December Going-ons...
TAGT Conference
I attended my first ever - and honestly, probably my only - gifted and talented conference. I had to beg, plead, and pull strings to attend, but since it was here in San Antonio, they relented. No hotel, no food/gas/parking reimbursement, but they paid my registration and gave me 3 days off work.
It was super beneficial, and I loved it. Next year's in north of Dallas, so I can't imagine with budget cuts they'll let me go, but you know I'll try!
Wreaths for Veterans
One Saturday morning, Brennan, Ethan, and I went to Boerne to place wreaths on all the graves of veterans. It was 40s and rainy and highly unpleasant, but it was good to be doing some service.
Boerne Light Parade
Katelyn got to ride on the Boerne Soccer float this year for the light parade.
I wanted to park at the end of the parade route, so we got there super early.
We walked the whole route in reverse in daylight and tooks a bunch of pictures.
Then when we were totally exhausted and cold at the end, we were right by the car. Go me!
Annual Caroling by School Bus
Our principal has an annual tradition for the teachers to visit the neighborhoods within our boundaries to sing Christmas Carols one evening in December.
It's a long day, but so super fun. Ethan and Katelyn got to tag along too. It was fun to see so many friends!
Annual Gingerbread House
Katelyn's teacher works part-time at Target, so she wanted our house this year to look like a Target store. I sent a picture to her teacher, who loved it.
Annual Adult Party
We hosted our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater & White Elephant Adult Christmas Potluck again this year. It is always great fun!
Our winning sweaters were this "Grandpa who got ran over by a reindeer" and...
Collin's seminary teacher as a tinsel tree.
The best gifts were this exercise wiggle boards, and...
a tortilla blanket with eye cover.
We always have great fun!
Ryan made these trophies with the 3D printer this year too, so they accompanied the gift cards for the best sweater and gift.
School Dress-Up Days
It's exhausting but fun in its own way. The whole 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are themed dress-up days. Here is the music teacher and I on Christmas Tree Day.
Here's Katelyn on Christmas Fiesta Day.
And us both on Who-ville Day, my fav!
School Performances
Katelyn joined the school choir this year, and they did a fun Christmas concert.
Ethan also did his 5th grade musical in December. It was the same pirate musical that Collin did in 5th grade.
Ward Christmas Party
At the Ward Christmas Party, our family helped put on this amazing shadow play, depicting the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Savior.
It was very spiritual, and I'm so glad they all got to help with it.
School Parties
I am super sad that this is Ethan's last year in elementary school. He's ready to have more freedom at the middle school, but I sure am going to miss him.
Luckily, I still have one more year with Katelyn and all her cute friends.
Annual Christmas Around-the-World
We invited our good friends the Leflers over this year. They taught us about Sweden. We had rice pudding and made 3D heart ornaments.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve morning was spent at Urban Air getting our "bounce on." We all LOVE trampoline parks, and they have zip-lining and laser guns too.
Afterwards, we headed to Torchy's for tacos and queso. Delish!
We also added a little social gathering with friends (the Roundys).
After all the craziness, we headed home to listen to the tape around the tree. (My favorite Christmas tradition, by far.)
Christmas
It was just our family for Christmas this year. Everyone got a personalized shirt.
Rob & Rachel got us some fun filament for the 3D printer.
Brennan got a laptop for school.
Katelyn got a squishmallow that flips inside out.
21st Anniversary
We went to Six Flags with the kids and watched the fireworks on our anniversary. Not quite as grandiose as Italy for our 20th but fun nonetheless. Love this man!!
Grandpa & Grandma's Visit
My parents came to visit for New Year's. We enjoyed some good Mexican food.
A member of the Bishopric came over one night, and Brennan was ordained a teacher and Ethan was ordained a deacon.
Then that Saturday morning we were all able to go to the temple to do baptisms. I was witness, while Grandpa was the recorder. Ryan and Collin did baptizing, and Ryan and Grandpa did confirmations. Grandma sat with Katelyn in the lobby (two more years), and witnessed the confirmations. Collin, Brennan, and Ethan did baptisms and confirmations. It was wonderful!
New Year's
Our annual fondue and fireworks! Grandpa and Grandma didn't know what to think of eating treats dipped in chocolate for dinner, but that's just how we roll.
After "dessert for dinner," we headed to the neighborhood playground to shoot off way too many fireworks.
And if that wasn't enough fun, we loaded up the car and headed to Six Flags to see their 360 degree display. We stayed in the parking lot, but it was seriously amazing. Can't wait for the one on the 4th of July!
