The Nutcracker

Abbey, Gracie, and Hilary were in the Eugene Ballet Company of the Nutcracker this year.

They loved their rehearsals but the most exciting part was the costumes they got to wear.

 The girls were only on stage for short moments. So even though it might have been slightly painful, they were very grateful they had loving fans...Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Andersen.

You will never see a cuter mouse than this little one. She squeaked her best!

Hilary did admit she was happy to take the mouse head off.

The gorgeous, graceful, Gracie angel danced around the Sugar Plum Fairy to welcome Clara to the Land of Treats.

The adorable Lady Bug...Abbey

The lady bugs came out from Mother Sunflower's skirt.

Abbey and her fellow lady bug freind, Tauzya

Tauyza, Jessica, & Abbey

No Carter was not in the Nutcracker,  nor did he see anything but the girls rehearsing. He just has to be a part of whatever.  I think in this picture he was beaming with joy that I was taking him to his best friend, Jayden Leak's house!

"A Grand Christmas"

Abbey's 4th grade class put on a Christmas play. Abbey was one of the leads, playing Raggedy Anne. Their class designed their set and costumes. She had a blast!

Here is Raggedy Anne

This is Raggedy Anne, Cuddles the Bear, Fluffy the Dog, Raggedy Andy, & Harry the Hamster

These are Abbey's good friends...Cody (playing Santa), Abbey, and Madison (playing Cuddles)

"The Wonderous Gift of Christmas"

On December 11, John, Abbey and I got to take a quick trip to Salt Lake. We went to the incredible Christmas concert at the Conference Center. This year Natalie Cole was the featured artist that performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

All of John's siblings (minus our Katie in New York) were there. We rode Trax down to California Pizza Kitchen where we ate before the concert. We all had a great time.

It's Beginnig to Look a lot Like Christmas

The annual Christmas recital was wonderful!

The girls love dance and love performing. Carter, John, Grandma Andersen, and Joelle came to watch.

Abbey moved up to another team this year. She is on X-cell. She also is in ballet, modern, and hip hop.

She is a graceful, beautiful dancer.

This is Gracie's first year on a team. She is on X-press. She is loving it. She is a totally different dancer than she was last year. She draws the audiences eyes with her big smile. She is also in ballet and hip hop.

Hilary was a beautiful angel. Of course these were not the wings she really wore but had to have the effect for the picture. She loves dance!

No Carter doesn't take dance nor do I think he ever will but....he has got rythm and cool moves. He did not want to be left out of the picture taking. So instead of a graceful pose, you get to see him flex his muscles!

Thankful!

We have so much to be thankful for! I think I am most thankful for the small simple moments that take place everyday. This Thanksgiving we went to the Andersen's. Katie and Eric came from New York. It was a beautiful day. After our fabulous meal we got to play football. Even the little ones participated this year.

The football players

Cousins and friends....Annie and Hilary

They had so much fun together. We miss not seeing Annie!

Gracie and John.

Gracie is our speeding runner...no one can catch her!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving, John and I went to the BYU vs. Utah game.

After the sun went down it was cold. Thank goodness BYU won in overtime!!!

Flash game

The Utah Flash has been coming up to Burley for a preseason game with the Idaho Stampede for the last few years. It is always fun and a good game.

This is the CRAZY and somewhat annoying mascot for the Stampede. He loved harassing our section because most of us were sporting Utah Flas appearal. Carter was so freaked out by him. He was in a total panic every time he came by.

Abbey getting attacked by the wolf.

My Flash crew...Carter (muscles), Abbey, and Gracie

After the game, the players come out for pictures and autographs. Here are some of the kids waiting in line with their pieces of paper.

Gracie, Abbey, and Carter with Lee Cummard. He played for BYU!!!

The kids with Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen. He is a NBA player that is the assistant coach for the Flash this year. When he asked Carter how he like the game, Carter answered..."it was boring!".