~First Ski Trip

All of the Fourth Graders got to go skiing for free.  The local ski resort sponsor the schools to come ski with everything included, the kids just had to bring warm clothes and lunch.  They all had so much fun.  This was the first time many of the kids have ever skied. Jolene did really well, she was able to take the ski lift up and ski back down.  I had to catch my breath when I saw her on the ski lift all by herself.  I couldn't believe it.  She looked so laid back and relaxed.  She had so much fun, she wants to know when we can come back. It was a pretty cold day but I don't think any of the kids noticed.  Once they came in to get ready to leave I got Jolene some hot chocolate which she loved as she defrosted. I drove up separate from the bus which was a good thing because the bus broke down on the way home.  I was able to take her with me so we could still make it on time to get Raychel from school.  What a great day.  It was fun to be able to spend the day with Jolene and watch her expand her wings and try something new.  I am so blessed to be a stay at home mom to some really great kids. 

~Gift

Raychel loves her new scarf!  Her Grandma Illa Rae sent it to her because of her surgery.  Raychel thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever worn.  She was so happy to get to wear it to school before the holidays. Now to just finish out the week and then finally surgery.

~Relaxing

 A nice lazy Sunday.  We brought Drake inside today to spend time with the family, he loves being inside.  Raychel was laying on the couch with her knee propped up icing it half asleep when Drake thought she needed a little dog lovin'.   While we were playing a game Drake thought Ward's foot looked like a nice pillow.  It was so cute.

~Sunday Photo

The girls wore their Christmas dresses to church today,  they looked so beautiful.  Raychel looked so grown up.  Raychel wanted a dress that was more mature, and I think so found it.  Jolene looked so beautiful too, she made sure I understood she didn't want anything to girly but just really pretty.  She picked this dress out and I think she did a wonderful job. 

This is the Sunday before Raychel goes in for her knee surgery, she was in pretty good pain today if you look closely you can see it on her face.  She has endured so much, we are all excited for her surgery and get her on the mend.

~Hunting

Jolene really enjoys hunting with Ward.  They have gone duck, geese, prairie dog and even elk hunting together.  She loves to shoot and be outdoors alone with Ward.  She especially loves that Drake minds her more then the rest of us. Ward and Jolene have really bonded together, I love that this has become their thing.  I love when she comes home and has some great stories to tell that make her eyes light up, Ward will add details or she will correct him as they tell of their adventures. 

~Sunset

This was the Sunset as we drove home from school.  It was a beautiful shade of purple.  Once the girls put their stuff away they headed outside to watch the sun set.  

~Holiday Concert

With the holidays comes the annual holiday music concert of schools.  All the elementary schools, along with the middle school and high schools sing and play Christmas music.  The students have worked so hard the past several weeks to perfect their performances.  Both of the girls performed.  Jolene has been singing in her school choir for the past couple of years, Raychel performed her last holiday performance as a middle schooler.  They all did a wonderful job.