Voice Recital, Orchestra Concert, and Birthday

Eliza had her holiday voice recital and orchestra winter cluster concert on the same day. We also celebrated her 15th birthday a few days early because she would have a choir concert on her actual birthday. She sang beautifully, of course, and the orchestra concert was great. They played Ode to Joy, which is always so amazing to hear a full orchestra play.

 

Gator Greeter and Creche Festival

Annmarie got to be a "Gator Greeter", which they used to call "Road Guard" when Travis and Eliza did it.  It was super cold the first week she did it so she had to dress really warm.  They do it for about six weeks.  She needed to be there early and then we would take Nathan over later.

We also got to go to the Allen Creche Festival again.  They took a break during Covid, but it came back this year.  It's a great tradition to look at all the creches and feel the Christmas Spirit.

 

Busy but Fun

November was a full month, as they all seem to be these days. We often stop at In-N-Out for hot chocolate because they have the best hot chocolate.  I went to eat Thanksgiving lunch with Nathan at school.  Annmarie had gymnastics in the mornings over Thanksgiving break and one of the days, we took all the girls from her team with us to In-N-Out after practice and then to our house to watch a gymnastics movie. 

 

Thanksgiving and More

We hosted Thanksgiving dinner this year for Grandpa and Grandma and Paige and the kids.  And for the first time in a long time, we did gingerbread (graham cracker) houses made from graham crackers.  Annmarie's kept falling apart so she said it was in an earthquake. 

 

Football Ends and Region Choir

Travis' sophomore football season came to an end.  His j.v. team this season was undefeated.  He'll be able to dress for the varsity play off games in the next few weeks though.  

Travis made the all-region choir and had his all region choir concert.  He wasn't thrilled about it all, but considering how few kids from each school make all-region, it's definitely something to be proud of that he made it. 

 

Sick Kid and Halloween

Annmarie woke up not feeling well on Friday morning the day after her fourth grade track meet. We went to the doctor and she tested positive for strep. I got her started on antibiotics right away because she had her qualifying meet for gymnastics on Saturday--to qualify for the State meet. I was hoping that keeping her home and giving her the antibiotics, she'd be fine by the meet at 5 pm on Saturday. Unfortunately, she was worse on Saturday. She had to miss the meet, which means she didn't get to even qualify for the state meet. 

The following Monday was Halloween.  She was still not 100% but I figured, she's missing gymnastics tonight anyway, why not let  her trick-or-treat. She hadn't had a fever since Saturday.  So she went out with her brothers to trick-or-treat.  Nathan decided to be a fire fighter for actual trick-or-treating.  I do not recall why Caleb was dressed up.

 

Ward Trunk-or-Treat and Fourth Grade Track Meet

We had the ward trunk-or treat.  Eliza had musical rehearsal (she made the Addams Family musical at school).  Travis and Caleb evaded the camera.  Jonah was an In-N-Out store manager.  Nathan was a construction worker.  Annmarie was a cheerleader.  

Annmarie had her fourth grade track meet.  She placed in her event, the 200.  It was a beautiful day for the track meet also.