The LCBCrew: February 2024

December. Big month (big post). I'm always mindful of trying to enjoy December and not just fly through it, but there's always a certain amount of "where did the time go?!" Lily was full swing into Nutcracker rehearsals by December, and getting ready to start her performances. We welcomed our elves and started decorating early. Charley had her gymnastics showcase -- she did awesome! We visited Santa, watched all the movies, took Lily to Nutcracker, the kids had class parties, we went to the Polar Express, baked cookies, did I mention taking Lily to Nutcracker? J/K.

It's a bit consuming. ;) She actually missed her very last performance because she got sick, but Grandma & Grandma got to see her on her last show and said it was the best of all, so sounds like she went out on a high note! I just loved watching her in all her roles but especially Party Girl (yellow dress buddies!). She's a a natural on stage... meant to be a party girl!

We had a merry Christmas Day filled with lego building and playing. Crew asked for a big Meg monster truck. Briggs asked for lego sets and a CD player. Charley asked for a Barbie camper and Taylor Swift stuff. Lily also wanted Taylor Swift merch, Nikes, and surprises.

We enjoyed the "off days" between Christmas and New Years. No specific plans... just time to chill and play with new Christmas stuff. Then we celebrated Crew's 4th bday! We partied at home with birthday string and cake, and then with friends at My Gym. Happy birthday to my sweet, silly, monster truck loving monkey!

Christmas Tree and Elfie are back!

No tears this year. I think we're over the hump!

Love the smiles these silly elves bring.

Love seeing her in my old Singing Christmas Tree sweatshirt. :)

Charley wanted the elves to be more mischievous this year...

Special outing for Parker's birthday.

And Charley's first root beer.

Trying out curlers for the first time. I learned curlers AND the curling iron for Lily this month!

Someone is messing with me (the label on my pantry bin says "Crew Monster Truck," lol).

Second annual Mommy Lily dinner at Roosters during rehearsal break.

Got this pic from Ms. Shamy one day. She texted "I just love him!" :)

School lunch with B.

Our very own elf on the shelf!

Went to see Evelyn in her Community theater Christmas showcase.

The girls finally got a (tiny) flocked tree.

Charley's gymnastics showcase. Loved watching her!

Monster truck picnic. ;)

Crew's writing has taken off!

Loved watching Lil in her opening show!

Happy Birthday to Grandpa, and off to see the Nutcracker!

Lil's old friends came to see her dance!

Briggs' DIY world. I love it!

Crew's in his smiley face sun phase.

And monster trucks.

Candy cane day!

Little Blue Truck's Christmas and What Snowmen Do at Night for Mystery Reader.

Happy (school) birthday to Crew!

Magic mailbox.

Excited for the Polar Express! We did the "fancy car" (as the girls call it) for the first time this year. Love that Lily was still excited to go.

Hat and scarf day.

Loved volunteering and getting a peek into things backstage.

In the same dressing room I used when I was in the Nutcracker over 25 years ago (gulp!).

Briggs' Christmas list from the Lakeshore catalog. :)

Tacky sweater day (I miss this stuff for Lil in middle).

Lil's spelling bee (can't remember the name of her division but basically it was the winners from the West side schools of Charlotte. She had zero time to study her words -- she looked over them one evening basically, went in with a good attitude, and walked out runner up!

I really was so happy for her (she just really didn't want to get out on the first round) and we joked that second place was perfect... as good as you can get without having to go on to another bee. Haha!

Crew discovered the show Rosie's Rules and one part of this episode would give him literal belly laughs. So cute.

This post was on Northwest's parent square page. Go Lil!

Briggs wanted to build a pulley. Love.

Learned how to blow a bubble!

Kindergarten Christmas party!

Tutoring after pajama day.

Elf zip line.

Polar Express day at school! He was most excited by the fact he got to bring a flashlight. :)

Waiting at the ortho... turns out Charley needs some top braces in a few months. She was pretty excited.

5 days til Christmas!

Putting Santa's Bag presents under the tree.

A good start to the first day of Christmas break!

Granny Lily, reading before bed. ;)

Off to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

I'm so glad Charley and I made it to Daniel Stowe to see her Bunny Blessings ornament and see the Christmas lights together (thanks Mom for encouraging this in the midst of a busy time!). We loved the lights, had hot chocolate and s'mores, and made special Mommy-Charley memories.

Fairy gardens!

Meg in Crew's art room stocking. ;)

Making a "gift" for Lindsey & Eliza.

B's pulley system from the garage to the laundry room.

Good to see the girls (can hardly call them girls anymore!).

This pic makes me laugh. Christmas cookies in a Hornets Jersey.

Happy Christmas Eve!

Milk & cookies for Santa.

Christmas Eve feels.

Merry Christmas!

Lil didn't ask for any toys this year, but Santa knows that even if you want shoes and skincare, everyone needs something to play with or build on Christmas. :)