THE PROCESS OF POINTE

I didn't realize what a production getting properly fitted for pointe shoes would be. I was told that it was actually a lot easier to fit Tessa because her feet are small, so the choices are fewer.

Step One: Try on one of everything!

Step 2: Get that position just right!

Step 3: Let the girls know how they feel.
Come on, really, how could they possibly feel???
Better her feet than mine!

Step 4: Narrow down the choices.

Step 5: Make a decision.
Oh, I almost forgot--pay the bill!

NEVER ENOUGH!

Tessa received 33 books for Christmas, plus a gift card to Border's. How cool is that? Considering the fact that she could not read fluently until she was eight and a half, it does this mom's heart good to see her with a book in her hand. Well, usually it works that way. She actually has a book in her hand at all times. Sometimes that is not all that appropriate. *grin* Recently, she had to return to a public restroom to retrieve the book she placed down while she--well, you can imagine! I am trying not to dwell on that situation much. Then just last night, she brought a book and flashlight with her to the movie theater. And the point of that was???? She said that she didn't want to waste the preview time. She did have enough sense to leave it at her seat during her visit to the restroom.

Christmas Surprise

I'm writing this even before Tessa knows the surprise. Her ballet teacher called me last week to let me know that she is ready to go on pointe. She has been working really hard and has recently commented that maybe next year she'd be ready. She will be so surprised tomorrow when she opens up the card with the announcement. I am glad that Mr. Ashley thought of making this a Christmas surprise. She will be very excited. I'll have to take her to be fitted for her shoes before we head to Florida at the end of the week. That will be a special day.

Tessa removed the note from the tree and read the note that told her of her advancement to pointe. She was thrilled as expected!

Isn't She Lovely?

KENZIE

Brothers

PENNSYLVANIA PIT STOP

It's kind of neat how my brother's home is just about at the half way point between here and Connecticut. It's also kind of neat that he is the family member gifted with hospitality--probably why he is such a great chef! Even though I forgot to let my brother know until the day of that we'd be stopping over on our way to Connecticut, he graciously prepared for 11 house guests. That's a lot of bedding! We also stopped on the way back and he prepared--as always--a wonderful dinner and breakfast for us.

Uncle Mike, Aunt Mary, Nate, Ross
Breakfast Feast

My favorite brother, Mike

TRAVELING WITH KELLYE

Ryan's friend, Kellye, joined us on our trip to Connecticut. She had never been to that area of the country, so it was fun to have her along. She and Ryan were able to go into New York City the day after Thanksgiving. It was way colder than they expected, so was not as enjoyable as it could have been.

Kellye and I shared one of Kathy's guest rooms.

We learned that Kellye likes ketchup about as much as Michael Jr. She just eats it on stranger things--like the turkey! YIKES! The photo below was taken on Thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING IN CONNECTICUT

The turkey and table were beautiful! Michael's sister, Kathy, always does a nice job of decorating! This year Al even carved the bird at the table. Quite impressive!

Michael, Kelly, and Travis waiting for dinner to be served.

Kenzie, Ross, Nate, and Tessa waiting for dinner to be served!

Nate tore up that turkey leg!