We give the kids a new ornament each year to build their collection. This year, Anna received a tiny pointe shoe, & James received a glass ornament filled with cymbal shavings from his favorite cymbal company, Zildjian, celebrating their 400th anniversary. 

James & Anna’s tiny trees in their bedrooms…

James, Kenny & I all participated in our church’s Christmas concert this year. Kenny started pretty early with design meetings, ordering lights, hanging them the week of, programming the board as he watched rehearsals & then running them for the concerts. James & I participated in the orchestra – myself on keys & James helping with auxiliary percussion. We received music just a few weeks before, practiced at home & then just had three rehearsals the week of the concerts. It was so enjoyable participating in something like this with James – going to rehearsals together, talking over the music & practicing together & then performing together. He did a great job! Anna would have loved to be part of the dancing in the concert, but her Nutcracker rehearsal schedule just didn’t allow for it. She did get to attend the second night & even helped Kenny run lights from the balcony. We’re humbled & thankful to have a place like our church to serve & use our gifts. 

Anna had Greek Day at school in November. Kenny & I both volunteered to help that day, knowing it was our last curriculum day for the elementary years. The students decorated their shirts according to a Greek god. Anna’s class chose Poseidon – the Greek god of the sea – so she & her classmates drew waves. The students rotated between classrooms for various activities and then enjoyed a Greek feast of pita bread, grapes, olives, spanakopita, cucumber slices & dates. The kids have so enjoyed these curriculum days in elementary school & we will miss them!

Weeks earlier, Anna completed a board game project that mirrored their study of Odysseus from Homer’s Iliad. She designed the game, Homebound, the layout of the board & the challenges along the way as you roll the dice. We sat down & played it with her which was fun. She did such a great job! 

Our mum lasted through part of November, & I managed to keep the pumpkins & geranium alive through Thanksgiving. I moved them all into the garage almost nightly in November which became quite a pain, but it was worth it to have something pretty on the porch on Thanksgiving Day. 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day celebrating with Mary Jo & some friends from church. We have so, so much to be thankful for!

Anna’s birthday fell over Thanksgiving break so she enjoyed a full day of celebrating with family & friends. 

We started the day with French toast & sausage. Then over a Chick-fil-A lunch, Anna opened some family birthday gifts. 

Later in the day, we met family & friends at the indoor climbing gym. Anna, her two friends, James & Luke all climbed for about two hours & had a blast. 

The party continued as we headed to Sushi for dinner. One of Anna’s favorites. 

And finally, the party finished with the girls returning to our house for a sleepover. They watched a movie, had ice cream & went to bed late – all things twelve-year-old girls love! They were also into posing for pictures, so between the climbing gym & the evening at home, we have some fun pictures of them all. 

Happy, happy birthday, Anna! We love you so much!