Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Year in Review: Emmalee

2009 was a HUGE year for Emmalee. She finished preschool in Richmond and started summer school in Chillicothe. She passed her milk challenge and is officially free of her milk allergy. She took dance lessons, played t-ball and soccer, took swim lessons, and joined the church choir, along with becoming a Christian and getting baptized in September. She mastered reading and writing and decided she wants to be a scientist when she grows up, which I fear is coming all too quickly! Here are the highlights of her year...

1. Preschool graduation


2. First day of summer school in Chillicothe

3. First t-ball game

4. First broken bone-silly monkey bars...

5. First roller coast ride at the Wisconsin Dells

6. First trip to Deanna Rose Farmstead

8. First trip to T-Rex Restaurant

9. First trip to Kaleidescope

10. First Day of Kindergarten

11.First time in a hot air balloon

12. First soccer game (with Mom as a coach-bonus!!)

13. First roller skating experience

14. First school program
15. First "friends-only" birthday party

Emmalee's Stats:
Height: 43 inches
Weight: 36 pounds
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Book: Junie B. Jones Books
Favorite Activity: Skating
# of Teeth Lost: 2

A Year in Review: Tori

Tori had a lot of "firsts" in 2009, so I decided to create a "year in review" post of all she has done this year!

1. She potty trained herself in January. Fortunately, I chose not to share those pictures with you!

2. She moved into a big girl bed in March.

3. She went to Deanna Rose Farmstead for the first time.

4. She went to T-Rex for the first time!

5. She put her fabulous art skills to work at Kaleidescope.

6. She climbed the stairs at the state capital for the first time!

7. She got to play at Science City.

8. She attended her very first dance lesson at Shapes Dance and Acro in Carrollton.

9. She got her very first haircut!!!!

10. She performed in her very first dance program!

11. She got her very own guitar for Christmas!


2009 has been a great year for Tori. She has grown and changed so much! We look forward to what she will accomplish in 2010.
Tori's Stats:
Height: 37 inches
Weight: 27 pounds
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Book: Pinkalicious
Favorite Activity: Playing baby dolls

Pappi is "Snow" Much Fun!

Emmalee and Tori got to spend the day at Gamma and Pappi's while I took Aunt Deana to a few doctors' appointments and baby shower shopping. They already had some snow, but there was a fresh new layer when the girls arrived. The played outside with Pappi for a while and built two snowmen and a snow fort! Pappi is awesome!

Getting ready to sled down the driveway at Mr. Miller's house.

Emmalee pushing Pappi and Tori

Building a snowman

Emmalee's Big Day 2009

Emmalee was treated to another trip to see The Nutcracker this year. We took both grandmothers, and Emmalee really enjoyed her time with them.

Emmalee and mom before we left

Emmalee and Gamma at Crayola Cafe


Emmalee and Grandma at Crayola Cafe
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We went to Crown Center for lunch at Crayola Cafe, then shopped some. A bit later, after playing in the Crayola Play Area, we walked over to Union Station to see all the trains and to ride the Christmas train. We then headed out to watch The Nutcracker! It was a fabulous time, and we cannot wait to continue the tradition!

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 was fabulous, with the exception of the weather! We went to my parents on Christmas Eve and had a great time. After spending 2 hours on the road for a 1 hour drive, we put out milk and cookies for Santa and then slept in until 8!!! After opening gifts at home, we ventured up the road for the O'Dell family. A great time was had by all. the next day was spent putting toys together, taking down Christmas decorations, and putting everything away. I am happy to report it was all done by Saturday night!!!

The girls with Gamma and Pappi on Christmas Eve

Gifts from Santa


Another shot of Santa gifts-he was VERY GOOD to them this year!

Emmalee's microscope she was dying to have

The four grandkids patiently waiting to open their gifts

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Emmalee gets a video from Santa!

Emmalee received a video from Santa! Click below to watch!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/a7e48e6b514a12c9852bcf0fb8dd1e71

Tori gets a video from Santa!

Tori got a video from Santa. Click below to view it!


http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/bc929da6b790a6124af4ad2a23878a80

Christmas Cantata 2009

After experiencing some technical difficulties, this is the best we got of the Christmas Cantata that Emmalee participated in last Sunday at church. The children did a fabulous job, and the cantata was wonderful!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Emmalee's Christmas Party 2009

Emmalee's kindergarten Christmas party was today, and I was able to attend. It was so much fun. They played a game, did a gift exchange, and ate some yummy decorated sugar cookies. It was great to be able to be in attendance and see her interact with her classmates!



Such anticipation for the start of the party

Playing Pin the Nose on Rudolph

Getting ready for the gift exchange

The book she got from Abbey


A group shot


Opening her treat bag from Kennedy

Playing with her new gifts!

Christmas Dance Performances

Emmalee and Tori had a Christmas performance at their dance studio last night. Emmalee has performed in them twice before, but this was Tori's performance debut. I admit, I was a bit nervous. But she did a great job and was absolutely adorable. Emmalee did great as well! Here are some pics and videos of the night.

Emmalee getting warmed up (or something like that...)


Going through their warm up routine

Tori taking to the mat



Tori and her classmates waiting to take the mat by themselves

Tori doing her headstand

Taking a bow

Emmalee gearing up for a cartwheel

Emmalee and her bestie, Isabelle



Tori and her classmates doing their dance


WOW! Such enthusiasm!

A group shot...



Emmalee's dance performance, complete with candy canes...


Performing with Isabelle and Haley

Walking around waving

The grand finale
Taking their bows



Tori tumbling




Emmalee tumbling



Tori dancing

Emmalee dancing
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It was a GREAT time!