Here's a picture the day before he took it off.
Growing up my Grandpa and Grandma Loosle had a Christmas part to their craft store. I remember playing in those enchanting rooms and loving the atmosphere in their shop. My Grandpa also sold Christmas tree's for many years. When I was younger my Grandpa gifted little Christmas tree's to the Grand kids to put in our own rooms at home. I have fond memories of decorating and having so much fun with that little tree. I was reminded of that fun tradition this year when a couple of my cousins mentioned that their kids have little tree's too. I wanted to carry on the wonderful memory so I went out and bought a small three foot tree for the kids room. They've lovingly decorated / redecorated it over the past couple of weeks. I'm grateful for the tradition my Papa started that I can carry on with my own kids.This week I got some baby prep done. I've got a deep cleaning list I'm getting through, and other to do's I'm spreading out before the baby comes in six weeks! This week I pulled out the newborn / first months clothes along with blankets, burp clothes, etc. to wash. Peter loved seeing the little things and had to know which ones he's used and what came from Kendal. We also got our new car seat. Peter insisted I take it out of the box immediately. He inspected, and played in it for a while. I'd definitely say it's been Peter tested and approved.
Kendal finished her basketball season. She's progressed quite a bit this past month. She's made more baskets in practice these past couple of weeks, she has learned new skills, and has built upon other skills. Last weekend Grandma Darrington got to come cheer Kendal on. She was a bit spacey during that game, but it's year one so we have no expectations. Yesterday's game she was on point. She defended (which is always her top skill), and did well at offense. When she defends she's right there with her opponent and she will take the ball if she can. Offense has been harder. She's not a shooter so she doesn't get the ball much during the game. Casey and I emphasized that she can rebound, get open, and help wherever possible. She shined doing this at her last game. It was hard being the underdog on her team sometimes. Over half the girls have played a year and can shoot very well and are very dominant during games, so Kendal learned what skills she could add to the game, and loved it when she did get the opportunity to handle the ball on court. She's also been great at cheering on and praising her teammates for their great shots and skills. Her team won two games and lost two games this season, no matter the outcome Kendal was always happy to been at her games playing ball. Saturday morning our ward had their Christmas party. It was themed around Dr. Seuss' The Grinch. The food and decor were wonderful. Kendal loved all of the table decorations and even horded some to bring home. Peter was weary of the Grinch roaming around till he found out who was inside the costume. The program was simple and sweet about how it was really two missionaries and their teachings of Christ's birth that brought the Christmas spirit to the Grinch. Afterwards the kids got to see Santa. Both were excited, but again shy when it came to talking with him.
Casey is in the depths of basketball season and they've added four games to his already full schedule. He's managing it well even with parents / players with attitudes, and not always getting the practice times / places he needs. His team has done very well this season winning all but three of their games so far. He does his best for them and includes everyone on the team. The kids and I have hit up a couple of games. Kendal and Peter are their usual selves of only paying attention for so long, then hitting me up for snacks, then playing around the rest of the game. Kendal is observing and analyzing a lot more this year. She makes a lot more comments and her knowledge about the game has grown a lot.
We're lucky Casey's birthday falls on a Sunday this year. No games or work (just church callings and choir ; ) so we get him mostly to ourselves. The kids adore Casey and miss him a lot this time of year when his coaching schedule is fuller. He is so wonderful with them. He reads them chapter books at night and sings them amazing songs at bed time. (He's currently reading Peter Pan to the kids.) Right now he's in the other room introducing them to his childhood days of Mario brothers on the Wii (Thanks Mom and Dad : )!
It's no secret Casey's favorite holiday and music is Christmas. He's joined the stake choir that has been practicing Christmas songs for 3 + months now. He says some of the tunes are a stretch for him, but he's an amazing singer and has come home every week singing the songs they've practiced. I'm excited to hear him perform on Christmas.
I'm so very blessed to have Casey in my life. He is a wonderful man and I'm so grateful for who he is and all that he does for us.
Happy Birthday Casey!
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