An Uninvited Mary

Our ward Christmas Party consisted of Santa, some good food, and a nativity that Brooklyn stole the show.  Only, she was not supposed to be a part of the show.  She loves Jesus though, and she loves babies so if you add it together and make Baby Jesus, well, Brooklyn just has to see Him - and touch him.  A mom with Ashley, and a dad filming Mae as a participant, and well, there was no one to stop Brooklyn - and she crashed the stage.

She's come a long way

No tears

"What's up fat man?"

Okay, so she didn't really say that

Well look at that!

Brooklyn's always more interested in what Ashley's doing in any picture, than the picture itself

Ashley trying to figure it all out

2016 - the year of Santa and no tears

Mae has always been very wise - so this is fitting

Stone faced

The video was too long but Mary is very concerned about there - as not only is there someone stealing her thunder as Mary, but she's blocking everyone from seeing the baby Jesus (Brooklyn's in the black shirt kneeling in front of Jesus)

Busted

She wouldn't let it go

Virginia Trip - Day 4

The final full day was filled with more of the same fun.  The night time concert became classic when Anna became a full-fledged performer and ended up singing a duet with Logan.  Not to be outdone, Brooklyn sang "So You Had a Bad Day" and had the crowd rolling.  We then had one last hurrah riding the bull.  It was much more of a success than last year - Mae, Anna, and Brooklyn all got on.  Sure they needed escort, but at least they got on and even let it move!  It was a great last day!

Looks like they need a driver

It's too early for swim time, so these cousins are just dipping their feet in

A walk across the bridge

Concert time!

Non-stop entertainment

She has many talents

Mae, microphones, and crowds don't usually mix - we'll take it!

But the next kid?  "Happy Anna" and EVERYTHING seems to mix!

Sister Duet

Duet to "Just the Way You Are" -Bruno Mars

Anna had to get a least one "tickle tickle" in during the performance - she just can't resist tickling poor Logan

 

And then it was Brooklyn's turn

Thankfully her talking voice and her singing voice don't sound anything alike

 

Today was definitely not a bad day!

 

 

Brooklyn didn't know the popular trend of the family was to be scared to get on

She had more fun than this picture depicts

Now THIS was progress!

 

Virginia Trip - Day 1

With the goal being to leave before the clock struck 8, we felt pretty good to roll out at 8:11.  Grandma Weez came with us and Lindsey had great activities and van setup.  It was a very pleasant ride.  Ashley slept LONG in the afternoon and we just kept pushing through after lunch.  We were actually the first ones to arrive!  After pizza dinner, we made a last minute decision to get pictures done and over with!  It all went well!  Our girls got the option to sleep in the bunk room and they excitedly took it. 

Ready to go

"Big Sisters" at lunch in Beckley, WV

We made it (in great time)!

Escorted to family pictures (look alive Brooklyn!)

Oh - really, Ashley and Anna?

Alleah - always willing to hold Ash

Brooklyn lovin' the boy cousin time

Our family

Brooklyn REALLY "cheesin" it

16 grandkids

The whole Schlensker crew

The grandkiddos

Oldest to youngest

"Brooklyn, aren't you glad that's over?"  "Yes."

Mr. and Mrs.

WITH the flash

Uh, not you Brooklyn

Mae and Anna got to be with Claire and Siena

Our First Sports Season

I've waited so long for this moment!  Mae brought us our first sports season as parents as soccer rolled around.  Her first practice (rough with tears) was painful, and her first game (the first three quarters she never moved and ate her fingers and picked her wedgie) just about sent me over the edge, but when she finally got used to the surroundings she did pretty well for her first season.  Practices typically included Lindsey watching practice and me taking Anna and Brooklyn to the toys.  It was usually a fun evening.

Brooklyn likes slides

Anna caught in the web

She saw this going differently

Anna loves to jump off the rocks (to Dad of course)

Mae did play Ben's team - Go Blue Stars!