December

 I had finals at the beginning of December and Howard was very busy with an exercise at work. Then the whirlwind of Christmas festivities fell upon us. 

To recap December:

I bought a new red dress for the Squadron Christmas party (but it was canceled, grrr) and got a new hair do at the end of November. I also earned high A's in both of my classes. It was my first semester back to college since 2000 and I'm LOVING it!!!! I'm studying history and hope to become a DoDEA teacher by the time Howard retires in 10-12 years.

 Erin had a speaking part in the 3rd grade musical - she was Reindeer #7.

 Jack anxiously awaited Christmas.

While on Christmas break he decided to sleep in the living room one night.  Luke also joined him.

This is Jack's "bed" he made for himself.

 

 Howard was off for a little while and dutifully took care of the kids with me. Howard also worked on some home improvement chores (fixed a screen, and re-sealed a door), as well as yard work during our warm front that was here (65F for about 3 days). Winter break was filled with bowling, the park, the library, the YMCA, and lots of sleeping in and staying up late. The best part has been watching "I Love Lucy" as a family every day since Christmas.  Howard bought me the complete series and it's now one of the kids favorite shows.

 Jack gave us the BEST expressions when he opened his gifts. It was like he got the best present each and every time he opened one.

The kids each got to open a gift on Christmas Eve (not pjs). The 24th was our big dinner like usual, while the 25th was reserved for a buffet of appetizers all day while we played with our new toys. This year Christmas was a lot different. We had church in the late morning, but then we spent the evening downtown at the City Rescue Mission. It was nice seeing our friends who live there and working the dinner shift. We are blessed each and every time we go there to help.

This is the most excitement we are probably going to get for a while from (an almost) 10 year old Howie.

 Erin was thrilled with her gift as well. This was her first year knowing the secret of Christmas. 

*wink wink*

Luke was more excited for his pillow pet than he was his train table. Oh well.

 New Year's Eve

Luke was the only one who didn't make it to midnight - he made it to about 11pm though. New Year's Eve was spent having an "I Love Lucy" marathon.