Alyssa's New Tricks

Merry Christmas!

It was a very Merry Christmas indeed!

We started our celebration with a little bubbly and a lot of food.

Such a classic Jon face.

Then it was time for our traditional Nativity program complete with angel chimes, of course.

Caleb was the narrator this year. We love singing all the Christmas hymns as we read.

And we hang the Nativity ornaments on the tree as we go.

Natalie thought that the baby Jesus should go at the very top of the tree.

Then she wanted to lead us in Joy to the World.

We always finish our Christmas Eve by watching the Little Drummer Boy. Then it was time to get the kids in bed so Santa could go to work.

The kids in their Christmas jammies. Natalie loved her "jammies with feet" so much that she's still not taken them off.

Santa was really good to all of us this year.

Look at Alyssa's face...nothing like the excitement of Christmas!

Grandma Hatch gave Caleb a giant bottle of A-1. He was thrilled! A funny gift for a funny boy. It came in handy as he used it for his Christmas ham.

Grandpa opens his Snuggie...

I love mine so much, I just had to share the joy.

Jon got a new shop light. Pretty cool.

And for one last surprise...

We're going to Disneyland! Here are the kids with their countdown chains. Alyssa declared it "the best Christmas gift ever!"

Merry Christmas!

Our Sugar Plum Fairy

Alyssa sure was cute in her school's 3rd grade Nutcracker program. She was a sugar plum fairy but was actually included in several numbers.


Here's a clip of our favorite moments; her first solo and a bit of adorable hip hop.



Did you hear me whisper "that's was awesome!" after her solo? I didn't know she could sing a solo part so well. Way to go, Lys!

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Brunette

I've talked about doing it for years. I finally did it. I went dark.

At first I didn't think it was that drastic, but judging by the reaction of others, it must be pretty shocking. Caleb wanted to know how long until my hair would turn back. Alyssa stood speechless with mouth agape. Both have been pretty honest about preferring me blonde.

It's OK if you don't like it. I love it!