Christmas 2011

Smileboxes capture the many magical moments during our Christmas 2011.

We spent Christmas Eve at my Mom's and Tanya, Mark, Nate, Scott and Lauren and Kim, Cody, and Jacob joined in the fun. My mom is a fabulous cook and always has such an inviting table set for her guests.


Although Christmas fell on a Sunday this year and was bit rushed, we managed to get all the presents open before Christmas.

Three video clips are included and represent our 2011 Christmas morning without Brandon! Other photos are of the yummy turkey we served with all the fix in's. My Aunt Sharon and Uncle Lyn Belnap, who are on a mission in Independence, Mo. joined us for Christmas Dinner.

Due to unseasonal weather during the holidays, we returned to an old tradition--visiting Crown Center and viewing the Christmas decorations, ate lunch at our favorite restaurants and bought candy from the Candy Shoppe! Carson and Jessie spent the money Grandma Evans gave them for Christmas.

Christmas greeting--2011

1st grade holiday events and parties

1st grader, Jessica, loves school and works hard during her school day. She is quite competitive and attempts to be the FIRST one done. Sometimes, this comes at a price---wrong answers!

 Math Olympics featuring Jessica

 Jess does not want to be photographed.

  She loves her teacher, Mrs. Zender and I am very happy with her growth and development in the classroom. Her compassion, kindness, and thoughtfulness is expressed when she helps one of her peers with special needs read by reading alongside her.

 Jessie studies her results. She is a hard worker in her class.

 Jess shares some holiday treats with her classmates and her Dad helps her pass them out.

 Jess is always willing to share with others and often wants to give some of her toys to those who may not have any.

 Craft time with the 1st graders

 Silly Jessie poses for the camera and plays a joke on her Mom!

 Jessie's good friend and neighbor Mckinley!

 Best pals and  classmates.

 Dressing Mrs. Zender like  a Christmas Tree--whose idea was this anyway?

 Mrs. Zender is an avid technology user and has great on-line resources for students and parents. I love her teaching style and Jess does also.