Sierra's First Ski lesson

Last Friday, Avery had a half day of school, so we took advantage of it and went to Wachusett Mountain for some ski lessons. It was Sierra's first lesson and she did great! Avery wound up getting a private lesson and she did great as well! Then, we did a little more skiing after their lessons so they could practice. It was such a fun afternoon!

 

Avery getting to the bottom of the bunny hill

 Sierra had such great balance!

 

 Taking a break in this awesome ski chair

 

 Here comes Avery

 

And Sierra too



Happy New Year!

This year on New Year's Eve, the girls really wanted to try to stay up until midnight. At first, I said no because typically, I don't stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve. But, then, we decided we were going to give it a try. I have to admit that I was very doubtful that we would all make it until midnight (so much so that we started doing countdowns at 8:00). But, we kept ourselves busy enough playing games that we all made it!  Happy New Year!

Practicing our celebration at 8:00 (it's midnight somewhere!)

Another practice round at 9:00 in our pajamas (still going strong, sort of!) 

 



Avery pretending to fall asleep at around 11:30.

 



We made it! Happy New Year!

 



We took pictures in front of the TV to prove we made it

 



Avery took one last picture of me, Cory, and Sierra. And then we all went to bed!

Fun in the Snow!

Here's a couple of pictures of the girls playing in the snow after we got another 9 inches on top of the 3 inches we already had. We have been having so much fun!!

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas Day! We are so blessed to be together and this year even more so, because Gramma and Grampa were here with us as well! We woke up to a beautiful white Christmas! But, of course, the girls were focused on what was under the Christmas Tree! They must have been very good girls this year because Santa was very good to them. And they also had presents from Mommy and Daddy, and more from Gramma and Grampa and Nana and Grandpa. So after a marathon session of unwrapping presents, we spent the rest of the day unpacking and playing with all of their new stuff. It was a great day!

 

Sierra & Avery patiently waiting to come downstairs

Avery & Sierra excited to open presents.

 



Avery showing off a new Jack & Annie book and Sierra checking out her new Jake & the Neverland Pirates Game

Sierra trying on her new ski helmet

 



Opening their American Girl Doll beds.

 



Avery excited after opening the family's new WiiU.

 



Avery showing Gramma & Grampa what she made for them.

 



Sierra all ready to hit the slopes!

Christmas Eve

This year Gramma and Grampa came here for Christmas so we were able to show them our house all decorated and share our Christmas traditions with them. We had our usual Christmas Eve dinner of shrimp and scallops that was delicious! Then after dinner the girls opened presents that we received in the mail from family and friends who don't live nearby (so they don't get lost in the shuffle Christmas morning). They were so excited to open more presents! And they got some great gifts! Then we set out cookies and chocolate milk with a silly straw for Santa. And finally, we all listened to the story of "Twas the Night before Christmas" before the girls went up to bed.

 

Sierra opening her American Girl Doll pet

 



 

Avery got a Spelling Bee game for her DS

 



 

Sierra got a book called Pete the Cat which is so funny!

 



 

After presents, Gramma tried to teach Sierra how to play piano...it didn't go so well.

 



 

Avery had fun playing her new Spelling Bee game...I think she got that one right!

 



Then, Avery joined in on the fun at the piano.

Christmas in Pennsylvania

We spent the weekend before Christmas in Pennsylvania at Gramma and Grampa's. It was a quick trip, but I think we were able to fit everything in that we usually do, along with a little play time out in the snow in between. We arrived Friday night, so we woke up to presents under the tree Saturday morning. After opening them with Gramma , Grampa, Aunt Jacey, and Uncle Paul, we went to Kraynak's to see their beautiful Christmas Village set up.

Patiently waiting with Aunt Jacey to see what was under the Christmas tree

 The girls each got an awesome new suitcase

 

 And a Fur Real Bouncy Puppy along with many, many other great presents!

 

 Posing in front of one of the beautiful diplays at Kraynak's

Saturday evening, we went to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's to celebrate with the whole Saylor Family. We had a delicious Christmas dinner and opened more presents.

 Sierra loved Ellie, the newest addition to the family

 

 Sierra, Ellie, Braden, Erika, & Aunt Jacey relaxing on the couch

 

 The girls taking a break from handing out all of the presents

 Opening more presents!

And, finally, Sunday morning, everyone came to Gramma and Grampa's for Gramma's wonderful brunch and the Steeler's not-so-wonderful game. Even Santa made an early appearance to say "Hi" to us! It was such a great weekend!

 Avery, Sierra, Ellie & Braden

 

 Great-Grandma & Great-Grandpa with their four beautiful great grandchildren

 

 The girls with Aunt Jacey & Uncle Paul

 

And, of course, Santa!

Our School Holiday Programs

The girls both had holiday programs at school. At Avery's program, each grade performed two songs. She sang "My Red Sled" and "If I Could Fly Like a Snowflake." She and her class did a great job! Unfortunately, it was very crowded so we didn't get any great pictures.

Avery is on the stage in the grey and black striped dress.

Sierra's preschool program was 15 minutes of holiday favorites including "Up on the Housetop", and "Jingle Bells." She did a great job, too. And we all had fun at her class party after the show!

 Sierra and her friends making their entrance

 

Ready for the show!