Seussical

This fall Avery participated in a theater workshop after school on Friday nights. At the end of the session, they put on a show for the parents so we could see their progress. Avery was part of the Citizens of Nool, so she sang/danced with the group. She looked like a natural on the stage and didn't seem nervous at all. She has such a distinctive voice (think high-pitched munchkin-like), so I could hear her of course. I will be so sad when her voice starts sounding older... it's just so cute right now.

All of the kids did a great job and looked like they were having fun.

Group photo - Avery is front row on the far right

After the show when we were leaving, Avery said "I'm so sad" and I asked her why. She said it was because it was over and she wouldn't get to do this again. I think I see more of these shows in her future!

Variety Show

Avery signed up to be in the Whittier Variety Show in February with a group of friends. Their group is going to do a dance to Ghostbusters. They've had a few practices so far, but I think they spend most of the time goofing around with each other! :)

Here is the group photo:

(Ella, Bianca, Eleanor, Emma, Lucy, Maddie, Avery, Neena)

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Ruth's retirement community had a pancake breakfast with Santa this past weekend. The girls got to do a craft, eat pancakes and visit with Santa again. So much fun!

Visit with Santa

We finished up Thanksgiving Break with a trip to see Santa, Build-A-Bear and lunch at CPK.

We have seen the Santa at Oak Brook mall the past few years and it's always a hit with the girls.

Afterwards, the girls got to put together their bears. They got to pick a sound and a scent for their bears. Morgan chose the Lion King music and Avery chose cat noises since her stuffed animal was a cat. Here they are stuffing the bears.

Then, they take the bear's heart, make a wish and spin around.

Here they are with the finished products!

Oh Christmas Tree

As is our tradition, we go pick out our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. We've been going to Wannamaker's the past few years and always find a great tree. This year, we made a few trips there after we discovered more than half of our lights did not make it from last year. We now have some really bright fun lights on the tree! Avery loves that there is a blue and green light setting. I think it sort of looks like a gas station sign glowing!

My Dad helps us out each year. Here we go... attempt #1:

 

Turns out they didn't put a large enough hole in the base for our tree holder. So, back out the tree went!

After a few minor adjustments, the tree was ready to go again.

Attempt #2 was a success!

After replacing the lights and putting up the ornaments, we have a beautiful tree!

Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house again this year for some of my family. My sister hosts her in-laws and my brother hosts his in-laws, so we host the rest of my family. We always have loads of great food and desserts.

These two girls are so very different! Morgan is such a goofball and came down the stairs dressed like this for Thanksgiving day - a turkey mermaid. She is a riot! Avery, on the other hand, wanted to wear a nice outfit and have her hair curled. She is like a mini-teenager!

The girls helped make apple pies. They even got to make their own small apple pie! Both were delicious!

Matt spatch-cocked the turkey and smoked it on the Green Egg. Delicious!

The girls were so excited to have their kid "wine" with dinner.

On Friday, we went to see Frozen II with the entire Wilken crew. Then, we went back to their house to play with all the kiddos. Ross' family was in town and the kids had a blast playing together. Erin had crafts, coloring, etc. for the kids to do.

Horse camp

This year over Thanksgiving break, I signed the girls up for a horse camp for a couple of days. They loved it! They got riding lessons and were able to ride horses by themselves.