Life is a dance, from one stage to the next . . .

Caden and Carlin signed up for social ballroom this year in school.  Carlin has really liked it, Caden not so much.  I think he thought it was going to be cooler than it turned out to be but he has been a good sport about it.  It is only a half year class so their semester performance was a Christmas/Look back through the years recital.  It was a recital with the advanced dance classes along with the social ballroom classes.  Each class was assigned a certain type of dance and that is what they performed.

Caden's class had to do the Waltz.  I am not sure what song they danced to - it didn't have words but it was very pretty!  I told him before the performance to please try to have fun and to smile :) - As you can see my request was not granted!

Carlin's class had to do the Cha Cha and they performed it to "Chain of Fools".  Before each dance, chosen students gave the audience a short speech that pertained to each dance.  Carlin was a "chosen" one and did a great job!

Family holiday progressive dinner

Due to all our busy schedules with work and family - it is hard for my family to get together all at once.  Usually it only happens for birthday parties.  My sister Tara had the wonderful idea to have a Progressive dinner during the Holidays so we could each prepare a food item, see everyone's Holiday decorations, and have some great conversation.  We told Mom and Dad they didn't have to cook but to just be there since Mom hosts Breakfast every Christmas.

WARNING - A lot of pictures ahead :) - (You would think after a year of having my camera I could figure out how to take a great picture but I can't figure out why I keep getting some pictures with weird colors)

We started at my brother Matt's house.  He and my SIL Heather were assigned an appetizer.  We had Hot Artichoke dip and chips along with cheese and crackers.  Yummy!!!

The next stop was my sister Tara's house.  We had a very good Caesar Salad and parmesan breadsticks!

We then went to my sister Melanie's house!  She made a good Potato Soup!  Her husband has been working in AZ for almost two months.  We wished Justin could have been there!

Last stop was my house for dessert!  I made TO DIE FOR mini lemon cheesecake bars and a delicious slush/punch.  The chocolate cookie recipe I found was OK - the kids seemed to like them!  We also had a visit from SANTA!!! (aka my neighbor and friend Alan Ormsby - who did a fabulous job!)  Santa read "The Night Before Christmas" and I have never seen all the kids sooo quiet at one time!  Then each child got to sit on Santa's lap to tell him what said gift they would like and to receive a present! 

We had a fun time we had!  This is a great thing to do for a holiday family tradition!

Lady Wildcats Basketball

Woo Hoo - Carlin made the West Hills Lady Wildcats 7th/8th grade A team again this year!  She is super excited and loves to play.  It keeps her busy - she practices at least three times a week after school and then plays one game on Saturday.  Her coach is also putting the teams into another league starting in January so she will play another game during the week.
So far, the team has won the two games they have played.  The first game she scored 4 points and the second game she scored 7 points.  She really hustles!
We love this cutie sooo much!  She really is a wonderful daughter!  I don't know how she manages her time because between her practices, games, and friends she manages to get all of homework done and keep her grades up.  Good job sis - we love you!

Decorating the Tree . .

Just had to post these pictures even though we put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving . . Dustin does not like pictures and his faces just crack me up! :)  -