Christmas 2011

Christmas was very intimate this year, just the six of us, no out-of-town family visiting, but my sister, Lauren did come by with my nephew, Ryan on Christmas Eve and we exchanged gifts and played games.  I cooked a small ham and some traditional side dishes and the plan was to watch a movie after dinner, but as it happens, Ryan got really tired and irritable so we watched the movie after they left.

The boys got the movie Dolphin Tale for Christmas so that's what we watched. Aunt Lauren got Scrabble for the boys and they couldn't wait to play and we were able to get a game in before she and Ryan left. Then everyone went to bed around 10:00 PM so we could all wake up rested Christmas morning.

~ Christmas Morning ~

 We gave the boys a mini donut maker and let them open it on Christmas Eve so guess what we had for breakfast Christmas Morning?  MINI DONUTS!!!  They loved decorating them and choosing different batter/flavor; the favotire was the vanilla batter with a traditional glaze.

~I love Hayden's face~

The big "Santa" gift was this awesome basketball backboard and hoop!  After Brad installed it above the garage on the front of the house the boys were thrilled to "play basketball" which consisted of them trying to see if they could get the ball in the hoop!  They know nothing of the rules of the game.  Hayden was the first one to to make it in with his mini basketball! 

Brad had brought home two regular-sized camouflage National Guard basketballs (and since Tristen was not interested in playing ball outside with his brothers, he's turning into such a teenager).  Each boy had their own ball and they'd throw them at the hoop at the same time and "whoevers ball makes it in, wins!" 

Merry Christmas Everyone, I hope yours was as full of life and laughter as ours was!

Annual Veteran's Christmas Party {and Hayden sings carols}

Each year Mrs. Broom (an amazing woman/teacher) hosts a Christmas Party for our local veterans and veteran parents of our schools (Discovery) attendees (yep, that includes our own personal soldier, Brad/Dad) to honor them and recognize and appreciate their past, present and future sacrifices.  Well, this year, Brad surprised her with a certificate of appreciation and award for her unwavering support.  She was brought to tears and very humbled and honored that after all these years, she's being recognized for her loyalty. 

Mr. Galvez was there, of course, with the K-Kids who sang beautiful Christmas carols for the veterans to enjoy.

In addition to presenting Mrs. Broom with a personal certificate and award, Brad also presented Discovery School of the Arts with a certificate and award for allowing Mrs. Broom to support our local troops because without their approval she wouldn't be able to do all she does.  Mr. Galvez accepted on behalf of the school.

The veterans and their families gave a standing ovation and an abundant round of applause.

The next morning, Hayden and his class performed Christmas carols out in the cold for all their parents.



Award Winning

Every year since the second grade, the boys have had to take the STAR test (Standardized Testing and Reporting) at Discovery School of the Arts.  Each year they have scored in the "advanced" section that proves they are well above average in Language Arts and Math.  This, however, was the first year that they've given awards to the students who earned advanced scores in either Language Arts, Math or Both. 

Tristen is not shown here receiving an award because he graduated Discovery (K-6) in June and now attends Encore Jr/Sr High but I feel it is honorable to mention that he scored advanced in BOTH Language Arts and Math (he would have received a medal for that!).

Seth, who is currently in the 5th grade, scored advanced in BOTH Language Arts and Math and earned himself a medal!

 Seth's two best friends, Hunter and Kevin also received medals for achieving advanced scores in BOTH Language Arts and Math - they keep with good company!

Garrett, who is currently in the 4th grade, scored advanced in BOTH Language Arts and Math and earned himself a medal too but there's MORE...

 Garrett also received one of only SIX trophies awarded to the fourth grade class for scoring a PERFECT 600 in one category - Garrett's is for Math!  What a whiz!!!

 One of Garrett's best friends and Tristen's best friend's sister (Garrett won't allow me to put that she is his friend on here), Elias & Emily, also earned medals for achieving advanced scores in BOTH Language Arts and Math!!  What's that they say, "guilty by association?" - this time it's a positive influence!  Good work young people!!

~notice Garrett could hardly take his eyes off his trophy~

adorable

We are so proud of all these kids (but especially ours *wink)!!