The Christmas Macarena

It's kind of hard to tell, but the girls were performing to a "Christmassy" version of the Macarena. We were in hysterics the whole time. Let's just say it was a far cry from the Bolshoi Ballet company! But they looked darling and had fun, and everyone looked so lovely in their party dresses.

Dancing Queen

Katie's dance class was invited to dance in front of the Christmas tree at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday night. She was quite excited to put on her "party dress" and some makeup and have her hair done. We were only too happy to take a MILLION pictures! Sadly, I bought a lovely red Christmas sweater for Ben, which he refused to wear (becuase "it's not ORANGE!"--as if they sell orange Christmas sweaters??) So here his sister is all gussied up, and he is in his standard Gymboree sweatshirt and jeans. What a fashion disaster! The bottom two pictures were taken before her performance, when they lined all the girls up on the steps to wait their turn. I was marveling at their patience and lady-like behavior. Had it been a group of boys, it would have been absolute pandemonium.

Those crazy kids

Katie attended a "Fancy Nancy" dance workshop at her dance studio last weekend. I attempted to capture her cutness on film, but she looks more like a deranged fairy in this shot.

Ben playing the popular "sticker on my face" game.

Katie, not wanting to be left out, follows suit.

Good times

We attended Buster & Beverly's 3rd Annual White Elephant party last weekend. Alyson and I demonstrated our posing skills. Jeff and Chris were a poor imitation. None of us were feeling any pain, I'll say that much.

Celebrations

In early December, I attended a Christmas Tea at my friend Jenny's church. From left: Krista (me!), Susan (my Mom), Jenny, and Irene (Jen's Mom)

Katie and Ben all dressed up for their Christmas program at school. It was SO stinkin' cute! Katie sang every note loud and strong and clear. Ben didn't blink, didn't sing, and only rocked back and forth from foot to foot. I honestly thought he was going to pass out on stage!

Date night!

Surf's Up!

Tyler has been spending LOTS of time surfing this fall. His wet suits help stave off the chilly water temps, and he's getting a ton of use out of his surf racks.

Feeling Beachy

Even in November, Ben enjoys time at the beach.

Kid's night out

We've adopted a new "tradition" for our visits to Ohio. We always go out for dinner and drinks with Eric, Kim and Heather. It's a great chance to get to catch up and enjoy some non-kid time.

Just the girls. Kim, Heather & Krista.

Tractors!

Ben's favorite part of our Rickett Farm visit was getting to ride on the tractor.

Katie and Abby take their turn on the tractor.

And it's ORANGE--which is STILL Ben's favorite color.

We capped off the day with rides on the golf cart.

The Rickett Farm

On our last day in Ohio, Kim and Eric took the whole Beutel family out to Kim's parents farm. Here Abby and Katie feed Secret.

Katie riding Secret.

Ben's turn on Secret.

Ben feeding Secret. The next fram on the camera is Ben's fingers getting nibbled by Secret...I thought this made for a much better "moment".

Turkey Trotters

The five of us took part in the 100th running of the Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day race. What a great way to kick off Thanksgiving day! Top picture from left: Krista, Chris, Heather, Eric, & Kim Beutel

Thanksgiving in Ohio

Tyler stayed home in Florida while the rest of us headed up to Ohio for Thanksgiving. The kids, apparently, did most of the food prep (kidding, Barb!)

Birthday Girls

In mid-November, we were excited to welcome my Dad and Sigrid for a visit. The kids had lots of quality time with Grama and Grampa, and we were able to celebrate both my birthday and Sigrid's. I can't remember ever having gone to dinner with ALL my parents on my birthday, so it was a special treat for me.

Sigrid and Katie show off her birthday goodies.

Grama & Grampa Strand pose with their three youngest grandkids. I'd try to offer some excuse for Ben's face, but he's 3, so he pretty much does anything he wants.

Ben helps me blow out the birthday candle.