I know it's quite a bit on the early side, but Sean had two whole days off for Thanksgiving and we decided to make use of it.  (Sean only gets one day off for Christmas.)  We reorganized Will's room and made room for a crib and dresser for Eli.  Sean nobly spent hours, muscles, and patience putting together the crib.  I sorted through and washed all the baby clothes, blankets, and linens we still have. 

Will was so thrilled with the finished result.  He can't wait to share a room with Baby Eli.  Poor kid doesn't know what he's in for with all those middle of the night baby cries he'll be sure to encounter.

Aspen's doing great on the violin.  She has taught herself some songs individually, and even learned how to transpose "Jingle Bells" into a different key so she could play along with her cousin Megan on the flute. 

It was so fun to see Aspen's middle school orchestra concert.  It was amazing to see the progress in the kids from the beginning class to the most advanced eighth grade class.  Aspen's strings teacher came up to us afterward and told us how gifted Aspen was with the violin and that she could really benefit from private lessons.  Aspen glowed with the compliment, but private lessons aren't in the budget for now.  Luckily this school district has a great music program and we're impressed with her teacher.

Celeste had a wonderful baptism.  She was joined by three other eight-year olds from our ward, one of which was her cousin Ryan.  We were blessed to have family come from out of town for the occasion.  Grandma and Grandpa Klaass and Grandpa and Grandma Meecham came in honor of Celeste.  No Neahusan adults had to give talks this time (thank goodness), but the Neahusan kids sang a little musical number "I look to look for Rainbows."  They were so sweet.  Grandma Klaass made Celeste's special dress too.  We kept my old temple dress, and she used the fabric from that to fit Celeste.  What a talented mother I have!

It was so nice to share time with family, have great food, and celebrate a wonderful milestone for such a wonderful girl.