Rose had her first orchestra concert today. At her school they are allowed to start playing a string instrument in 4th grade. She plays the violin that we purchased when Mari was taking violin lessons around her same age. It is always fun to see their first concert, when they join in with all the kids to create a bigger sound.
Rose sat near the back and it was a large group, so you won’t be able to see her, but if you listen hard enough I think you can hear her.
With the cold weather we have been able to get out ice skating on the oxbows and creek.
While I was driving Mari back to Xavier this weekend, Susan and the girls renewed their baptism at our church.
Andrew went back to college today. We were out late last night for Ian Reagen’s birthday celebration, and he left early this morning to beat the snow that is coming in later today.
I monitored his drive on Life360 and I was glad to see when he was clear in Colorado.
We had the usual NYE party this year, with the Reagens, Mimi and Papa, and Mary Connor was in town. Lucia went to a friend’s house. The morning included the 2025 version of cupcakes wars.
This year we had the Liess family Christmas party in the party room at their retirement community. It was fun.
This year for Christmas Eve we went to Holy Trinity church with the Reagens and Mimi and Papa. This is where we used to go to church regularly and it was fun to be back. Then we drove around and looked at Christmas lights, including Hoi, Hoi, Hoi.
This evening the Reagens came over for our periodic annual Wintergarden Spiral walk. Then we hung out, played some games, and the kids made Christmas cookies.
We had a variety of Christmas parties this winter.
Thanksgiving this year followed the traditional schedule.
Lucia was in the Nutcracker again with her dance school. She loves it. This year she had the roles of soldier and side marzipan. She does a great job.
We can’t record the actual production. Here are a couple of videos from dress rehearsal.
Ruben got a new sweater, and he’s taking an art class. 😜
