December 2023

In December, Katherine went to CMS's winter ball.

She went with her friend, Katherine.

They looked beautiful and had fun!

Katherine wasn't about a photoshoot before the dance. Or after either, for that matter, but I got some great impromptu ones of her not wanting to be serious enough to pose. I love her!

We loved watching Isaac play soccer when he played in Stafford.

We went to FunLand and the mall for a bit afterward.

I love when my kids are helpers! Look how strong this guy is- bringing in all the bags!

Culpeper Christmas parade was fun, especially because Danny and Katherine were in it again. V joined me after she came home that night and made it way more fun!

Christmas Devotional was on point and helped us focus on the Savior.

Grant is working hard in Physical Therapy. As a knee update, the insurance did not approve the surgery until he tries PT for 3 months. This is pretty discouraging, because the risk of reinjury with this particular injury is extremely high without surgery. We would hate for him to go through months of PT only to reinjure, have to PT again, have surgery, and then rehabilitate. However, sometimes things work out for the best, so he will keep working hard and perhaps he will not need the surgery.

Katherine started a new sport- basketball! She has an impressive team and great coaches! I am so excited about it!

Danny often fixes things around our house, yard, and cars! So handy. This time, hew was working on C's car, I believe.

For some reason, everyone was split in multiple directions. Only Grant and I were able to go to the ward Christmas party. I was thankful he came with me. It was a very well-done Night in Bethlehem-themed activity. 

That night Danny and I went to an entertaining and hilarious party at our friends, the Hearns' home. It always includes a white elephant gift exchange, fun conversation, and great food.

Christian and Mia went to his work's Christmas party that night. They had an amazing time too. The company is very generous and has been so good to him. We are very thankful.

I saw this on Juliana's insta and had to screenshot. Grant loves babies and always loves to hold her baby sister, Amelia.

Random pic, I know. I took a pic of my friend, Kristie, trying on this coat so she could see if she liked it. It just reminded me of how important my time with friends is and how seldom I document it. Well, I love my errand days with Kristie and think she is the best! We like to go to Charlottesville for Costco, Trader Joe's and Homegoods.

I heard about this cool scavenger hunt in downtown Culpeper and had to try it out! I took Katherine and Mia and we loved it!

Gingerbread House Day at the Parker's house is always fun! This year, too! So cool of the Parkers to host so many friends and to work so hard preparing!

Victoria got an award at her Salon Voss Party! Fun to get a bonus too.

I was happy to see pictures of a Mancala Tournament for the ACE students at Katherine's school. She got to play a student, our friend and school counselor, Mr. Bridges, and their principal, Mr. Blackburn. 

Danny and I had an anniversary date night to Wong's Tacos and a VCU game. Casual and easy is usually what we need during the busy month of December. We had fun.

The kids had a cookie and craft sleepover with Grandma! 

We went to church in Richmond with Grandma. Three wards met together and it was fun to see some old friends there.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve festivities afterward. I didn't really take pics, but I think V did. (rugs were being cleaned)

Drove back to Culpeper afterward. Grandma didn't come with us because she hurt her back earlier in the week and didn't think the car ride and sleeping in a different bed would help. We felt bad that she was in pain and that her appt. with the doctor was a ways off.

Danny happy with a new personalized glove.

Grant was pretty pumped to get a dest and a chair for his room! Now his room is super teen boy room! It is actually pretty cool.

I think I need to find other pics from Christmas morning to remember it better. I will probably come back to add more.

We had a bunch of missionaries for breakfast, stockings, and games. We enjoy sharing our home with them while they are away from their families.

It is a whirlwind of a week, so everyone slept on the way to Williamsburg.

Great Nativity and dinner and presents there too!

Eve came to hang with Katherine and Grant stayed at Isaac's house. I don't remember many details, but one activity was going to goodwill to find cool vessels to make candles in. The top two were mine, then Eve's, then Katherine's. Each unique. 

We also went to the river and checked on the seawall progress. There is still a ways to go, but what is done looks great!

G has been lifting a lot while he can't use his knee. Gains!

 

Winter golf day!

Museum Day- we went to the African Art Museum, Asian Art Museum, Capital ice rink, and the National Art Gallery's East and West Buildings. Good times!

Grant went to a Hollyball and brought a present for Julianna.

New Year's Eve was on a Sunday night and consequently was pretty low-key. It was just our family and Mia. We played some games, had good food, and toasted and shouted "Happy New Year" at midnight!