RENE'S PIANO CONCERT
Rene started taking piano lessons in the middle of November. She had started learning the songs in the old primers I used as a girl, and seemed to have a real interest. She takes lessons at school from the band teacher, Mrs. Ketterer. The band had a Christmas concert, and Rene got to play 3 Christmas songs in duet with her teacher in front of the whole school. Here's a picture of her playing.



Rene had to bring a treat to to the band party, and she looked through cookbooks until she found some cookies cut out like musical instruments and decorated. We didn't have any instrument cookie cutters, but we made patterns out of waxed paper, and they turned out AMAZING. Corrina and Hank were inspired to make some of their own Christmas cookies.


BETSY TURNS 40
Betsy turned FORTY on December 9th. Here are some beautiful roses from Ritarose and Jerry. My mom gave me a cashmere sweater and corduroys. The day was uneventful, and really wasn't a big deal to me. I'm happy with where I am.


CHRISTMAS CONCERT
This was Hank's first time to get to sing at the St. Rosalia Christmas concert. This is probably the only time in his life he's worn any pants that weren't sweatpants, but he consented because "Mrs. Benec said we have to wear nice pants." (Thank you, Mrs. Benec!) There are also pictures of Corrina and Rene all dressed up. Corrina's holding a mini-Build-A-Bear. She signed up for a club where she gets new bears and accessories in the mail each month. Rene is wearing one of the dressy outfits Gramma gave her for her birthday.



SANTA!
We waited until the last minute (Christmas Eve!) to see Santa at Phipps Conservatory. He spent a lot of time with the kids. Hank asked for a remote control airplane, Corrina asked for a Littlest Pet Shop Hotel, and Rene didn't know what she wanted. Because we were so late seeing him, he wasn't able to get them what they asked for. They all got roller blades and safety pads. Hank got an ant farm and a drum. Corrina got a Fur Real Jungle Cat, and a Littlest Pet Shop electronic pet. Rene got Moon Shoes (mini trampolines that strap to your feet), and a punch bag. There's a picture of Hank wearing the Baron Winky t-shirt I made for him for Christmas.



Corrina and Hank. During Christmas we put together several 500 and 1000 piece puzzles as a family. The girls did great at finding pieces. This is one called "Grandma's Garden".