Parker on Parade - Floor Hockey and Orchestra

We made the trek down to Mankato for Parker's game on Monday. This was a very fun venue in an older school building. The court was smaller and all the spectators were on the second level.

Esme was a trooper on our drive down and wait so she got a slushie.

We lost 0-10 and are still chasing our first goal of the season. The confidence is growing!

Wednesday's game finally brought those goals for the Robins!  Caleb and Preston scored in the 2-11 loss to New Prague.

Then on Thursday he had an orchestra concert.  I honestly had no idea he was truly participating in orchestra.  His school offers unified classes where special education and general ed students learn together.  I figured he'd be playing percussion and was shocked to see his name listed next to bass on the program. I was holding back tears watching him walk up to him instrument and play.  His teacher later told me he chose the bass which doesn't surprise me. He loves messing with my guitar and this is similar. I hope they have a spring concert too!

We are all so incredibly proud of you!

Willy Wonka Jr. - Esme as Mrs. Teevee

Esme's next play finally arrived this month. She played a candy man kid and Mrs. Teevee in Willy Wonka Jr. She had a love/hate relationship with the part this fall, but we made it through.  Here are a mix-up of pictures from performances and tech rehearsal.

During her "I See It All on TV" solos.

Grandpa and Nana and Jimmy came to see her while I assisted in the booth again.

We are so proud of her continued growth and gained confidence while performing. She has opted to take a break for the spring, but I have a feeling she will miss it pretty quickly.

School Talent Show and Jam-Packed Holiday Weekend

We had a jam-packed weekend of activities and celebrations after an already packed week of sports and tech rehearsal.  It started Thursday with Esme performing "Pure Imagination" at her school talent show.  She did amazing!

It was part of Night of the Arts and Parker was able to get in on some of the fun too.

Jimmy made his first ever batch of Christmas Crack and he's hooked (so am I)!

Saturday started with our first Christmas gathering.  Jimmy's immediate family came over for lunch and gifts.  We did an appetizer spread with meatballs, wings, buffalo chicken dip, mushrooms, fruit and veggies.

The kids were spoiled as usual.

Esme was so excited to get the purse she asked for.

Esme had her first Willy Wonka Jr performance after this gathering, but that will have it's own post.  Jimmy's extended family was gathering that same evening. Jimmy and Parker joined the party on time and Esme and I were able to join for a bit after her performance.  I wish we saw each other more often, but it's so fun when we can get together.

Esme enjoyed reconnecting with cousins.

Our friend, Tyler and daughter June, was in town for his own holiday gathering and found time to visit us too.  We last saw them in March on our way home from St. Louis. June has grown so much!

Sunday was our third round of Advent gifts. a mini brush for Esme and light up mini trees for Parker. 

Esme had another performance that afternoon and we finished the weekend watching the Vikes beat the Cowboys and enjoying Neiman Marcus Dip.