McKenna's 6th grade class wrote stories about Christmas or winter memories that they have had in all their 11 or 12 years. McKenna's was chosen to be in the school newsletter. Here is her memory. . .

McKenna Rice:
The Angry Snowman
One snowy day my family decided to make a snowman. Even my mom and dad decided to help. So we started to roll the bottom ball bigger and bigger. Soon it was huge. Slowly we make each ball and put it into the snowman. We put a big nose, a pair of eyes and a gaping grin on his face. As we were putting some finishing touches on it, it started to tip. Unfortunately my little sister Kylie, then about 4 years old, was right in its path. Kylie must have seen a huge snow monster twice her size falling over on top of her! As we saw it tip over we saw Kylie's terrified face before it crashed down. Seconds later all we could see was her hat, face, and a few other body parts poking through he snow. After we unearthed Kylie we went inside for hot chocolate.

Playing the piano

McKenna and Kylie had their piano recital and in so doing Marc took pictures and I just thought this one was great. Kelsey is such a trooper.

First lost tooth

Conner lost his first tooth!! We were at church and I was noticing his bottom teeth looking crooked so I took a closer look and he had a permanent tooth making its way behind his baby tooth. I encouraged him to try and wiggle the tooth in front with thoughts of having to try and get him an appointment with the dentist and all that entailed for the following week. When we got home he sat on the counter and held on to Marc's hand while I pulled it out. At first he wasn't quite sure he was excited about it but then it set in and he was elated. Conner then turned to me and wanted to know how much longer it was until bed time--8 hours. Marc went back to church for tithing settlement and while he was gone we read our tooth fairy book and in the book it tells the "rules" you must follow for the tooth fairy to come visit.
1-Fall asleep quickly
2-Place tooth in a baggie instead of a tissue
3-Don't hide the tooth
4-Place at the corner of your pillow
5-Clean off all blood
He took all these rules seriously and while I was making dinner he decided to clean his tooth in the bathroom sink. . .only to watch it go down the drain. He came down the hall quietly and with these big alligator tears explained what had happened. He was crushed. Marc walked through the door and Conner told him the story. Conner is really lucky to have the best dad because while still in his suit Marc got underneath the sink and disconnected the pipes and sifted through the "yuk" to find the tooth. He then immediately put it in a bag and placed it under his pillow and waited for the tooth fairy.