a fun christmasy week

We went to see Santa on Tuesday night. 

All the kids are busy these days, but we still managed to find a small window for our annual Santa picture.

Emmy had spirit week at school this week.

Bryce had his end of season volleyball banquet on Friday.  Only three JV players received awards, and Bryce got the "most improved" award.  He also go a varsity letter and volleyball pin for his postseason play!

Jason and I went to a Christmas party hosted by an old co-worker on Friday night.  

We love hanging out with this group. 

We were only missing one couple this year. 

This sweatshirt has provided many twinning moments!

The signature drink was these Christmas margaritas with glitter.  So fun!

I made a veggie wreath.  I still love a good, themed food. 

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. 

a meet and a parade

We headed to Virginia Beach after school on Friday for the annual Gymstrada gymnastics meet. 

Emmy and her teammates are a close group. 

Emmy had a great meet and brought home some hardware.  She placed 3rd on bars and beam, 4th on floor and 2nd all around.  She got level 7 season highs on bars, beam, floor and all around. 

Her team came in 1st place. 

Doing what she loves and loving what she does!

Today was the annual Mechanicsville Christmas Parade.  When it comes down your street you invite everyone you know and embrace the crazy and enjoy the people watching!

My friend Kathryn and I knew we had matching sweatshirts but had no idea the girls did too!

Our neighbors are a festive bunch. 

Santa wraps up the parade on the fire truck.  He'll be back again soon!  Another favorite tradition is when Santa rides the fire truck around the neighborhoods in the evening. 

The parade seemed late to me this year.  I usually say it's a fun way to kick off the season, but I honestly feel like it's almost over.

Thanksgiving

We traveled to Raleigh on Thursday for our annual Thanksgiving lunch at the country club with my dad's family. 

We don't get there often enough, and my dad and stepmom no longer drive so the visits are few and far between. 

It's always great to visit and catch up. 

It was a rainy drive down and then the sun came out and the temperature was very nice.

My dad and stepmom and settled in nicely in their retirement home and stay busy there. 

We celebrated Thanksgiving with Nana on Friday.  You know we always have a theme.  This year was "Most likely to....". 

I think we all nailed our parts well!  We enjoyed a yummy meal and then decorated Nana's tree per tradition.  

The holiday season is upon us, and I hope we can enjoy it without rushing around and stressing! 

volleyball championship

Bryce's first year of volleyball was so exciting.  He started on JV and did well and then he was called up to varsity for the postseason.  He didn't play in any of the regional games, but he did get to play in the quarterfinal game.  The semifinal game was special because all four of our county high schools were the only schools competing.  On Saturday we met up at school to send off the boys to the state championship to play the team (Hanover) that swept them in the regional game. 

 

It was a fun send off and even more fun to get to play on the big stage, the VCU Siegel Center. 

Bryce got in some warmups on the court. 

It was an exciting game and we ended up sweeping Hanover in 3 sets.  The boys played their best and they earned the title of state champions!!

Bryce was really hoping they'd win because they'd get a ring! 

The boys had a police escort back into school after the game.  So fun!

You never know how things will go when you try something new, but Bryce loved volleyball, and we loved watching! 

gymnastics, volleyball and friendsgiving

The Turkey Tumble Meet was this Friday.  Emmy placed 2nd on floor and 3rd on vault.  

Despite a fall on the beam, she placed 3rd all around!!

Her team came in first place for level 7.

The judges awarded her the Talented Turkey Award for hopping back on the beam after her fall and finishing strong with a stuck landing.

Teammates and friends!

Bryce was pulled up to varsity for the post season.  He didn't play in any of the region finals, but he played two sets this Saturday in the state quarterfinal.  

We attended Friendsgiving with our high school friends on Saturday.  Many non-high school friends have joined the group over the years too!

Jason and Audrey re-wore last year's Thanksgiving outfits. 

The variety of food is so yummy.  I look forward to the brussels sprouts casserole every year.  

Santa makes an appearance every year.  Emmy asked for a yacht this year. 

Bryce asked for 10 $100 bills.

The number of kids is CRAZY!

We hosted the youth group at our house tonight.  We had a Thanksgiving meal and played some festive games. 

We wrap up volleyball this week and maybe fall into a more relaxed routine after that.