Larkyn and her preschool friends had a Christmas concert before winter break. We got to enjoy listening to her practice many of the songs leading up to the performance, however it was delightful to hear it in concert. Sue and Mark (my great aunt and uncle) joined us for the concert too. 
Camdyn stood on Sue's lap for most of the concert while Shea took video and I took pictures. Below is a picture of her taking a double take at Mark I believe. It took her a few minutes to warm up again!
The concert was made up of three different 3-year-old preschool classes.
Larkyn and her visitors and teachers. Camdyn wanted in on the pictures as well!
Larkyn, Tessa, and Luke
The evening of the concert we had Sue and Mark over for dinner. They of course brought gifts for the girls. They had a great time playing together and exploring their new toys. Sue and Mark gave them a felt sandwich making kit and wooden food. Camdyn also go a Hello Kitty stuffed animal book.
Sue was a trooper. Larkyn was getting her all ready for going to a Ball.
Larkyn loved the Hello Kitty so much she was asking for one for Christmas by the next morning. Shea and I were thinking it was a good thing they were learning how to share their toys and know that we don't always get everything we want. However, that is not what Sue was thinking:) as she secretly dropped off an "orphan kitty" on our front porch with a note attached that read:
December 18, 2013
Dear Larkyn,
I went to the store today and heard a Kitty crying. She cried "meow, meoooow, meeeow!" I said, "What is wrong Kitty?" She said "My little sister went to live with Camdyn and I miss her sooo much. Boo hoo!" "I want a mama too!" "Poor Kitty," I said. "I can help you. Camdyn has a big sister too. Her name is Larkyn. I bet she would love to be your mommy!" Kitty 2 smiled with all her whiskers and said "I would love to live at Larkyn's house. Larkyn is Camdyn's big sister and I am Kitty One's big sister. That would be wonderful to have Larkyn for my Mommy." She sniffled and stopped meowing sadly. She started singing happy songs like "I am a happy Kitty because Larkyn will love me." So Happy the Kitty ran and jumped in my car and meowed "Please take me to Larkyn and Camdyn's house!" So I did. I hope you will be her Mommy.
Love,
Aunt Suzy
P.S. Her name is now Happy Kitty because she is loved.
Gotta love the "grandmas" of the world!
On the afternoon of Thanksgiving we went out to Shea's aunt and uncle's house. He was able to show the girls and me his Grandpa's farm and where he use to play as a kid. His uncle Paul (Art's brother) and Justin (Shea's cousin) took us around the farm and showed us the animals. The girls were not thrilled with the animals or the smell, but Larkyn did attempt at feeding the pigs. 
On Friday morning May May, Shea and I did our annual Black Friday shopping, though we skipped all of the Thanksgiving Day openings. We went to the Menards opening at 6 AM and hit up a couple other stores. Nothing like years of the past, but always a good time! Later on Friday, our family of four, Janny, May May, and Sis went to Strawberry Lane Rehabilitation Center to visit patients. This is the place Sis spent some time at last summer and we wanted to spread a little holiday cheer. The week before Thanksgiving the girls (and Shea) had been working on coloring pictures and making projects to bless others. It was such a wonderful reminder of the love and giving spirit of children. Larkyn took right to the staff member who brought us around and walked right into rooms without hesitation. She pulled a picture or project from her bag and handed it to the "stranger". She talked with them and told them what she had made. Seeing the faces on the residents there was priceless. What a blessing and a great opportunity to teach our girls the spirit of giving!
