McKinley's Birthday

Our Big Girl turned nine this month, last month, two months ago! We celebrated as a family on her actual birthday, and surprised her with an ear piercing session at the mall.  She was so brave and opted to have each ear pierced separately.  She requested gumbo for dinner this year (instead of her usual ribs), and I made it the following day.  After Awanas she wanted ice cream sundaes. To celebrate her birthday with her friends, she invited her "two best cupcake pals," aka Sela & Penny, for some bowling and arcade games at Big Als.
Being the first born is tough, especially when you're expected to set a good example for your two younger sisters.  But she handles the responsibility with grace & maturity.  She's basically a second momma to Landon and definitely his favorite! She's in third grade, crushing times tables and cursive writing and winning the Geography game a lot! She has a passion for gymnastics and reading and wants to grow out her hair.  We love you McKinley Ruth!!!

Holiday Festivities

As usual, I'm a couple months behind in our family content.  Before we spent Christmas in California, the girls had been working diligently for two months, learning their music and speaking parts for the Kid's Choir production of The Best Christmas Present Ever.  Even Tessa had a solo during one of the songs (actually a trio).  Piper auditioned and was awarded the part of Mia, which included many lines to memorize.  McKinley was given a solo during the song Good News, Great Joy.  But then at the last minute, a boy who had a prominent speaking part got sick before the show, and McKinley was asked to fill in.  After listening to their choir cd at home (and in the car) day in and day out, she already had the part memorized!  We were so proud of our girls, and watching them thrive on stage while singing and dancing was such a joy to witness.
We also continued our tradition of taking the girls to see our local production of the Nutcracker.  It was so sweet to see our new neighbor's daughters on stage.  Such a fun date with my daughters!

The Kid's Choir sang a couple of songs during our church's Christmas Bazaar one weekend before Christmas.

McKinley and her BFF Sela.

Nutcracker date with my girls!

Gracie & Ava (our neighbors) were excited to see the girls after the show.

Post-Nutcracker photo op.  Budding ballerinas!

Three girls from my Cross Country team came to watch the girls in their musical.