Christmas

The response we received from our Christmas card this year was nothing short of phenomenal. My phone blew up with comments about how it was the best card ever, some people were keeping it permanently, one friend even mentioned our card in her Christmas card! It really struck a chord and I don't know that we will ever be able to top this one. This is my favorite, by far.

As Brent and I prepped breakfast for the girls, the anticipation was high!

So high that Brigitta's speed + fuzzy socks = a massive face plant X2. 

Traditional photo by the stairs!

A delicious breakfast to start the day.

Then on to stockings...

...where again Brigitta's socks nearly landed her in the fireplace!

Traditional Pringle pics

 This one is my favorite!

I didn't get tons of photos opening presents- I wanted to be in the present (pun). But here are a few.

Reagan gifted the family a game called "Twerk Pong" and I tried to upload videos to YouTube but received notification that was against their policies and I was being given a strike. Sooo, just Google that one and let's say Brent thinks twerking is done with his arms and not his bootie so he did not fair so well. It was hilarious.

At the end of the day Brigitta brought me one of our favorite holiday drinks: 1/2 eggnog, 1/2 milk topped with coconut whipped cream from Trader Joe's. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve

Once we make it to Christmas Eve, a peace settles on the family. The schedule eases and we embrace the ritual we've curated over the years. It seems there's less fighting- perhaps because everyone knows what to expect and there's the quiet anticipation of what Christmas will bring. 

First stop is the MOSI and lately Blue Paradox is our favorite exhibit. Fair warning: photo dump!

We often stay more than once to just take it all in. The message of pollution is poignant and the images of healthy oceans are just stunning! The fact the screens surround you makes it so immersive and impressive!

These videos are taken from another part of the same exhibit. Fair warning: photo dump!

Something about this space makes us all want to dance and jump and turn cartwheels! It's so beautiful!

Eventually we all met up outside the exhibit and I'm guessing a Santa Claus sat here for much of the holiday season. In his absence, we took advantage of the scene and asked a kind stranger to snap a shot of the family.

We meandered among the various Christmas trees. Ireland insisted she had to have one by HER tree!

A stranger saw me taking this photo of her:

And offered to get one of the both of us!

Next it was on to Rockefeller Chapel for the Christmas Eve service. It was here that I really and for true felt the spirit of the season. When you are surrounded by gothic architecture, stained glass and real, solid, heavy wood doors it's hard not to! 

Back when we started doing this, Sydney was terrified of the candles- she didn't want to get burned! Now she's a pro. Love the Silent Night tradition of starting with all lights out but a solitary candle and then sharing that flame until the whole chapel is awash in the warm glow of candlelight. It's so beautiful!

Finally it was time to head home for a grilled cheese bar and the laying of the presents under the tree. Brent and I watched Better Off Dead as we stuffed stockings and snuggled. 

After all the hustle and bustle, it was Christmas at last!

Dance Showcase

 Of all the girls dance classes I got to sit in on, I think I enjoyed Liesel's pointe the most simply because I still can't believe she can dance on her toes! They began with several warm-up exercises like keeping a pen between her thighs as she moved across the floor. 

Eventually they lace up their pointe shoes which takes quite a while. Not to throw shade but some of the girls miss half of class fussing with their shoes (ie untying and retying them) over and over.

Watching Gita work on her leaps was also pure joy.

I'm realizing when Gita puts her mind to something she really goes for it- in dance and in life.

She has a way of pushing herself.

She's got a lot of confidence, for sure!

Love this song and loved this dance!

I love how Gita's naturally joyful personality comes out in her hip hop number.

Sydney has the sweetest class of girls just like her.

She insisted on wearing red lipstick along with her Christmas shirt.

She's not as much of a stickler for technique but I'm so very impressed with her progress!

Ireland's knee is still really bothering her so I didn't observe any of her classes since she sat on the side and just observed. Dance classes are expensive and I'm so glad the girls are learning and growing!

Brigitta's Dance Team Season

 Brigitta had a great season with the Dance Team and it was a lot of fun to watch her. Combined with her regular dance classes, she really had an opportunity to hone her technique. The other girl in this photo actually goes to her same studio.

You could really tell the parts of the choreography Brigitta liked.

Whenever she's about to do a turn, that little tongue comes out.

They had 3 main routines they did throughout the season:

H.O.T.T.O.G.O

Let Me Think About It

Beyonce Mix

The final dance was filmed at the cheer and poms showcase and it happened to be on a night everyone was available. Again, it was really fun to watch Gita do her thing but when it was over and all her sisters rushed to congratulate her and give her a hug, my mama heart nearly burst. 

I hope these girls are always cheering each other on!