Fun with friends!

I had to figure out something for AK this week with her being off school and Richard and I unfortunately working as we're out of holiday days.  The Huys are off-island and were willing to share their wonderful nanny Lanie with us!  They had a fabulous day together and there's even pictures on the camera to prove it!  What's really nice is that Lanie is friends with Maurene, a lady who nannies for friends of ours who live at San Sebastian as well!  Who knows what good fun they'll get up to tomorrow??? 

AK and Maddie had a playdate!

Who's the better crawler???

Getting started on the gingerbread house

Maddie tried on the funny Christmas hat!

Finished product!

Great teamwork :)

Friends!  The picture previous to this had Maddie poking AK in the eye.  Ha!

Super model super pose!

Self portrait!

Just one more photo!

AK loved this ice cream SO much, she ate it ALL up!!! 

Kiddie Christmas Party

We have a lovely Christmas tradition within my group of friends.  The kids draw names for gift giving and we plan a fun little get-together before everyone starts to go their separate ways for Christmas!  We kept it easy by ordering in pizza but it was great of Jon and Erin to host :)

All the kids - shortly before the gift-opening chaos began!

For me? 

Unwrapping diligently.  AK got a new gift charm for her Pandora bracelet!

Playing in Ethan's room

Girls' turn on the trampoline

Boys' turn!

Chilling with Gracie!

Pizza time!

Back outside to play...  these kids have loads of energy

Not sure what was going on here!  Funny picture!

Sweet Maddie... 

...but not too sweet to take out Rudolph!  LOL. 

Parade of Lights!

One of the Christmas activities we've done recently with AK is take her to the Parade of Lights.  Richard and I weren't sure we were up for it as it was on the heels of our busiest work week all year, but it was good for us to be out and about rather than sitting on the couch falling asleep!

How tired are we???  Photo courtesy of AK!

Someone's got energy for all of us!

Woohoo!

Lights!

More lights

This how we watch fireworks! 

Ballet and Tap Recital

Earlier this month, AK's dance studio held a series of recitals.  It was a pretty big undertaking for the studio staff, from choreographing dances, ordering costumes, holding rehearsals at the theater, to the big day itself!

AK was quite excited, I think mostly to finally be wearing the lovely frilly costume that hung in her costume for what must have seemed like forever to her. Let me tell you, an all-white costume is anxiety-producing for this momma!

AK's class did two numbers, one tap and one ballet.  They were great!  The audience was asked to not take pictures or video during the performance so I can leave you with only some shots taken before and after.  I will share the video once I get my hands on it! 

Waiting backstage - dressed up as Frosty the Snowman!

Beautiful happy ballerina

Christmas chapel

"Mary and Joseph" taking care of Jesus

Sweet "Mary" singing!

Finally - an update!

I uploaded some video and photos from Monday's chapel session.  It was a special Christmas one with all of the classes participating in telling the Christmas story.

The video is a bit long but can be accessed here. 

When AK and I talked about the chapel concert later that day, she mentioned that she likes Daniel (the handsome young boy who played the part of Joseph).  Of course, I was curious so asked AK if she meant she wanted Daniel to be her boyfriend.  Of course, that started off a "Silly mommy, NO boyfriends!".  Whew.  Let's hope it stays that way for a while yet!

Hope you enjoyed!!!  xo