Winter Waterpark Getaway

The family took a long weekend break to enjoy an indoor waterpark at Pigeon Forge, TN.  It was only 3 hrs away, so we found a great hotel rate and headed out.

The orange and green water slides were our favorite because the whole family could go together.  They were huge tubes where you swished way up one side and then up the other, then a large waterfall-like drop that scares the heck out of you, especially if you're the one going backwards!

 

They also had indoor surfing, so the guys had to show off their skills....

Another favorite was the indoor/outdoor hot tub.  You start off inside the arena, but can then swim through a tunnel to the outside hot tub.  It was quite chilly in the air (20 degrees), but so toasty in the water.

This is one place we'll have to re-visit.  It was the perfect adventure during a long winter weekend.

Family Ski Trip

The whole family went on a ski trip together, as opposed to Daddy just taking the older two.  We went somewhere close, just 2 hrs away in NC.  The little one had never been on skis, so she spent lots of time on the beginner slope learning how to snow plow.


















Older brother was on the other side of her ready to catch if she went too fast, or help pick her up if she fell.  But after a while, he decided to go back to the blue courses and find his older sister.  He did pretty good, though, considering all his prior experience is in snow boarding.  After one "practice" run down a green slope in skis, he was ready for blue the rest of the day.

The little one had a bunch of falls, but enjoyed the snow.  By the end of the day, she was riding off the ski lift herself without falling!  Mommy was proud.  After not skiing in 20 years, I did pretty good as well.  I ended up on a blue run by the end of the day.  As for our oldest, she preferred the black diamonds.

Distinguished Young Woman

Our oldest has decided to participate in a scholarship and academic pageant.  Years ago, the program was called "Junior Miss", but re-branded itself a few years ago to Distinguished Young Women.  The program is based in Mobile, Alabama, but has state and local representatives in the year leading up to nationals.

This year's local competition will be held on February 8th.  A link to the website and contestant profiles is here DYW Anderson County.





The program is based on 5 areas:
- Scholastic
- Interview
- Talent
- Fitness
- Self-Expression







The scholastic portion is based on your SAT scores, class ranking, and overall GPA.
The interview will be conducted earlier in the day as a sit down discussion with a panel of judges.
The talent only gives each participant 90 sec (cannot go over) to show off skills & abilities.
The fitness is a dance routine that all girls will perform together like a dance, showing endurance.
The self-expression is a knee-length dress with heels, stage presence, poise, and grace.

We all know which areas my daughter will excel, and which areas she has the most to work on.  She doesn't wear makeup, and asked if heels are required.  I'll keep you posted....

Tomorrow I have the priviledge of taking her shopping for a dress.  She has already disliked the first 3 I found and texted to her phone.  Anyone want to fly to SC and do this for me???  (please!)

Waiting for Santa

Our youngest was determined to see Santa this year.  She made a palate between the fireplace and the tree so that Santa would have to either step over her or go around, which would surely wake her.

I'll have to admit that it made for an interesting evening.  Mommy kept checking on her to make sure she was warm and that she was sleeping soundly.

Well, Santa came on schedule and must have put pixie dust on her head to put her in a deep sleep, because she didn't hear a thing!  Santa went about his business stuffing stockings, eating the milk & cookies (on the fire place brick entrance), and setting out toys and gifts.








On Christmas morning, she couldn't believe he came and worked right in front of her eyes!  Next year, she plans to set up a motion-detection video recorder.  Her favorite gift was a stuffed frog sticking out of her stocking.  "Froggy" had to go to Mass with us that morning, and has been by her side ever since.

Caroling in the 1800s

Our little one was in her school Christmas play, and had the role of a caroler.

Here, the music teacher is giving instructions to the carolers prior to the show.  Our little one is the last one on the right in the white shawl and white bonnet.

















A close up of our girl and one of her best friends...

The sweet girls singing their hearts out during the show.  So cute!

Birthday at Grandma's

Our little one wanted to spend her birthday at Grandma's house, and it was her best birthday yet!  She couldn't wait to play with Grandma's toys.


















Her cousins surprised her to make the party even funner!

Grandma made sure the cake met all of the little one's VERY specific guidelines.... A Christmas scene with Santa and his reindeer flying at night with grass and snow on the ground.  Kuddos to the artist!

Group picture of the birthday girl and Mommy.

Grandma lighting the candles.....






















And afterwards, pinata fun!  Grandma filled the cupcake pinata with lots of candy!  Thanks, Grandma, for her best birthday yet!  :)

Black & White Fundraiser

Eric & I attended a black/white fundraising event last weekend and enjoyed dressing up.  Our youngest took the pictures, so this was the only one that wasn't blurry, showed all of our heads, and we weren't blinking.  It was a fun night, and I especially enjoyed the company!  He's still so handsome after 18 years!