Sledding the Old Fashioned Way and Skating with Friends.

 Sidney is all horse, all the time.  

As the snow began to fall, her and Nelly started looking for someone to take them horse sledding.  Papa Mark agreed to take them out.  They had an absolute blast.

After our Thanksgiving skating, the girls wanted another run at it.  We talked Grace and Liza into joining us again.

Grace and Kendall were showing off their moves.  We kept encouraging them to try this on the ice.  It is probably a good thing they were not easily influenced.

How did this happen?

Kendall has taken drivers education and officially has her permit.  Originally, I was going to wait until next summer, but a couple of my mom friends mentioned that winter drivers education is a very good thing.  They were right, as she is already a winter driving champ.  She has had plenty of snow to practice in.  I just do not understand how we got here so fast!

For her birthday, she received a cute little Toyota Prius.  I wish I could upload the video, but it is too large and I cannot figure out how to compress it.  Sheesh.  Long story short, she walked right by it several times, before realizing it was hers.  

Who doesn't spend the entire night in the garage checking out their new car?

Aunt Steph and Uncle Jason.

After Christmas, the party just kept going with a visit from Jason and Steph.  This is the second year in a row they have come down after Christmas.  I think I can call it a tradition?  Hopefully that is not wishful thinking on my part.  

Jason and Kendall celebrated their birthdays together early.  Uncle Jason kept blowing the candle out as soon as Sid would get it lit.

Doggy Christmas.

 We humans were not the only ones that had an amazing Christmas.  The doggos enjoyed the festivities as well.  Sidney had made them all a batch of peanut butter doggie cupcakes.  She had iced each one and piped a dollop of peanut butter on top.  She came to tell me they were done and asked me to come take a look.  Before we could even make it back to the kitchen, Bella had jumped up and eaten every last one of them.  WHAT?!?!  The other doggos would not have been too happy with her, if they would have found out.  

That was not the end of Bella's naughtiness.  Terrell brought over a gorgeous plate of cookies.  Before we knew what was happening, Bella had jumped up and gobbled half the tray.  Needless to say, we have kept a VERY watchful eye on her since then.

All of the craziness aside, the girls spoiled the dogs this Christmas.  Here are there Christmas burgers (biscuits, really). 

The dogs also received a candy cane of treats in their stockings.

After all the hoopla of Christmas, they were exhausted.

Celebrating Christmas.

We had an amazing Christmas.  Before that, though, we celebrated my dad's birthday.  Sidney made him a cute cake.  

My dad really is an amazing father and Grandpa.  He is such a trooper when it comes to hanging out with all of us ladies!

I bought a few bottles of sparkling apple cider for the holiday.  Sidney has been enjoying a glass every evening.  I had to double check to make sure it was apple cider, as I accidentally tried to pour her a glass of wine at Thanksgiving.  To my credit, the bottles do look alike:).

We started our celebration early by sneaking into the donuts my mom bought for Christmas morning...

My dad barbecued steaks for us on Christmas Eve.  It was delicious!

Kendall assumed the role of bingo caller.  Cousin Cody taught her well.  She really keeps the game moving.  It is a good thing, because there were so many fun bingo gifts to go around.  

Sherry sent all of the ladies these adorable (and super cozy) sweatshirts.  I was remiss to ever take mine off.  

We were all blessed with so much love and such nice thoughtful gifts.  One of my favorites was this black and white collage that Sidney received.

Yes, this was a beautiful Christmas.  I cherish each and every holiday with these sweet ladies.

Left, Right, Center.

 Kendall's dance team had a pizza party celebration before the three week dance hiatus.  After spending nearly every day together, a three week hiatus is like an eternity.  Each of the girls brought a gift and plaid the game left, right, center in white elephant exchange fashion.

Kendall ended up with the coveted blanket.  What is it with teenage girls and cozy blankets?

Also, I ask the same question when it comes to showing the bottom of shoes?

The girls had an amazing time hanging out and celebrating.  January is not too far away!

Quilt Mania.

 Since my mom and I were on a roll with my runner quilt, she was inspired to make each of her grandkids a quilt.  I agreed to help her.  Hallie and Jonny wanted a king size.  Whoa!  My mom and I work very well together and we were done with the top in no time.

Heather and Dylan wanted a smaller quilt in neutral tones.  I just love the way this turned out.

My mom was so happy with the way they were turning out, she purchased fabric for Kendall and Sidney's quilts.  We are already almost done putting these together as well.  

The hard part will be learning to use the long arm and actually quilting it.  With this many quilts, my mom is going to get certified to use the machine at her favorite quilting store.  I will be here for moral support the whole time:)

Winter Recital.

Kendall has been working very hard on her dance technique this fall.  She has the bumps and bruises to show for it.

Dancing is a full contact sport apparently.  Kendall got this nice gash after practice one day.  She knocked her head on the storage cubbies.  Okay, not quite a dance injury, but impressive nonetheless.

All of her hard work culminated in a winter recital that took place last weekend.  She performed five dances over the two day event.  It was a super fun, exhausting weekend for her.  She enjoyed both the performance and the comradery of her team.

Here is a gorgeous opening shot of her team dancing to Ruby Blue.  One of the parents took this photo and sent it out to the team. 

I know I am her mom, but I was absolutely impressed by the progress she had made.  She is a performer.

I am very excited to start watching her compete this spring.  She has definitely found her passion.