We knew this day was coming soon, our little hamster was showing her age recently. We originally got Star when Emmett was about a week old. Emmett was oblivious when hearing the news, but Aria took it a little hard. We talked her through it and after some tears, she was ok. We put Star in a truffles box and found a spot under the Aria tree. RIP Star, we will miss you.
During my time off last week, I went with my parents and the kids to Brookside Gardens. It was lovely! They had the neatest train sets and a beautiful little indoor garden. It was a warm and pleasant break from the cold.
The second half of Christmas started out with a Christmas Eve service with my family. Santa stopped at their place too - oh how lucky we are!
My family
Power tools! Emmett had a tool Christmas and he loved it.
Doll clothes! And the chest was built by my G-pa and uncle for my mom - how special.
Poor Abby, she got a Gary the Bear saddle from Emmett.
It was nice to enjoy Grandpa's corn during our Christmas dinner. 
Great-Grandma spent the afternoon with us.
Emmett's impression of Abby the Cat.
Aria drew this picture in a journal she created at school. She showed it to me this evening. I love the fish bones and the cat's happy face...it makes me smile. It's so fun to see her drawing skills develop over the years.
