"Little Red Riding Hood"

Elli had been wanting to read the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" after watching the "Minnie Red Riding Hood" episode on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  (Elli also likes "The Three Little Pigs" story and giggles trying to huff and puff like the "bad, big wolf" in that story, and Jeff loves to play along with her!)

A couple weeks ago, Elli's grandma wasn't feeling very well, so our "little red riding hood" helped bring a few groceries to Grandma's house.  We had to improvise with a red changing pad that was still in our car.  Haha!  Elli loved it!

Grandma let Elli borrow her Little Red Riding Hood storybook!

A big smile for Mommy before leaving for church that morning.

"Little Drummer Boy"

Kaitlyn and Brady performed a "Little Drummer Boy" piano and snare drum duet in my studio's Christmas piano recital this evening!  Elli wanted to bring her toy piano.  :)  We had worked a bit on the tone bells for a possible trio...maybe in a year or two.

"We're Not Ready for Christmas!"

On Wednesday evening, Jeff was reading Elli some bedtime stories.  I had joined them and was sitting on the floor by Jeff next to Elli's toddler bed.  I happened to mention between stories, "We're not ready for Christmas!"  Elli, with her cutest two-year old wisdom, asked, "What are we waiting for??"

Christmas Crafts

I found some little felt moccasin shoes in our craft supplies.  Elli and I glued on some Christmas greenery and jingle bells to make them into little elf shoes for dancing!  

 Carefully threading a jingle bell on the greenery.

I also cut out a felt Christmas tree and little circle ornaments for decorations!  

Hi-Ho! Cherry-O

Elli likes to play games and has been having fun playing a vintage board game from Jeff's childhood, Hi-Ho! Cherry-O.  Our little two-year old is doing great learning about taking turns, playing by the rules, and winning and losing.

 Elli won!

Teddy Bear Piano

We celebrate Christmas with Jeff's brother and his wife during their visit here for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Elli took up with my new piano-playing teddy bear that takes requests of various styles of music if you change his hat! 

Carousel!

A little Christmas shopping and a carousel ride at the mall!

Bubbles and Short Sleeves in December!

Fizzle...

When Elli saw this edited version, she exclaimed, "I trapped myself in a big bubble!"  :)

Ping Pong!

Elli had fun playing some ping pong with her uncle visiting during Thanksgiving!

Recipe - Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Pancakes
(a Betty Crocker Bisquick recipe)

2 1/3 cups Bisquick Mix
1/2 can pumpkin (original recipe called for only 1/3 cup pumpkin)
1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs

Maple-Pecan Syrup
1 cup maple-flavored syrup
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Heat syrup and butter until melted.  Stir in pecans.

 We made a double batch!

Yummy!

Football State Champs!

Last Friday, we watched our nephew play in a football state championship game!  It was very exciting!!

Eating popcorn!

Cheering on our number one quarterback!!

Our team won!!!

"A Christmas Carol" ~ The Musical

Here are some pictures from our high school musical, "A Christmas Carol"!  Our high school puts on amazing productions...and this year Brady was in it!

Brady was the banker.

Brady was also one of the ghosts who danced with Jacob Marley.

 Mr. Fezziwig's Christmas ball!

At the end of the song when everyone raised their hands, Elli said, "Gege won!"  (Gege is Chinese for older brother.)

Brady was also one of the monks who showed Scrooge his future.

 Scenes with the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Brady takes a bow! 

Brady and Elli after the show.