Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas! *insert music here*

Hi everyone, it's Reese! MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Or Happy Holidays to those of you who don't celebrate Christmas) Yes, I know that I'm a day late, but I was busy with my family yesterday. Here is our family Christmas portrait for 2012:

And here is a fun little behind-the-scenes shot:

As you can most likely tell, the theme of this year's Christmas portrait was historical eras. We all chose one era to dress like, just for fun and to make a bright and merry Christmas card as well. We wanted to represent how Christmas has been through all of the ages. Nellie and Samantha represented our very own era of 2012. Isabella represented the mid-19th century. Emma, Becca, and I dressed as girls from the early 20th century.

On Christmas Day, we all awoke to the sound of what we believed to be sleigh bells on our roof. The sound was so wonderful that it couldn't have been anything else! Running downstairs, arm in arm, we saw a pile of presents under the Christmas tree! It was a truly magical Christmas morning to see the joy and excitement on the faces of my five beloved sisters. Nellie received a pair of winter boots and the newest Taylor Swift CD, Red. Samantha received a pair of new pink pointe shoes and an IOU for a summer intensive of ballet in New York for a month! Isabella received a new camera and tripod for filming...  What will she be filming? I suppose you'll just have to wait and see! Emma received a brand new set of art supplies- a brown sketch pad, new pencils (her former ones were worn down to the bone!), and a set of new paints along with some new baking supplies. Becca received a pair of pink ballet shoes and an offer to travel with Samantha to a summer intensive ballet course in June! Becca gladly accepted the offer and Samantha was delighted to share the journey was someone. I received some new clothes as well as an Apples to Apples card game.

The rest of Christmas Day was filled with excitement and fun as presents were tried out and played with. Nellie blasted her new CD on her iPod all day as she and Isabella sang together loudly. Samantha was teaching Becca the perfect pirouette as Becca helped Samantha to perfect her left split. Emma and I were in the kitchen trying to perfect a new recipe of Emma's for pecan shortbread cookies (They actually turned out quite yummy!) and making hot chocolate for everyone. By the time that bedtime hit, we all trudged upstairs to have sweet dreams of happy Christmas days.

I had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did as well! Did you receive a present on your Christmas list?

Love,
Reese <3

Meet Becca Abigail!

Hi everyone, it's Reese! I know that this has been a long-awaited post, so I apologize for the delay in posting this. We've all been pretty busy around here adapting to a new school and getting to know our new sister. Here's a photo of my gorgeous sister Becca:

Can you tell Becca apart from Emma? (Becca is on the left, Emma is on the right). The girls are pretty easy to tell apart for my family, mainly because Becca has hazel eyes and has curly hair, while Emma has aqua-colored eyes and straight her. Still, when their hair is in a bun and Becca is wearing her glasses, it can be a challenge to tell Becca and Emma apart! ;) One day, Becca and Emma decided to dress exactly alike in white shirts and blue jeans with their hair tied back. Most of us were able to tell them apart by their eyes, but it was a challenge!

Becca is outgoing and has a strong personality. She loves photography, reading, and competing in dance competitions for ballet. However, like Emma, Becca comes from a very abusive and tragic family life. She actually grew up in London, England, so she has a hint of an English accent. My mom told me that Becca was often mistreated and abused. I'm so glad that Becca is here with us now!

What do you think of Becca? Do you have any questions for her? I will be doing a combined post with Becca as soon as we find the time. Also look for the post coming soon about my new school! :)

Love,

Reese <3

Becca's Journey Part 1

Hi everyone, it's Reese! Do you remember the girl Becca from this post? Well, today, I bring you more news on our soon-to-be sister.

Early this morning, around 6 a.m., Emma couldn't sleep and neither could I. Emma has been tossing and turning all night long.

"Reese," Emma whispered in her soft voice. "will you come find mom with me?"

"Of course," I whispered. "is something wrong Emmie?"

"No. Well, yes. I am terribly worried that Becca won't like me! What is she wants nothing to do with me Reese?"

"I'm sure that Becca will love you Emma. You are sweet, kind, and an amazing friend. Now let's go talk to mom, okay?"

Emma and I walked down the hallway, quietly padding along with bare feet. When we found mom in her office, Emma and I were both surprised. Mom never starts working until at least 10 a.m. on Saturdays. This was highly unusual.

We had a very long discussion, but I won't write it out here, because some of it was very personal. It turns out that Becca is due to arrive either today or Monday. This came as an immediate shock to us both. Of course, once everyone else woke up, we told them the news.

Mom said that we should be on the look out for Becca to make her feel welcome. According to my mom, Becca has short curly brown hair, hazel eyes, glasses, and a small figure like Emma. Her full name is Rebecca Abigail. However, everyone calls her Becca as a nickname. She is from the Big Apple, New York City.

I can't believe that Becca is supposed to arrive so soon. It will be the first time that a new sister has arrived at our door instead of us going to her. It's no wonder that Emma has been so quiet and worried lately. I don't know what to think! I wonder what Becca will be like...

Love,
Reese <3