On February 19th, I joined up with a group of friends from the University to help with a fundraiser for the Special Olympics in our area. This event started a couple of years ago. Much thanks to those who sponsored me and our team. We raised over $1500 to support the Special Olympics athletes in Missouri. Here are some pics before the plunge:
The highlight of the month was Emmaline's 8th birthday and her baptism, which took place on the same day.
Friends, family, and neighbors attended the baptism. It was wonderful!
Emmy was excited about the gifts she received.
One of her birthday wishes was a pet fish.
She got two zebrafish, which didn't last too long. We think we were a little too anxious to put the fish in the new tank and didn't let the nitrogen levels balance out.
Columbia, MO enjoyed a decent snowfall in January. The girls enjoyed serving our neighbors by helping clear off sidewalks and driveways. They also had fun building a snow cave in our yard.
Sara and I have made special arrangements for Santa to visit our home on Saint Nicholas Tag (December 6th) instead of Christmas. This allows us to enjoy the holiday traditions and gifts giving without confusing them with or allowing them to overshadow the true meaning of Christmas.
So here is what Saint Nicholas Tag looked like this year. We decorated a small tree as a family a few days before. In addition, Santa Claus brought the girls each a small tree of their own with small gifts underneath.
Elise's birthday cake was an icecream cake, a snowkid icecream cake at that. I think it represented her wish for a snow filled winter. It looks like Clementine is just wishing for some cake to fall to the floor.
Grandma Jackson stopped by for a short visit and delivered some gifts.
Glenn likes his new BYU hat.
Evie likes her new book.
Elise loves her new hat and her new book.
Clementine simply tolerates her classic Cylon inspired glasses
Emmy participated in a piano class at the University. Here is a picture of her with the other kids and with the teachers, and a picture of her playing in the recital.
The next day Eden had a violin recital.
Special holiday pancakes were made on Christmas eve
On Christmas, we exchanged and opened family gifts
Clementine seems to love the bed Sara made for her as a christmas gift.
Eden wanted to go sledding with friends for her birthday. Fortunately there was still snow on the driveway.