Happy New Year!!

-Dollywood Trip -

We went to Dollywood's Smokey Mountain Christmas Celebration on Dec. 27, 2007. I took Courtney, Kayla and Courtney's friend Lindsey. We met Sonya, Audrey, Austin, Lexie and Ryan at Dollywood. We rode all kinds of rides. It was a little chilly, but still a really nice day. We went to one of the Christmas shows. We had a really great time. The Christmas decorations and thousands of light were beautiful.

Christmas Morning 2007

Christmas morning finally got here. The girls have been so excited! They just could not wait to see what Santa had brought them this year. Courtney got up the first time at 1:30 am. She was ready to go downstairs and see if Santa had been here yet. We quickly put her back to bed and continued to put her back to bed over and over and over until about 7:00am when we gave up and headed down stairs. The girls had received a letter from Santa a few days ago showing them a sample of their gift wrap. They knew which paper was theirs and which paper meant it was a gift for both of them. They were thrilled with all their new stuff. They will have plenty to play with for at least the next year!

Christmas Eve at Nana's House

For Christmas Eve we went to my Mom and Dad's house. My sister, Shannon and her husband Rob and two sons, Jon and Josh were also there. My grandmother, Nanny was there as well. We had a delicious meal as usual. After dinner we opened presents. We always have such a great time with our gifts. It is a tradition for me to get my sister some kind of rooster for Christmas. It is a old joke that I have continued for many years. This year we gave her a singing chicken. She was not thrilled with her loud annoying gift. My sister and I also always exchange bath beads. We have been doing that since we were little. I think we have been passing the same bath beads around for at least 10 years. The girls were thrilled this year with the Ipods that my parents gave them. They couldn't wait to get music on them. We had a great time and then hurried home to get to bed before Santa got to our house.

Christmas Time 12-23-07

School Christmas Parties 12-21-07

2nd Grade Awards Assembly 12-21-07

Today was the awards assembly for 2nd grade. Kayla won three awards this 9 weeks. She got a Super Citizen award. This award is chosen by the classroom teachers. Students must follow all the school rules and be kind to others. Kayla also won two trophies in the Reflections contest. The theme this year was "I can make a difference by .....". Kayla won first place in both the dance choreography and photography categories. Way to go Kayla!

Happy Birthday Jesus Party!

We were invited by our neighbors, the Knight Family, to a Happy Birthday Jesus party. The kids got to make some crafts, hear the story of the birth of Jesus and have birthday cake. Afterwards we went Christmas caroling on our street. The kids had a great time. It was such a fun night.

Christmas Play - Dec. 16, 2007

The girls were in a Christmas Play at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church. The play was about when Jesus was born. Kayla welcomed people into the Inn for the evening. The guests got to enjoy dinner in the Inn while the story was told. Courtney, Kayla and the other children sang several different songs throughout the program. They also played the handbells. It was a wonderful evening. Everyone really enjoyed themselves!

Children's Choir Sing at Church 12-16-07

Courtney and Kayla are in the Children's choir at church. This year the children were ask to be part of the Christmas Cantata. The children got to sing several times during the service. They did a great job!

ORAD Parent Observation Week

We had parent observation at the Oak Ridge Academy of dance the week of Dec. 10-14, 2007. The dancers got to do their regular dance classes in front of their families. Courtney is taking Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop and Pointe this year. Kayla is taking Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz. After watching all these dance classes, I know why the girls are so tired in the mornings when I wake them up for school. The dance teachers really work them hard in all their classes. The girls are doing so well in their classes. I can't wait to see their recital in the spring!

Contemporary Dance Ensemble Christmas Recital 12-8-07

Courtney and Kayla were both in a dance recital this weekend. They were asked to perform with the older girls in the Christmas recital. This years performance was held at the Civic Auditorium. Kayla's class did a ballet dance. Courtney's class did a jazz dance. They both did so well. It was very exhausting weekend, but a lot of fun!

Oak Ridge Christmas Parade December 1, 2007

Courtney was in the Oak Ridge Christmas Parade on Saturday December 1, 2007. She was with the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. When we got there they ask if Kayla could be in the parade as well. They dressed Kayla up quickly as a reindeer and off she went. The girls had to walk and dance down the more than 2 mile parade route. They were very tired and cold when they finished.