Christmas Lights

 I was laughing when I looked back through all these pictures of the Christmas lights this year.  I don't think I have many shots without someone doing a super pose for the picture!  This is our favorite giant reindeer in the neighborhood!  We had to drive past him at least 5 times!

 Even Rebecca is kicking her leg here!

 The best part about our Christmas lights adventure was the way we rode!  The kids had the back hatch open the entire night and all sat with their feet dangling!  It made it easy to jump in and out for all the photo stops!

 One photo without arms or legs wide!  What a cute bunch!

 Whenever we were stopped in traffic, most jumped out to explore!  Here are the girls posing.

 Our favorite house of all - has the most lights ever!  Matthew strikes a pose!

 We found Frosty!

 Another non-waving pose at such a pretty house! 

Matthew, Emily and Bex

Looking from the front seat out back - the kids had such a blast that night!  We will definitely liven things up like this next year! 

The last street we drive down each year is "The Night Before Christmas in Texas".  For some reason, the kids decided to throw leaves for this one!  Loved the lights this year! 

Decorating the Christmas Tree

 This was a great year for decorating the tree as the kids are growing up and more willing to take the time to actually hang the ornaments with me rather than sit and watch me do it.  Awesome!!!

 Bex had the lowest areas of the tree covered!

 Matthew reaching high!

Katie had fun searching for all her ornaments to add to the tree.

 Emily got to put the angel on the top - thanks to the shoulder ride on Sam!  It was a long night of decorating and excitement remembering all the memories each ornament carries!  The kids were pretty exhausted at the end! 

I think they did a fabulous job and cannot wait to see the bottom of that tree filled with presents for everyone! 

Classroom Christmas Parties

On the way to the kid's classrooms, Bex found this snowman on the library door and had to pose for a couple pictures with it!  She loves making funny faces!

 Jacob was so excited for their parties that he slept pretty much the entire time in his stroller!

 Matthew and Bex are sure becoming great pals!  He loves to show her off to his classmates! 

 Rebecca found the antlers and this inflatable Christmas tree was a big hit for her!

 Super yummy treats!

 Emily sharing baby Jacob with her favorite teacher Mrs. O

 Emily's 4th grade classroom picture

Hanging on the wall outside Matthew's classroom door was their Dear Santa letter.  Matthew's read: 

Hello!  I love this time of year.  I wonder how are your elves doing?  You are very generous because you bring us presents. 

Love, Matthew

P.S.  Can I have a dirt bike?

P.P.S.  I have been a nice boy at school.

P.P.P.S.  My mom has been very good.

P.P.P.P.S.  Can my mom have chocolate?

Does this boy know his mom or what?  I thought his letter was so adorable!  Such a sweet kiddo - I hope he gets great things for Christmas, but a dirt bike (yikes!  I don't think I'm ready for that!)

Emily's Christmas Choir Performance

 Emily's 4th grade choir was selected to perform their Christmas program at Magnolia High School which was a great honor for them to participate.  It was very fancy and they did a wonderful job!  There were a few different groups that sang that night along with the high school choirs.  What a treat to hear those wonderful songs!

 Emily has the blue watch on in the front row.

 Her choir had to get to the auditorium half an hour early to practice in their huge performing arts theater.

 Emily exiting the stage before their performance (I just realized that I have these pictures out of order)

It was amazing to watch and hear all the beautiful Christmas songs to help fill our season!  Emily sounded great and loved to sing!

Swing Sleeping

I caught this little man snoozing in the swing so I had to click a few photos

 Relaxed

 Sticking out tongue

 Grunting

Sweet dreams

The Magnolia Train Depot

 Katie's choir was chosen to sing 3 Christmas songs at the old Magnolia Depot. 

 Not the entire choir could make it this weekend, but those that did sounded great! 

 It was a very chilly Saturday morning and Katie's fan club bundled up to watch her sing!

 Katie singing away!

 The original Magnolia post office - it was so tiny!

Completely in love with these kids!  But time for some hot cocoa!  Brrrrrrrrr!!!

Katie's Christmas Concert

 Here is Katie's 6th grade choir performing their Christmas Program

 I always giggle at the hand motions they have to do - but still way cute!

 She is not yawning big, she is singing with her heart!  This girl loves to sing and always gives 100%

 Santa did make an appearance during the reindeer song. Katie is waving her arms - about 5th person from the right

 I love this picture but am so sad it turned out blurry!  Waiting for the program to start.

 Katie's fan club!  Rebecca loves to dance and sing along with the Christmas songs!

Katie did a fabulous job singing tonight!  This was definitely one of my favorite concerts I have attended!