Open Qualifier

Jillian's club volleyball team Aspire NW 17-2 Royal played in the CEVA Power League Open Qualifier on Sunday against the top teams in the region. Despite coming up just a few places short of qualifying, they showed some flashes of brilliance. Jillian set in a 5-1 offense the entire day.

Here she is showing her jump serve:

It was especially challenging after only getting a few hours of sleep after the Winter Ball and then making the long drive to Corvallis.

Winter Ball

Jillian went to the Winter Ball dance at the RA Long Cafeteria on Saturday night with her friends / teammates Evelyn, Bri, Abby and Ella.

She said the dance was " OK", not quite living up to the standards set in her freshman year.

Elf Movie

Per tradition, we watched the Elf movie at Grannie and Papa's house, while eating chili and toast for dinner, and pie for dessert.

Kenny and Rory got pretty rummy in the late evening, and had to make an early exit.

Elf Float

We entered the Elf Float in the Castle Rock Festival of Lights parade again this year. The weather stayed clear, and there were a lot of entries. Lots of family rode the float, including Jillian & Bridget, and Calista & Sebastian:

Cale, Erika, Kenny & Rory:

Emmy, Josie & Hattie, and Kalyn & Brentley:

Before the parade, we caught up with Papa Ken, who was leading the American Legion Color Guard:

It was a different trailer, borrowed from Erika's relative. It was much larger, requiring modifications to the float frame. We towed it with Dan's truck, and managed to make it there and back.

Winter Band Concert

Bridget performed with Monticello Advanced Band at the Winter Concert in the gym. It was such a a large crowd, it was standing room only in places. They played 3 ensemble pieces, and also a percussion-only piece where Bridget played the cowbell. Grannie and Papa came to watch:

As always, Bridget is in the very back with percussion.

Tree Farm

 A little late but I
had to search for the old photo. Tradition lives on at the tree farm..... 

A very long time ago, but seems so short....

Winter Orchestra Concert

Tor performed in his first orchestra concert, playing his viola. He had a solo part during the Postcard piece, and joined the entire ensemble for all of the songs. Grannie and Papa Bob, and Papa Ken and Bev, were watching his very nice performance.

We could only see the top of Tor's head during the performance due to the music stand being so tall, so here he is standing up after his solo.