Emma's Christmas Spirit

 Emma is so fun to have in our home at Christmas!  Her energy is unparalleled.  Her talents also merit multiple opportunities to share the Christmas spirit.  She is learning to play the piano and doing well.  Our Primary invites all the children to perform prelude music for our sacrament meeting throughout the month of December.  Two of the children I had lined up for December 2nd backed out, so Emma got to perform 3 duets with me and Carter even played 2 pieces that he has been working on.  It was lovely...I just wish more people were a bit early so that they could have heard them.

 "Dance as the Spirit Moves You" is the Dance Company out of our Lutheran Church at the corner of our block.  The teachers are great, commitment do-able, costumes modest, and music appropriate--all difficult things to find around here.  Emma is taking a Musical Theater class and of course, LOVING IT!  She dances, sings, acts, and is in heaven for an hour a week.  She and her friends got to perform "Love To Keep Me Warm."

Emma's solo "I can't remember a worse December..."

 She is also a part of Young Naperville Singers, an auditioned performing group for children.  Braxton was in this when he was in 2nd grade.  Her instructor happens to be Mrs. Andrea Burck, the music teacher at our own elementary!  They sound beautiful and sweet.

Below, they sing my favorite "I want a Hot Cup of Cocoa" choreographed with these cups.  Too cute!

Finally, Emma has invited a certain visitor.  For two years she has asked for an Elf on the Shelf--"a GIRL one." Well, Santa finally let the Bird house have this little liaison after Emma wrote another specific, direct, pleading letter.

"Ellie" has proved to be tame and not too mischievous so far.  The girls on the other hand are ecstatic when they find her and see what she's done.  It's too funny.

Emma is reading the book to Lizzie to make sure everyone is on board with the magic behind "Ellie."