Christmas came and went and as usual Taralyn was spoiled. She was very surprised with some of her gifts. She had been asking for a Nintendo Wii for the longest time and we kept telling her that we could't find one. In reality, we had found one in August and had been kepping it hidden from her. She was very surprised. She plays it constantly. We also had another snow and went sledding again. She had so much fun. I think sledding has become her new favorite outdoor winter activity.

Sledding adventure

Taralyn had her first sledding adventure last weekend. After the ice storm that we had last week, the weather god blessed us with about 4 inches of snow. My friends daughter spent the day with us so she got to go sledding also. I even got on the sled!!! I had forgotten how much fun it was. Taralyn was a bit scared at first but by the end she was at the top of the hill going as fast as she could! We are supposed to get snow again this weekend so hopefully we can go again...Enjoy the pics!!!

Ice Storm

On December 10 we had a bit of bad weather. The midwest was covered in ice. We had a terrible ice storm which left us with no power for 3 days. We had damage to the house from falling tree branches. We are alright though. Taralyn was a bit scared but we explained to her that things would be fine and they are now. Just thought everyone would like to see some pics.

Christmas Parade

The day after Thanksgiving, our city has it's annual Christmas Parade. Every year we participate in the parade with the dance studio where Taralyn dances. This year instead of riding the float she decided to dance behind it. It was a long, cold walk but she did it. I even got involved more than I usually do. I walked the parade dressed as an elf. Our friend, Whitney, had to wear the Christmas Tree so I didn't feel quite as embarrassed. We also have our decorations up at the house. ENJOY!!!

Pageant news

Yesterday was a big day for Taralyn. It was exciting and stressful though. It was her first pageant. It was a preliminary for the State pageant which will be held in June. She had to do modeling of a party dress and casual wear, a talent, an interview, and she did photogenic also. She ended up winning her division! She was crowned Christmas Miss Supreme. We are all so proud of her. We will probably do another preliminary in the state in the future just to get another pageant in before state. One of the big girls she dances with and does pageants also is the National Supreme Model. Taralyn wants to be just like her! Her mom and she helped Taralyn out with coaching her for the pageant. All of the hard work paid off! Enjoy the pics!!!

Halloween and playing in the leaves

Here are some pics from Halloween. Taralyn decided to go as a punk rocker. We had originally bought a witch costume but she changed her mind. She had fun Trick-Or-Treating with her friends. Today Grandpa raked the yard and she had to jump in the leaves like she does every fall. This has become a tradition for her and Grandpa. I never realized how much fun a kid could have in a pile of leaves until I watch her!!!