Little girls bearing gifts...

Last week was our church Christmas program. Lindsey & Sydney participated again, more involved, and this year, they had friends! It really is their first year in Sunday School and there are two other little girls in their class. They were very excited for their part in the program.

Before we left the house, I had to get a couple pictures of my beauties. At first Sydney was not happy about the picture taking, and I caught her pouting! But then, she lightened up!







The Sunday School walked into the sanctuary while "O Come Little Children" was played. It's a tradition.



Then, it was time for their cue...and the four little girls brought gifts to baby Jesus and said:

"Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee."

And then a big finish...singing, "Get all excited and tell everybody that...Jesus Christ is born!"



It certainly was fun for them (and all of us there)! Afterwards, we proceeded downstairs for cookies and all the kids, well, the whole congregation, received the traditional apple. Ah...such wonderful memories...

I still remember my very first Sunday School program in this same church. I can still recite my piece:

What can I give him, poor as I?
If I were a shepherd, I'd bring a lamb.
If I were a wiseman, I'd do my part.
Yet, what can I give him? Give him my heart.

Merry Christmas!

The Holiday Dance show was a Success!

Lindsey & Sydney participated in their holiday dance show last night. They are part of Just for Kix program here in our town. It's a great show from the Tiny Kix class (Lindsey & Sydney's class) all the way up through 8th grade, and then special performances by the Junior Varsity and Varsity High Kick Dance teams. Our Varsity Dance Team has won the State Championship for three years in a row, so these girls work HARD! It was really fun to see.

But back to the show, Lindsey & Sydney did just awesome! I am SO, SO proud of them. If you remember, I was concerned earlier in the year, because their history with this program isn't good. I wasn't as concerned with Lindsey, but Sydney has a really hard time being in front of people. Lots of times, she won't even dance for us or a few family members! I was worried about her in a gym with hundreds of people. Even in her dance class, their coach lets the parents come in at the end of each class to see how they're progressing, and many times, I'd see Sydney just standing their with her head down.

Alas, I was worried for naught! She did just fine...concentrating and performing, just like her sister! Without further ado...some pictures of the night!

First all ready to get going...posing, smiling, acting goofy!




They first danced to "Magic Tu Tu" (they are 2nd & 3rd from the left)...


Their entire Tiny Kix class...


We do jete'...


...and releve'...


...and then we strike a pose!


Next, they performed with the other Tiny Kix class, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"


Afterwards, watching the rest of the show...


It was a wonderful night, with lots of family there to share in the joy of watching these two little girls, who five short years ago, we sat and looked in their isolettes, wondering what kind of life they'd have and at times, wondering if they'd even live. Thank you, God.

Merry Christmas!

Long lost entry...(plus more on Disney World!)

I know. It's been too long. I don't know what my problem is and why I can't seem to put a few words down now and then. But, instead, I wait and wait and then I have entirely too many things to say and then it just seems harder and harder to write about everything.

So, trying to get back in the swing of things...because I miss writing and updating and sharing about what's going on in our lives.

I can't believe it's been almost two months since our trip to Disney World. It was a really fun trip, made all the more memorable, because cousin Corrie lives in Orlando, works at Disney and was able to spend some time with us each day! We are so thankful for her, helping us, and guiding us through the parks, etc. She was able to get us into the parks each day for (can I even say this?), FREE! I didn't even realize how much of a savings this was until after we got back home! THANK YOU CORRIE!

B was in Orlando for work, left on Tuesday, and then the girls and I followed on Thursday. We stayed at our timeshare, The Fountains, right on International Drive and close to the parks. We got settled in and then met some of B's coworkers for dinner at Downtown Disney. It was a nice evening, but we were tired. The girls fell asleep on the way back to our place.

We were up and at 'em on Friday, met Corrie at Downtown Disney, where we then proceeded to follow her to our parking area (free parking for us too) and then we went to
It turned out to be a great day, a little cloudy, but nice, and I LOVED that it was cloudy, otherwise, it would've been too HOT! The girls did fantastic! They loved all the shows, the rides. They liked SEEING the characters, but not MEETING the characters. We met Mickey Mouse and that was it! Sydney's favorite thing was The Teacups:


and Lindsey's favorite was the Little Mermaid show at MGM Studios. I loved all the shows too. I think I liked Finding Nemo the best.

Here is Dad and Lindsey on our first ride, the Rollercoaster!


The second day Corrie took us to Animal Kingdom and while the park was fun, the day (weather) was miserable! Crowds, HOT, HUMID, ready for a storm and we did get a downpour on our way out of the park! We were soaked and had to dry our shoes in the dryer when we got back to the condo.

The girls loved going on SAFARI though...


On the third day, we headed back to Magic Kingdom for most of the day and then over to MGM Studios for a bit at the end of the day. It was a sunny day, less crowds, as it was Sunday and I think everyone was flying home.

Dad and Lindsey watching the main show at the Castle!


Corrie, Sydney and Dad on the Flying Dumbos...


Here are Lindsey & Sydney waiting for BEAR at Playhouse Disney! Fun!

They really had a great time seeing Bear, Stanley, Jo Jo and Pooh!

It was really the perfect trip for us, just the right length to give us a taste of Disney! The girls were troopers and walked all three days. We didn't even need a stroller! WOW! Of course, Corrie has invited us back anytime and we'll probably be taking her up on the offer! Thanks again Corrie! We miss you and love you!

To view all our Disney pics, please go HERE. Thanks for looking!