Santa's Lap

Every year about this time we visit Santa at Oxmoor Mall.  He is the greatest!  Kyle gives me the business about taking my own camera, but I'm never the only one in line with camera in hand.  And I didn't feel too bad about it this year because as soon as we got to the front the lady gave the the protocol for taking my own pictures.  My photos aren't as good, but at least it saves me 30 bucks.  The kids surprised us and Santa by asking for totally different toys than had been on their lists when we left the house.  Isabella asked Santa for a science crystal kit, Zachary wanted a mario chess game, and Vincent asked for a Latches puzzle board.  After our Santa shoot, I plopped the kids in front of the big Christmas tree to take a kid pic and some random dude offered to take a family picture.  It came out pretty nice too.

                                     Having a Chat with Santa

              Vincent was a little scared by the bearded man...and it was past nap time.

                                                                 Best Buddies!

 

Nutcracker

About a month ago I won tickets to the Nutcracker.  Isabella and I couldn't wait to go to the ballet for the first time!  The performance was absolutely magical!  Our favorite parts were the Four Seasons, where the dancers performed for the young girl and the nutcracker prince, the magic of the Godfather, the Rat King, and the snowfall in the audience!!  I hope we get to go again as a family.  I know the boys would love it too! 

Dancin' N the Holidays

Vincent wanted his share in the limelight.  I've been on a video uploading run and since Vincent had been left out he decided to have his own Christmas special....Happy Holidays!

Christmas Play

My Little Lamb

Wednesday night was the SSM Kindergarten-1st grade Christmas program.  Isabella is in the front row dressed as a cute little cotton ball lamb.  It was so fun seeing all of the adorable kids in their homemade costumes!  She loved performing with her class.  It was quite a difference from the ballet recital just a week ago where she was so nervous.  This time she ran to the back room and said "Mom you have to leave!".  Her line, which she practiced religiously was "I'm as sure as sure can be, the baby is a lamb like me". 

Piano Recital

Saturday was Zachary's first piano recital!  He was so very proud!  He played 3 songs, including The Crawling Spider, Boogie on Broadway and Silent Night.  Zachary has been taking piano lessons for over a year now.  At first he took lessons at home and was instructed by our church pianist, who is an amazing piano player.  After about a year of lessons, his teacher decided Zachary wasn't ready to study piano.  His main concern was that Zachary was distracted during lessons.  I was especially upset and didn't know how to tell Zachary that he would no longer be taking lessons.  Kyle and I discussed it and after a lot of consideration, we decided that we were most likely contributing to the Zachary's failed first attempt at piano.  First, during lessons there was the dog and two kids running around while we did dishes and chores...not helpful for concentration.  Then there was the method of practice.  It was always rushed!  So, we slowed things down and let Zachary play around more during his practice at home, then we got him out of the house for lessons. He began taking lessons at the Louisville Academy of Music.  The results were amazing!  He enjoys playing so much more now and he has really progressed tremendously in the past 3 months!  We were all proud of him too! 

 

 

Winter Dance

Today was Isabella's first ballet recital!  Isabella started ballet over the summer and has really enjoyed taking ballet.  Her teacher is so great with the little girls and Isabella has shared her love for ballet with the whole family!  She loves to teach me the "positions" and all of the ballet terminology from saute to fondu..and no it's not the appetizer!  She looked sparkly and beautiful in her spring flower costume, and although she was very nervous about being backstage without mom, she did a fantastic job!  We are so excited to go to the Nutcracker Ballet in 2 weeks!  I found out about a contest to win free tickets and when I entered I knew we were destined to win!!  We were both so excited when we found out we were chosen!  So here are the pictures from the recital and I will try to link the video of the rehearsal also!