Who says newer is better?

Last night we had Parent/Teacher Conferences at school and the girls went to play at my parents' house for the hour we were gone. Dad took these pictures of ALL FOUR of them playing so nicely together with the very old Fisher-Price town that I played with when I was little. A toy that captures the attention of a 10-year-old, 8-year-old, 5-year-old, and 2-year old. Amazing. Classic toys never lose their charm, I guess.

And of course, both Sarah & Bethany had glowing reviews from their teachers. I hate to brag, but since this is my blog, I'll do it anyway. Both teachers talked about how respectful and sweet the girls are, both to other students and to them as teachers. Sarah's progress report was quite impressive, actually. In all her homework and tests since the last report card, she had nothing listed that was lower than a 95! And Bethany's teacher repeatedly told us that Bethany is very conscientious about her work and always strives to do her best. Both the girls get "used" by the teachers to sit by certain kids to enrich relationships or to keep other kids in line. I remember as a teacher having students like that and they are a dream. We are very proud of both Sarah & Bethany! They are turning into wonderful young women with caring hearts, gentle spirits, good work habits, and smart little heads.

Today we're going to do some baking to get ready for Christmas and also do some Thanksgiving prep (ie: make a jello salad). Maybe we'll even have time to work on the Advent Calendar! I love having this week off from school. It's just so fun to have a week where nothing much is going on and I can hang out and have fun with my girls and not have anything that we "have" to do!

Monday night we went swimming up at the wave pool in Canada with some friends and we had a great time! As usual, Elise was fearless in the pool. She went running into the pool, threw herself into the water, and spun herself around and around, tummy to back, tummy to back. She wears this inflatable inner tube that hangs from her shoulders so she always ends up upright. Currently she's not allowed in the water without it - she's too fearless and her mother is too fearful. Anyway, all of us had fun swimming and then we continued the celebration with ice cream and then the friends' daughter who is Bethany's friend spent the night. They had such fun playing on Tuesday morning. We really have to try to get together with that family more often!

We do have church this evening - I love having our Thanksgiving Eve Service instead of a Thanksgiving morning service. We truly get more out of the church service than when it's on Thanksgiving morning. Plus, it makes Thanksgiving a much more relaxed day!
Happy Thanksgiving to anyone who is reading this! May your day be blessed.