Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream

My mom bought tickets for her, Lizzie, me, Kelly and Kaitlyn to see Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream.   I really don't think there are words to describe it.  It was completely amazing to watch the girl's eyes and faces as they watched the skaters and princess stories come to life right in front of their eyes!  

We all met up the night before and had a slumber party in downtown Indy at the hotel.

The girls playing with their Innotabs.

They were up and ready to go early the next day.  Lizzie, Mom and Katie.

These two crack me up.

Cinderella in rags.

 Intermission!!!

Gotta love some Mickey, Minnie and Goofy!!

I absolutely loved Maximus!  I can't imagine working with another person to skate smoothly and elegantly in that costume.  But, they did it!

Princess Tiana before she got turned into a frog.

 Rapunzel flying high in the air on her hair

 We were in the second row!!  We were super close and it was cool to see the skaters from that vantage point.

Check out Lizzie's face during the show.  She LOVED it!!

And we are still all smiles after the show!  Thank you, Mamaw!

8th Grade Night

We "celebrated" the last home basketball game last week.  It was "8th Grade Night."  I won't lie, it was hard for me.  It was hard to see Zach end his 8th grade season the same way he started it - in street clothes.  He said that he was a little upset as it set in that he had actually missed the entire season.  But, it was a fun celebration nonetheless.  The cheerleaders each had a basketball player for whom they made a poster.  They also made and wore shirts with their player's name and number.

  

Running out at introductions.

 He said this is when it finally sank in that he had missed it all.  But, he was still smiling and laughing with the guys.

Zach with his poster and cheerleader who he happens to have been friends with since they were 3!

The sparkly Paragi 10 shirt.  When Zach first saw it, he asked, "Is that for you to wear or me."  When he found out it was for her to wear, he responded, "Oh!  Well, yea, then that is cool!"

 Zach and his best bud!

On a very positive note, Zach is doing MUCH better.  He has even starting to run on the treadmill in physical therapy.  He ran for one minute the other day and it increases to two minutes this week!

A Very Mild Winter

We have had a "mild winter" this year.  A lot of people are pleased with that.  My family, however, is not very happy to have a "mild winter."  We like our snow!!  We have had a few days with snow and have taken advantage of those days. 

It actually snowed when we were in Indiana for Christmas.  Jacob, Lizzie, Zach and Katie enjoying it.

The kids playing at Mamaw Burton's house

Snow!!!  Yummy snow!!!!

 Then, we got a snow fall in January and were able to enjoy a day of sledding at Lake of the Woods.

I love Lizzie's expression in this one!

 Jacob on his snowboard.  Can he make it?

 Woo Hoo!!!  He made it all the way down!!!

 Lizzie is all ready to go on the sled she bought with her Christmas money!

 Love this sign and taking a picture in front of it has become a tradition!

 Zach getting ready to head down the hill.

Much to the kid's chagrin, I made them stop so I could take a picture. 

 We are hoping to have a few more days like this!  WE WANT SOME SNOW!!!!

A Paragi/Giddens Christmas in Mahomet

Brian's family joined us in Mahomet to celebrate Christmas and New Years.  Again, we had a great time!  It was an absolute whirlwind of a get together, but it was fun and I was sad to see everyone leave.

Jacob trying to decide which card wins this round of Apples to Apples

 Molly explains the game to Brian yet AGAIN!!

A fun tradition - making gingerbread "something" with Dodo.  This year it was cookies.

Brian's sister, Molly, and Lizzie

 Ed, Karen, and the grandkids.

Ben, Jacob and Karen.  Jacob and Ben love each other.  They are hilarious together.  I am pretty sure that when they get older, they will not be allowed out after dark together!  :)

Lizzie and Ben getting ready for bed.

Not sure what is going on here.  Molly on her iPad.  Karen is drawing and coloring, and Zach is in the middle of them doing something? 

We had to cheer on IU as they played Ohio State.

But first, we did a little karaoking . . .

and had to get a make over!

 Ready for tip-off. . . 

and then celebrating the victory!  I love all the expressions and cheering faces, Brian's fist pump and then Zach texting his friends to say "Told you we could do it!"

Playing more games.

 

Christmas In Orleans

We spent the night Christmas Eve in Orleans at mom and Jim's.  All the grandkids spent the night and we were joined early Christmas morning by Jimmy, Chris, Kelly, Cain, Butch and Steph.  It was fun to be all together Christmas morning.  

The night before Christmas just after laying out cookies and milk for Santa.

Jacob shows Brycen his new 3DS.  Jacob loves Brycen and I think the feeling is mutual.  They are always rough housing and playing around!
 

Brycen crawled up on Papaw Wellman's chair and was telling him something important.  I love seeing my grandpa with the great grandchildren!!

Jacob got a bunch of U of I clothing and accessories.  Zach got a bunch of IU stuff.  Love it!

 My little brother Butch and his girlfriend, Steph.

Brycen and Jacob - AGAIN!!

 Papaw, Zach and Brycen trying out Zach's new putter.  Check out Zach in the doorway.  He was watching Papaw's swing!

 My brother Jimmy with Lizzie.

 Katie was sooo tired.  She crashed on the floor before we even had dinner.  She was so tired that Kelsey climbed all over her, the other kids were laughing all around her and yet she just slept away!!

Make-up!!!

Zach and Mamaw Wellman

My Grandpa, Aunt and Mom

 One of the fun things to do at Mamaw and Papaw Wellman's house is to "swing" in circles.  Check out the girls' hair.  They were definitely spinning!

Brian got up to do something and I just happened to turn around to take a picture.  To Zach's dismay, I accidently caught him stealing food off of his dad's plate!!

 beats by dr. dree -  Whatever!

We had a great time.  We were spoiled with presents, but more importantly, we enjoyed the presence of each other!