Volunteer work

The kids have really put their heart into the volunteer activities we've participated in this Fall. Mary, Britany and Lizzy fed the homeless with our Sunday School class in November, and all of the kids participated in packing lunches which would be passed out to anyone who came in for a meal. In December all of us went with our Sunday School class to sing Christmas Carols at the VA's convelescent home. While we were there, the kids passed out reindeer candy canes that we all made. Britany and I also volunteer in AWANA Cubbies. I do the story and she does the puppet show.

I've been really impressed with all of the kids desire to give. They have truly given their all to each activity we're had the opportunity to be involved in.

Britany, Cubbie and Zippy

Moving

Once we became 8 we found it necessary to move out of our happy little schoolroom...

...and begin transforming the basement. Everyone helped...

...and now we are settled in...

...with plenty of room for everyone.

Mary's first day of school

I'm hoping to utilize the Christmas break to catch up on our blog!

These pictures are from Mary's first day of school with us. We went to the airport for a tour, the highlight of which was a look at their fire department. Mary had the opportunity to put on one of their suits, and also to sit in the massive (and I do mean MASSIVE) fire truck. The most memorable fact of the day was that the stuff they spray on an airplane which is on fire is made of a combination of water and cat-gut. It smells as bad as the whole idea of it sounds!

Intercity Ballet presents the Nutcracker

In December we went to the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Intercity Ballet at the Eastman Auditorium. We all enjoyed it when it snowed inside the auditorium. (Really it was paper hole punches.)

• Mary's favorite part was the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.
• Britany liked the Mouse King the best.
• Gracie liked the Dancing Snowflakes in the Land of Snow most.
• Alli liked it best when the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier danced at the end.
• Mitchell and Ronnie most enjoyed the fight scene between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker and their armies.