20 years back in January so we were excited to go to his banquet. They had characters walking around and we got a special picture with Mickey. They also had a cocktail hour and then an awesome dinner with entertainment. We had a wonderful evening getting all dressed up and seeing people we both knew and had worked with over the years!

Our yummy dessert

Me and an old work buddy (Wendy) who hit her 20 years as well

Cupcakes

Riley had wanted me to make cupcakes that she could take to school for her birthday. Well, she got into trouble at school (talking) right before her birthday so I told her she had to go a whole week with green lights and then I would bring in cupcakes. It took her a month before that happened. She had initially wanted Halloween cupcakes but that holiday had passed. So, I decided to make turkey cupcakes and this is how they turned out. Riley was so excited when she woke up the next day and got to take these to class. From what I hear, the kids and teachers loved them!! Luckily, we were working the Book Fair that day so Doug was able to sneak in and grab one too. Riley gave mine to the principal so I guess I can't complain.

Riley and her cupcakes!!

Montverde Days

Not the best pic, but Riley is in the middle in the front with a mic in front of her.

A local town out here, Montverde, had a little festival. So, they asked the dance studio to be part of the entertainment. Riley got to perform a portion of her competition piece and several other classes got to perform. It was fun watching them and then walking around looking at the booths. The girls spent a lot of time playing the games the Girl Scouts were sponsoring. Kamryn even won a goldfish!

Corn Maze

The morning of Halloween we went to a local corn maze. I've taken the girls there before, but Doug had never been there. I also brought some of the Young Women for an activity. We had fun getting lost in the corn! The maze is like 7 acres or more and the maze always has a theme - this year it was weather. Inside the maze they have different stations where you can find answers to questions (weather related) and make rubs. You take a flag in with you in case you get hopelessly lost and need help getting out. We didn't need help, but we didn't find all the stations either. Oh well, it was fun.

A map of the maze and the colors of the tape used. We walked around in circles in the sunglasses, but that was our only problem.

Doug, Riley, Kamryn and I as we get ready to enter the maze. Doug went with our kids and took 2 others (Natalie and Becca) from the other leader (Wendy) that was with us. I don't know if he had as much fun as we did, but he was a trooper!!

Wendy and myself along with several of our Young Women from church - Shea, Alex, Ana, Olivia and Citra

The girls after we made it out. We had sung songs and learned some camp things as we walked. I'm sure others thought we were nuts, but fortunately we didn't see that many people.

The group (plus Riley) in the "wind tunnel" they had set up.

Fall Festival and Halloween

The girls were Pirates this year for both the Fall Festival and Halloween (usually they wear different costumes for each)
Is she looking for treasure?

I see you!!

The kids had two nights in a row of dress up fun - our church fall festival and trunk or treat and then Halloween and trick or treating. They had a great night on both days and got TONS of candy!! At the Fall Festival, we took a different approach and did a pot luck dinner and had the youth put on skits (the YW won best skit). Then there was the usual costume parade and trunk or treat. Riley won a prize for Best Piratess costume. They enjoyed spending time with their friends and getting candy. For Halloween, we went trick or treating with a neighbor and made it all the way around the neighborhood! It took two hours but the kids had a blast!

At the Fall Festival, the Young Women did a dance to a medley of songs. They did such an awesome job and everybody loved it!!

Getting ready to pillage and plunder on Halloween!!