Christmas Trains

At my new school this year, they do a fundraiser for sixth grade camp by putting together kits to make candy Christmas trains. They are only $5 and come with all the candy, frosting, board, and directions. I only bought two kits and decided to do it while Audrie was napping because the idea of candy that you can't eat... well she is two and I didn't think she would understand that idea. Abbie and James had a blast and are really starting to like some of the benefits of my new school. Although they are still holding out for the carnival in the spring... hope we have one. Anyways, it might become a family traditions, maybe Audrie can join in next year.

Abbie's train.

Abbie and her train.

James' train.

James and his train.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens

This is becoming one of our favorite family traditions. We drive up to Bellevue for dinner and then go to the gardens to look at the lights. The kids love the adventure of finding all the hidden/or not so hidden animals. They even had a new part this year, the waterfall. Didn't get many pictures because the battery was dying again. But at least got the family shot. If you noticed the beard in the tree cutting pictures and again here (two weeks later), he is still sporting a beard. In the 18 years I have known my husband, he has not grown facial hair, he must be going through a phase. I don't mind it so much, it looks good on him.

Jim and kids in front of the grapes.

Mom and kids in front of vegetable garden.

Christmas Concert

We love that our kids go to a small community school that still does a holiday/Christmas concert and sing Christmas songs. It was fun to watch James and Abbie with both their classes singing songs. They did such a great job. No shyness or anything. They made us all very proud. Grandma Willa and Grandpa Jim were also able to join us, so nice of them to make the long drive out. We even went to ice cream after.

James waiting for Mr. Prindle the music teacher to give the cue to sing.

Abbie showing her excitement before the first song.

Kids together before the concert.

My darling kids!

Christmas Tree Cutting

We went to one of our favorite tree farms in our area this year to cut down our own tree. Audrie was very interested in what Daddy was doing. We got a great one this year that was tall and thin to fit right into our little nook. We love Nobles even though they can be a little pricey, they always look the best to us.

Audrie checking out what is going on.

My loves!

Kiddos!

Christmas Tea

Willa invited us to a Christmas tea at her church. Since Abbie is now six, she is able to join the "big" girls and go with us. Unfortunately, I only got these shots of the event because my camera battery died, so I didn't get any of the actual event. Willa did a wonderful job hosting and setting up our table. We were able to be with both Jim's sisters and Willa's sister, Mary. The event was lovely! A nice message, and carolers that sang a song (at our table) especially for Abbie, All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, (actually she is missing four teeth all together, but you all know the song). Abbie felt so wonderful being included and drank 3 cups of tea (with only two bathroom visits). She told me she can't wait until Audrie is six and can come with us. We are hoping to make this a Roddy family tradition. Thanks Grandma/Mom for allowing us to share in this day, we had a blast!

My beautiful girl!

All dolled up!

Holiday Magic Strings Concert

James is involved in a program at school called Magic Strings. He plays the violin as a part of his regular school day and music and the arts are integrated throughout all subject areas. It is a very unique, one of a kind program. He has progressed tremendously since the first year. We are proud of his hard work and dedication to his violin. They do a concert every winter and spring with individual recitals in the spring as well. They also have an end of the year all school assembly. I love being a part of a small town because they still play Christmas songs as a part of the holiday concert. It is very refreshing.

Close up on our concentrated violionist!

The whole program 2nd-5th graders.

Snow in November!

Our first snow of the year and we got 9 inches! This is just in the beginning... our kids didn't want to go out when it got much colder and the snow wasn't very sticky so snowballs and snowman were not happening. Audrie thought it was pretty funny! We loved watching her explore.

Ready to throw snow!

Posing for mom's sake

Her crinkly nose smile, just like her big sister's...

Our growing boy.

Many missing teeth Abbie! 4 and counting....