december... two

Back to December again.... even if it is almost the end of January.

Most days in December we read the Christmas story with the girls. Each time, we'd move another piece or two of the nativity scene. I love that the littlest princess is old enough to begin to appreciate the nativity, even if she doesn't grasp the beautiful weight of it yet.

The girls got all gussied up for Christmas with the extended Doherty family.

For our church staff party, we got to prepare hampers at the local food bank. This is the second year we've done this and I hope it's a tradition that continues. Such fun. Not to mention very meaningful to know you're doing a small part to help put Christmas dinner on dozens of tables.

Some of us worked on the food hampers while others sorted toys for the same families. What fun!

Miss Maia was part of a gymnastics class this fall. She literally skipped from one activity to the next. Amazing how quickly they pick up new things. Here she is on the balance beam...

We got walloped with snow starting on the 1st of December. Loads of snow days. Sledding. And our family favourite -- snowshoeing.

Tim and Maia carved out a cozy little home in a big pile of snow at the side of the house. The neighbourhood kids had such fun in there.

How can I convey how much I love these two? Not to mention how sweet they are together.

Tim and I got out on a snowshoeing date of our own. I realize now how rare it is that we get a picture of just the two of us, so here we are...

And lastly, here's a video of Maia and I playing at our Christmas Recital in December. I had about a dozen piano students share their music and I think it was one of my favourite recitals yet. What a good bunch. Teaching Maia has become more and more enjoyable this year as she becomes more keen to be taught by me. It's also been a joy to hear her noodle away at the keys more often this month (January) and make great creations of her own.