Christmas is coming...

The first weeks of December always mean

nativity performances and choir concerts.

Emma's children singing group performed some beautiful numbers

this year. I especially enjoyed "When I Close my eyes" and

"And the Angels Sang". The later was performed with an up

and coming opera singer and accompanied by harp & cello.

It was so beautiful I had tears in my eyes.

They also had an additional concert where they sang back up for

David Benoit in "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

I can hardly believe the amazing experience my daughter had to sing

on stage with such professional musicians.

She is getting some great musical training.

Quinn and friend Nate were shepherds in the live nativity this year

and this was their first time without a parent.

They are growing up!

Quiet Time

I love this picture of my sweet boy

enjoying some quiet reading time.

Funny Photo

We recently stayed in a hotel during a weekend trip.

Anyone care for a swim?

Beautiful Fall Weather

Wow. We have enjoyed some amazing fall weather this year.

Halloween

Lego Brick Quinn with friends Gracie & Sydney

at the neighborhood Halloween celebration.

Q&A Photo shoot

Abby loves to take pictures.

She has a talent and is especially good at editing.

Here are the results of an evening with her little brother.

Back to School

Quinn- age 7, 2nd Grade

Emma-age 13, 8th Grade

Fun with Abby

Beach Day

A perfect day on Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes.

Seattle Trip

Our trip to Seattle

In August, Kari's brother Brent got married in Seattle. It was a really fantastic trip with all of Kari's siblings (the first time we have vacationed together in more than 20 years). We enjoyed shopping, the ferry to Brainbridge Island, a Marlin's games & the wedding festivities. We laughed a lot (especially about Kip's wardrobe because his luggage spent most of the vacation trying to get to Seattle) and there were also a lot of tears. Alex and Krista joined us as well as Tanya's sisters, Judy & Debra. Some nice family memories were made

and Brent and Michelle seemed very happy.

Cooking Classes

For a personal progress value project we did cooking lessons this summer. Emma invited her friend Emma to join us (they are called "Emma Squared" at church). One lesson each week for six weeks and the moms took turns teaching. We covered: quick breads, yeast breads, cake decorating, pastry (pies & turnovers), doughnuts and pasta.The picture was taken on pasta day and included noodles for soup and gnocchi. YUM

Girl's Camp 2010

Girl's Camp Crafts

Graduation

Abby's Graduation was a huge disappointment.

Rain....Rain... more Rain....

then an announcement:

"We will move graduation ceremonies into the gymnasium"

our decision:

"We are wet to the bone, we will go home"

Oh well, Abby has a good story to tell.

London

Things we love about London:

-The Underground

-Big Ben

-The Tower of London

- "Les Miserables"

-The Thames

-Free Museums

-Used book stores

-Westminister Abbey

-Handel's "Water Music" by candle light

-the BBC (even if they don't have a gift shop)

-Double decker buses

-French Food

To celebrate Abby's graduation from High School, Kip, Kari, Krista & Abby spent a week in London. Lots of walking and public transportation. Historical sites. Bad food. Great memories.

Garden Party

A wonderful evening celebrating

Krista's marriage to Alex Burkhart

Spring

Quinn in the our beautiful backyard!

Piano Recital

Abby, Jenny, Emily

Senior Recital

Miss Cindy has been a great piano teacher! Abby performed three pieces--including an impressive Rachmaninoff.

New York Trip

Spring Break in New York City:

Met Art Museum

Central Park

Boat trip to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Dinner in Brooklyn with Lane, Adriana & Jasper

Mary Poppins

Manhattan Temple

Museum of Natural History

Flower Picts

I made these balloon flowers for decorations

at a baby shower. Abby enjoyed taking pictures

of them on one of our first spring-like days.