Visions of college

This outfit, messy bun, and dance booties gave me visions of what Grace might look like in college going to dance class.  She wants to be a veterinarian but both Kyle and I can also see her majoring in music, dance, or fitness.

And, then we get these funny faces.

Grace loves to be "cozy"!

Girlfriends

One of the best things about 5th grade this year is that the 6 elementary schools in Stow all come together at Lakeview Intermediate. In the beginning, this was a little scary. I just wanted Grace to have a friend to sit with at lunch.  But, as the year has progressed, Grace has made some good friends on her own. She talks a lot about Sara, Lily, Lonnie, Ella, and Maggie. She is involved in group texts and I can hear Facetime calls when she is up in her room.  I'm not ready for this "tween" thing, but if it is going to happen, it is nice to know she has good girlfriends to experience it with.

Twins with Lily

Being silly with Sara 

Hangin' out in Cleveland

Yesterday, we went to see STOMP at Playhouse Square. Kyle bought the tickets for us and his mom as a Christmas gift. It was especially timely since Grace has started percussion lessons in her school's band this year. It think she was amazing at how they performers created music from common items like brooms, sinks, trash can lids, and buckets.

We all loved the show and dinner after. But one of the most fun parts of the day was walking around downtown. It is too bad the old arcades can't make it as vibrant retail venues. They are so pretty!

Where's Grace? 

Torture stretch

I am not sure what the technical term is, but in Grace's ballet class they call this the torture stretch. But she is so flexible, it is easy for her.

December 2017

December 2015

December 2014 

Ahhh, fresh air!

The sun is out and it is WARM for January. Grace was happy to demonstrate her hoverboard skills outside instead of in the basement.

Snowy fun

If you are going to live in Northeast Ohio, you have to be ready for snow.  It is so nice that Grace and Jacob have each other in the neighborhood and that they get along so well - most of the time! When they get stir crazy and a little wild in the house, we send them outside for "fresh air".

What do you do with this much snow? Bury your friend!

The sled became a snowboard. 

Sew much fun!

In October, when I was altering Grace's mummy Halloween costume, she tried out the sewing machine with some of the fabric scraps. Hearing how much she liked it, Nana and Ba bought Grace a gift certificate for a kids' sewing class at Joann Fabrics.

After Christmas, we went to choose the fabric for a beginner pillowcase class.

There were so many choices, but this is what Grace decided in the end. It was perfect for who she is right at this moment.

Grace's friend, Annalise also signed up for this class so they had the opportunity to learn together.

Their pillowcases turned out great and they are both excited for the next class - comfy pajama pants!

My two favorite girls

It's freezing at home

A few hours of travel takes you from frigid temperatures at home to sunshine, warm air, and salt water that just makes everything better.

Now, THAT'S a reason to dance and leap!

We always look forward to seeing the Shanholtzers when we are in Florida for Christmas. It is so funny that we live 20 minutes away from each other at home, but we only get together on vacation. Maybe it is because back at home we are all so busy.

Merry Christmas to all

If this is Brooklyn, where is Norway?

Uncle Angelo and Cathy hosted Christmas Day at their house this year. Cathy did an amazing job with the food and everyone had a nice time.

Aunt Nancy knocked it out of the park with Calico Critters and a van.  These are Grace's favorite toys!

Grace was so excited to see their dogs, Brooklyn and Norway. In the end, though, I think she and Brooklyn became good friends...I'm not too sure about Norway.

What did you do on Christmas Eve?

We did this...

And then this....

And, finally, this.