Christmas Fun

We had a great Christmas Eve with Norm's family & Christmas with our own.

Christmas Eve was spent with Grandma Fran who put together a great spread of pre-dinner snacks and a great ham dinner. She had also sent each of the families a copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas on the Friday before with a note that whoever had it memorized would receive a prize. I didn't think that the kids would be able to do it with only two days to memorize. Well, I was proven wrong by Cory. He memorized the entire poem by Sunday night! Andrew made a good attempt and got the first page (first 4 stanzas) memorized. He'll be able to do the rest by next year. The kids had a great time opening their grandma and cousin exchange presents and came home with quite the stash.

Santa came during the night and it looked like the kids were good enough throughout the year to get some fun gifts. The boys got skateboards and Rachel got a puppy that grows. One of Cory's favorite gifts was his own game of Risk. We've played a few games now, and though tears have been shed, we all now realized that it is just a game and we need to be good sports whether we win or lose.

Cory reciting Twas the Night Before Christmas

Norm & Rachel (doesn't daddy look cute?)

Andrew being his goofy self

Cheese!

Santa's spread

Innagural game of Risk

(if anyone knows how to rotate pics let me know)

Hair Fun

This evening, Rachel & I goofed around with the curling iron. I was planning on curling her hair tomorrow for Christmas Eve at Grandma Fran's, so I thought I should practice a bit. She thought it was really fun. When Norm came in to see what we were up too, she told him "My hair looks like Cinderella's and if Cinderella was here she'd be jealous!" Just too cute.

Out of the mouths/ Birthday

So, Andrew brought home a letter to Santa from school today. Here's what he said:

Dear Santa,

What are the elves making? I want a Gamboy Advance. I should get it because I share a lot. I wish other people would get more gifts. How fat are you now?

Your Friend,

Andrew

I laughed after reading the last line. Only a child would think to ask Santa that.

Andrew shared his birthday on Saturday with my Graduation. We had a friend party last Saturday and he had lots of fun. For his birthday, he got to pick out a balloon from the store and chose a huge dragon balloon.

We got him a KNEX set that made roller costers. It took Andrew & I (I love putting things together) about four hours to put it together, but it was well worth it. It's been a hit. Here's a little video of it:

You hear the kids saying "sweeet" in the background.

Graduation(s)!

Friday was my convocation & Saturday was commencement. It was a great time for all.

Here I am with the beautiful flowers Norm got me.

Me & two of my favorite professors.

Norm & I (pic taken by Cory)

The family after commencement.

Rachel, Andrew, & I

Santa came to my graduation!

(ok, so the picture didn't turn out very well, but this man looked exactly like Santa Clause. Red shirt, full white beard, & a belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly)

End of Undergrad

I've taken my last exam and turned in my last assignment. It's hard to believe that what I started 2 years ago is finished. I'm looking forward to the ceremonies on Friday & Saturday.

Last Thursday I attended an awards ceremomy for my recieving the Outstanding Senior Award for my department. I was surprised to find out that I recieved the award a few weeks ago, but am honored that my professors thought that I deserved it.

Here's a picture of the lab room that I've been working in for the last two semesters. It was fun to show it off the Norm & Fran.

Here Goes!

Well, I'm going to join my little sisters and try out this blog thing. Since I'm practically done with school for now I have a bit of extra time on my hands. Wish me luck!

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