Eleven

Winter was in full swing, and Lauralyn turned 11. A couple weeks later, she was able to go on a daddy-daughter date night, complete with dinner and dancing. One of her besties joined her with the infamous Dr. Ben. Fun was had by all.



At age 11, my dear daughter is beyond her years. She is so trendy and self-aware... totally unlike her father and I at that age. Lauralyn will go places when she is older and likely won't be tied down to little ol' Lexington, much to my dismay. I have to remind her to enjoy being 11. However, she really is just ready to run with her wildly independent nature. Soon enough, my dear, soon enough. She talks of being a veterinarian, or a nurse, then changes over to thoughts of owning a salon or bakery... or even president of the United States. Throughout it all, I pray that God would instill in her a compassion for those hurting, and that Jesus would be ever present in her life.

Christmas 2015

Traditions hold true. Picture by the pigs taken quickly on a cold, wet, evening, followed by dinner at Char's. And of course decorating the extra fabulous tree.



Kristin's birthday month meant a "daddy date" to go paint, and a "mommy date" to the Nutcracker. She turned 9 years old!!!





More traditions: sleeping by the tree on Christmas Eve... and arguing about which spot they would sleep.



And finally, Christmas morning joy! This was the first year Nana and Grampa Don joined us since they had just moved to the neighborhood the month before. What a treat! And unfortunately, this will be remembered as the year Nanet broke her knee, and had to miss out on much of the Christmas fun. And my gift from the kids was a quick photo taken where everyone cooperated, lol!