2016 Slideshow

As each year draws to a close, the trio get a little antsy for a slideshow. Because I am less than diligent about putting together albums, they return to the slideshows frequently. (I subscribed to Chatbooks this year, and each month's photo book prompts the same response.) They love looking back over the past year (as do I).

A look back at 2016:

The Lindsey Family 2016 from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Happy New Year! We wish for you the very best that 2017 has to offer and an abundance of happiness.

PS: Remember 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012?

Music: "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the Beatles

Photos: All photos by Cathi Lindsey, with the exception of a couple by Skip Lindsey and the trio's talented teachers. Also, the final photo is by Matty Grace Photography.  

Equipment/Tools: Nikon D500; Sigma 85mm/1.4; Nikon 50mm/1.4; Sigma 24-70mm/2.8; Photoshop Elements 12; iPhoto; iMovie

Basketball, 2016-2017

It is basketball time again! This year the duo are playing for the Nuggets, and the duo are working to embrace their gold/navy color scheme.  

Grace is back as a defense powerhouse, and Lauren is adept at scooping up rebounds and loose balls.  

Due to the holidays, the Nuggets played two games, and then the season pauses for the holidays. They will be back in 2017 for more hoops action.

Fine Arts Field Trip, Fourth Grade

On the last day of school, the girls had a school-wide, second annual trip to the Alabama Theatre for a viewing of Miracle on 34th Street.  

Although we had planned for Skip and I to both accompany the girls on this trip, William George was feeling under the weather that day so we divided/conquered, with Skip making the show.  

Like last year, the girls enjoyed themselves immensely and especially liked having some one-on-one time with Skip.  

Also, we totally believe in the miracle. Santa shows up on weather radar... helllooooo.  Of course, he's real.  

Christmas Party, Fourth Grade

On the Monday before Christmas, the girls each had their fourth grade Christmas parties. We just adore their teachers, and they had actually created a full day of fun for their classes. In the morning, they had their AR parties, meaning that each student who met their AR reading goal got to watch a viewing of The Secret Lives of Pets, while snacking on pizza, pop corn and hot chocolate.  After the movie they worked on Christmas ornaments and crafts.

Later that afternoon, it was time for the class party, which consisted of more snacks and some fun holiday games. The girls had a respectable number for the straw game (18 each), but never underestimate the strength of 9-10 year old male lungs. Some of those guys moved 30 pieces! When it came time to build a toilet tissue snowman, however, the girls were a little more adept.

Many thanks to our wonderful teachers for organizing such a fun party!

Merry Christmas

We wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. May your 2017 be filled with an abundance of love, kindness and forgiveness.

Photo by Matty Grace Photography at instagram.com/mattygracephotos or MattyGracePhotography.com.  

Santa Visit 2016

We went to see Santa a couple of weeks ago, and the trio were ready with lists!  They carefully reviewed each item, making sure that Santa understood they meant toy spear (George), and that "wheelie chair" means a rolling desk chair (Lauren). Grace had carefully worded her list so that it was self-explanatory.  

These three are still enamored with Santa.  

The duo are as excited as ever.  

Merry Christmas, Santa!

PS: The live shot: 

Santa Visit 2016 from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Grace & Lauren's Fourth Grade Christmas Program

Grace and Lauren's elementary school recently presented a Christmas Around the World program. During this musical program, we learned (or were reminded) how other countries celebrate their winter holidays.  

As always, we were very impressed by how well the students performed, particularly since our music teacher is only at our school two days per week.  

The girls were assigned Great Britain, which suited Grace, our resident Anglophile. Lauren would have preferred France. Grammie and George enjoyed the entire program and remained unaffiliated.    

Happy Holidays... all around the world.  

George's Christmas Party, K5, 2016

William George's class party was last Friday. George loves a party almost as much as Grace.

I love this classroom reminder: presents and gifts can make us boast, but family is what matters most.

The classroom elf, Jingle, has been busily keeping up with everyone's behavior this month. George had a couple of questions for Jingle.  

1) What do you like [to] drink? 

2) How do you git to North Pole so fast? 

This group embraced the Santa challenge by transforming a friend from each table into Santa.

For the gift exchange we were instructed to "make, bake or create" a present for George's assigned name. We picked up a wooden briefcase, painted it green, personalized it with the recipients name and filled it with matchbox cars. We are somewhat craft challenged, but it was a big hit.  

George's sweet friend painted a "G" for his room and gave him some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Those cookies were devoured... their gift was a huge hit, too!

The next day George's class had pajama day for their Polar Express party. Basically, they watched a movie and ate cookies all morning. We are all so jealous of George's schedule.  

The system works, though. George's first official report card came home that afternoon, and he is doing soooo well. Learning is so much fun!

Christmas Caroling Field Trip, K5

George's class recently visited a local family to sing Christmas carols. The class put on their most festive Christmas clothes and sang their hearts out.

Caroling Field Trip from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Caroling Field Trip II from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

Caroling Field Trip III from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

After singing, their hosts led the class downstairs to read a Christmas story, and then they graciously let the class play with their collection of Christmas toys.  

Their host also gifted them with candy canes and flashlights... probably the coolest gift a 5-6 year old can receive.  

We had a wonderful time visiting with this special family, and we very much appreciate their hospitality and generosity.  

Muffins With Mom

Right after Thanksgiving I received a very important invitation from William George to attend "Muffins With Mom" on December 2nd. George had worked really hard on his crafts, and we were both looking forward to our breakfast date. 

(Don't let the above photo mislead. It was obviously taken before the table set up was complete. We had a muffin extravaganza!)  

We were super exciting that Friday morning.  

George's present was a special ornament for our tree. 

He had also created a portrait.  

And he shared how I spend my time while he is at school.  

What does your mom do while you are at school? 

She cleans up the kitchen.  

George created a book about how special moms are.  

And, of course, he shared his portrait of me, which is a treasured piece of artwork.  

George's class also performed some special songs:

Muffins With Mom from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.


Muffins With Mom, Part Two from Cathi Lindsey on Vimeo.

We had a wonderful morning, and we found a prominent place for George's present on the tree that afternoon.  

I know I have said it dozens of times, but George's teacher is so special. We are so thankful for his wonderful year of K5.