Little Surfer Girl

Annual events are always a fun time to see just how much your child has grown and developed over the previous year. In addition to being a great swimmer, Eliza has really started to love body surfing.

The Beach is Fun, Don't Ya Know?

The annual Russ Family beach trip is taking place this week. But don't tell Hannah that it happens every year. Even though we go on this beach trip every year, Hannah did not remember anything about the beach or the accommodations. In fact, Melanie had to reassure her that the condo would have a fridge and other basics that she's grown accustomed to and just to be sure, Hannah made Melanie show her the fridge in the condo.
The good news is that it didn't take Hannah very long to warm up to the idea of the beach. After a few timid moments we had her playing in the water and enjoying herself. Soon she said to me "Daddy, the beach is fun, don't you know?"

I love a parade!

Eliza and Hannah got to be in the Leesburg Christmas parade this year with their dance studio. Here are few pictures of the event:

Cousin Makayla and Cousin Emily also were in the parade.


One benefit of a parade is that you get to stay up really late and get all kinds of silly as Hannah learned:


Eliza is always ready to strike a pose and a post parade photo shoot is no exception!

Don't Worry, We're Professionals

Eliza and Hannah nearly became professional tree decorators when they more or less decorated three trees on their own this year (our house, their Grammy and Papa's house, and their D's house). A few pictures from the three decorating parties:

Hannah kept looking at the ornaments and when she looked into one of the bulbs I asked her who she saw and she said "I see Hannah!" in a surprised tone.

The girls took turns on the stool to get the ornaments up high, but even so there was about an 18 inch gap between the star at the top and the rest of the ornaments on our tree. We didn't care though, we loved it.

Okay, so they did have some help from their D's and other adults, but whose keeping track anyway?

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (or at least until next year)

This year's reenactment of the Christmas story found Eliza and her bitty baby in the roles of Mary and Jesus. Hannah was offered the role of the "Angel of the Lord" but signed on for what she viewed to be a more edgy role as the "sheep of the shepherd". The gamble paid off and she will likely win best supporting actress.

Hannah had the opportunity to play Mary in the remake done immediately after the original but declined.

Charlie Brown Christmas Trees

With the help of their aunts, Eliza and Hannah found "Charlie Brown" Christmas trees.