All About the Alfords: January 2016

Welcome to 2016! What a great way to start the year with family and friends. Kristin and baby John have stayed until January 5 with us and we are so glad that they have. We love our time with them and are so sad when they have to go back to St. Louis. I am hoping that we can get up there this summer to see them, but we shall see. Kristin got to go to church with us and everything which was very nice.

Brooklyn has just loved her sewing machine so far. Lisa, our next door neighbor, has been coming over on Sunday afternoons and helping Brooklyn learn how to use her machine and how to sew a project using a pattern. Memaw and Cynthia came over one afternoon also and just whipped up something quick for her American Girl doll. She is usually sewing in the mornings before anyone wakes up. It is her time and she is loving it all.

Colson has taken on the basketball court and is loving playing. He did not score a goal during this season, but had some wonderful defensive moves and is really learning the game. I hope that he chooses to play next winter season, because it is really fun and energetic to watch!

Such a great season with the Eagles! Hoping for another one with Coach Phil!
We got to meet Laurie and Steve Bell's new little twins, Oliver and Olivia!

One of my students is dealing with a lot right now. Her mom has an inoperable brain tumor that is growing and they cannot stop it. We had some parents get together a walk for her to raise money for them. It was unbelievable and raised over $8000 for the family!

As in true December-fashion, the month has been very busy. We are sad that there were many things that were scheduled at the same time as other commitments and we were unable to attend them. Brooklyn was very sad to miss her Girl Scout Christmas party as well holiday breakfasts, caroling outings, and parties. We cannot do more than one thing at a time, and that is a hard thing to swallow when you want to do everything you can possibly do!

Our church hosts an annual event called the Vintage Dinner. It is a beautiful night for ladies to get together, be served a wonderful dinner by the men of the church, listen to live music, and hear a wonderful message by a special speaker. Laurie joined me this year and we joined my mom at her table she was hosting.

Brooklyn had her second swim meet for year round swim the next day. She swam in 5 events during the weekend. She did great! She dropped huge time on her 50 yd backstroke, added a touch of time on her 50 yd free, competed in her first year round relay (they DQed), her first IM (she DQed), and did a beautiful 50 yd breaststroke where she put up a wonderful time! I am very proud of her!

Hanging with friends, Madi and Tori

The way we can spot Brooklyn out of everyone is that her left hand is always pulling on her ear when she gets out of the water! It is her signature move!!!

Crazy holiday hats for all!!!!

Mimi has her crazy Christmas hat that the kids love to wear!!!

Brooklyn had her choir concert for the holidays with her bff Karianne. They are such a cute group of girlies! The music was beautiful and the girls are learning so much!
Holiday parties galore! We started off with my work Christmas party....it is always a blast!!!!!!!

My girls from the 4th grade team that joined us!

Hard to get a staff picture! There were tons of us there!

I could not get through my days without Richelle!

Off to school Christmas Parties for the kids! I am blessed that I get to head over after school to my kids' school and join them on their party day! I love seeing them with their friends!

My little man!

They got to make mugs!

Gag gift Christmas exchange with the team! Some of them loved what they got even though they were gag gifts...me....not so much!!! Goodwill it goes!

Bunco was at my house for December. It was a warm 80 degree day but we all put on our Christmas sweaters, ate yummy soup, exchanged gift cards, and just had a chance to hang out and talk!

We did tons of baking for all of our family that is coming in town! We made 5 pans of nuts and bolts, cinnamon caramel cookies, orange dreamsicle cookies, peanut butter balls, and neimen marcus bars for all to enjoy!

Brooklyn had to help me mix up the Nuts and Bolts in a big trash bag!

Christmas Sunday! The kids are just so precious!!!

Playdate at Julie's house. Colson loves playing with Ethan and Marshall and the girls love when Brooklyn comes over! They look up to her so much!

We surprised the kids with tickets to see STAR WARS! They were so excited because they didn't think we were going to let them go!!!!! It was priceless to see their reaction!

Granny's 88th Christmas to celebrate! We went and go her hair done to help her celebrate in style! She knew my name today which is the first time in forever!

Kiki, John and little John came home a few days before Christmas! We have loved our time with them and just adore little John more than words can express.

John loves cars, trucks, and trains! He raided all of Colson's and made his pick!

Who's your fave aunt?!?!

John wanted to play dominoes with us but didn't want to do it our way!

A little Mexican train was awesome!

On Christmas Eve, we exchanged our presents with our immediate family before we went to the Alford house for our celebration over there. The kids love picking out presents for each other and were so excited to see each other open them!

Curt surprised me with a Yeti that he had laser engraved!

Off to Memaw and Pop's house

Pop got a Kuerig from our family and the Cariellos!

Isa (19), Crystal and Philip

Ready for night night and Santa to come! (Although neither child believes in Santa, they are still so excited)

Colson got a Star Wars robe from Brooklyn!

Brooklyn got a book about dog breeds from Colson!

Star Wars Monopoly!

A book about the Gas we Pass....

Scavenger Hunt winner is.....Allison!!!!!

Crystal surprised me with the perfect Texas addition to my house!

Milk, cookies, and oatmeal all out and waiting! The kids always draw a nativity scene for Santa to see....such a cool tradition of their own!

Our traditional picture the night before Christmas!

Christmas morning, we woke up to 3 babies in the house that were visited by Santa during the night. Brooklyn, Colson and John all woke up and were so excited to see what Santa brought. Colson loved all of the Star Wars stuff and Brooklyn loved her sewing machine!