Emmy

Emily patiently waiting for her piece of cake.

Birthday Cake

Anxiously awaiting for the cake. I wonder who got the first piece?

Andy and Emmy

The visitors are taking over the bed. Amazingly, I woke up before they did and was able to get this cute picture.

Andy the Artist

Andy drew this beautiful picture of a television set for me.

nikki

nikki engaging in two of her favorite activities: sucking on pens (or pencils) and climbing on tables and chairs.

Ben's Winter Concert

Not wanting to leave Ben out, I am posting this picture (the only one I could get at his concert) as he was stuck behind a tall trombone player. 

esther's winter concert

here is esther before the concert started practicing her speaking part. i caught her mouthing words to herself. she had to get up in front of the audience and announce the award which mr schoener recently received from the school board. she was very nervous that she would stumble over the words, but she did a wonderful job and you could actually understand what she was saying. i tried to impress upon her beforehand that she should speak slowly and clearly, and she did. 

esther's winter concert

here is beautiful esther playing her baritone in the winter concert. just last week i heard her playing her band music at her lesson, and she sounded so beautiful. you don't often think that a bass instrument like this could sound melodic, but i really never heard such beautiful music. we recently found out that esther has made district band which will be at marple newtown in march. she should get her music before vacation. esther takes private lessons from a senior at the high school and i think i can even see improvement in only three weeks of lessons. 

Saturday Morning Party

Every once in a while the kids do something that is so cute you just have to take a picture. Ben and Esther organized a Saturday morning party complete with brownies and milk to celebrate Andy's winning a video game. Ben even helped Emily get dressed -- I think that is a first!

Nikki's Birthday

nikki's cake. we finally had her party only a few weeks late, but i don't think she cares. she got three teddy bears one of which emily had claimed.

opening her presents 

andy created this "dessert" platter 

ben made distinguised honor roll for the first marking period