Christmas with the Knipple's!

Christmas with the Knipple's is always fun, but I think this year was especially great! The kids really enjoyed their time together, and the adults did too!

Santa Time!

We ended up at the "big" mall this year to see Santa! I feared the crowds and cranky kids, but there were none! No crowds, happy kids, balloon animals...Yay! We celebrated even Grandaddy's birthday afterwards with dinner at Nakatos!

Just Dance!

Both girls did great at their Christmas Dance Show!








Shelley

A Christmas Concert

This was a big deal. Sure, for most kids and parents it was a standard school concert, but for Ellie? It was a breakthrough. Last year the first grade concert was extremely difficult for Ellie. She was so overwhelmed by the whole thing...standing close to people for long practices, controlling her body, hearing lots of voices...she was a mess. She did make it through that concert, but not without a LOT of anxiety.

This year she did great!!! She handled everything better, didn't seem as anxious, and looked happy while she performed! We are SO proud of Ellie. For how far she's come, for how hard she's worked. Keep it up sweet girl!



Shelley

I love a good tradition.

The Branson Adoration parade is always a good time!

Me and my BFF! :)



Wingman! It was pretty cold this year, so wingman snuggled in the back of my moms car. Looks comfy!



Annie and William waiting for candy!



Shelley

Second Grade

Second grade for Ellie has been a little rough. Her class has some difficult kids, and it's been hard for her to handle that at times. I like her teacher, but I feel like what she's having to deal with is just too much. We're making it through though, and I do think the school and Mrs. Stine are trying to set up some strategies to help my girl. Ellie does love her teacher, and has made a couple of friends in her class. For that I am thankful!

Ellie and her teacher Mrs. Stine, and Ellie with her friend




Shelley

A Challenge!

Good Luck...

...getting a picture...

...of this boys...


...Face!

He's always ahead of me. Running. Fast. I yell..."Austin! Look at mommy! Where's mommy?"...in an attempt to catch a glimpse of those blue eyes. He's such a cutie, but it takes a whole lot of effort to get just one picture of that adorable face!

Finally!

But when you do, it's pretty cute! Thanks to my friend Sheri for that last picture!

Aunt Bev!

Daddy's Aunt Bev (Nana's sister!) is always a hit with the kids. She has several little chihuahua's that she brings when she visits! The kids love seeing her and the dogs!

Christmas at SDC!

We had a wonderful time this year enjoying Christmas at SDC with our cousins!



By the end of the day we'd had all the fun we could take, and this picture inspired our Christmas card. :)



I love keeping it real!

Shelley