A view from above

During a break between competitions, we all took a walk across the street to the arch, where we took a ride up in the elevator to the top and had a look at St. Louis from high in the air. The round building at the bottom of the window Maia is looking out of is the Millenium Hotel, where we stayed during the convention.

Make a wish!

Maia celebrated her 8th birthday with a party at home this weekend. She and her girlfriends had a great time playing games, doing crafts and doing each other's hair.

Crimping each other's hair

Maia crimps her friend Megan's hair with the curling iron/hair crimper she got for her birthday.

Opening gifts

From left, Megan, Rhiannon, Maia and Megan - opening the gifts at Maia's party.

Clowns and balloons and frosting oh my!

Cam's support system

Ella wears her wrestling club t-shirt, showing her support for big brother during a wrestling tournament.

Wrestling season

Cameron has started his second season of wrestling, and is having a great time. He loves it, and it keeps the entire family very, very busy every weekend!

Jimmy

Announcing...the addition of a new little friend to our family. Meet Jimmy, our new puppy.

Jimmy is a dachsund/border collie cross, and is a new friend for our older dog, Wolfgang. He has already made himself right at home in our house and in our hearts!

Jimmy's birthday is Dec. 15. He's quite a cuddle-bug, and already a bit of a spoiled baby. Maia has even been dressing him up in doll clothes, which he looks absolutely adorable in.

Ho, ho, ho!

It's off to Montana for Christmas for Cameron, Maia and Ella, so we had Christmas at Gramma and Grandpa's house a week early.

Ella opens the gift she couldn't wait for - her new violin. 

Ella gives us all a little performance. 

One excited little girl! 

Ella enjoys her new gifts! 

Cameron loves his new MP3 player. 

Maia is very happy to receive a hair beader. 

Ella, Cameron and Maia unwrap presents. 

Gingerbread houses

Maia's class made special gingerbread houses to celebrate the holiday, and she was very eager to show hers off!

Maia with her gingerbread house. 

Christmas program

Each year, the second grade class at Lewis and Clark Elementary School puts on a Christmas program, directed by their music teacher. This year Maia is in the second grade, and she was cast as a lovely white dove.

The students put on a very touching performance dealing with the consequences of judging based on appearances, and Maia and her friends had a great time.

Maia (the red ornament) and her friends wish everyone a Merry Christmas.