Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
A year or so ago,
Show choir hit its stride
And soon those trophies bright
Were seated by our side.
The season went real well
It’s more than fun and games,
They did more than just dance and sing,
And that’s always the aim.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
And while the show choir’s gone,
I thought I’d take a ride,
And Oma & Papa
Were seated by our sides.
Spring break went by too fast,
But boy, did we have fun,
They got to be with Laidy more
We’re so sad that break is done.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
Now our Laidy’s ONE,
For it’s the end of school,
We hosted such a crowd,
We partied like such fools!
Ella came running by,
To inspect our Baby’s face,
Laughing and covered chin to eye,
Frosting all o’er the place!
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
Splashing through the pool,
In a pink-dot tutu suit
O’er the waves so cool,
Oh, she was so cute!
We also hit the Fair,
The ICubs and Frisbee,
Hot air balloons shaped like a bear,
And Papa’s music lessons, whee!!!
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
Overall, our 2014 year was fantastic and downright fun. While we’ve loved Adelaide at every stage, being able to be more active with her in swim lessons, a baseball game, the State Fair and the Hot Air Balloon Classic this summer is an absolute joy. Her vocabulary is taking off (as are her opinions on just about everything) and she is generally, a very happy child and our main source of laughter (also, Ella’s main source of anxiety).
Gerard continues in his 10th year at Norwalk’s Eastview and High School buildings in the vocal department. We were fortunate enough to have Grandma, Grandpa and sister, Mimi’s family on tap for Adelaide’s first birthday party. Their helpful hands were so appreciated and it was hilarious to watch Laidy and cousins Caden & Kai interact. We also celebrated Uncle Gerry’s retirement and two cousin’s nuptials. While Gerard lent his voice to three weddings this year, including cousin Morgan’s, Adelaide held the title of Flower Girl. Gerard also lent his voice to three family funerals, blessing those in attendance in their grief. He continues to lead the charge on the Ultimate Frisbee field during the summer months and serve in various positions for the Iowa Choral Directors Association. Norwalk’s Varsity show choir, Sound Revolution, is in its second season competing 4A. Change is in the wind for the vocal department at school next year, so his brain is constantly churning with how things will look in the months to come.
Carrie Krupke Photography, LLC really jumped off the charts this year with a record number of newborns, weddings, seniors and new family clients. It’s a lot of fun to not only grow a business, but also grow our circle of friends in the process. I continue to enjoy my job at Norwalk Middle School, teaching band lessons in my 8th year. However, my star pupil this year was my dad, “Papa”, who decided to hang up the choir robe and begin piano lessons. We did most of those fun events (listed above) this summer with him whenever he came down for a lesson. Jeannette, “Oma”, was able to visit a handful of times with Papa too, during spring break, this summer, and fall. We look forward to spending part of Christmas break with sister Katie’s family and meeting our newest niece.
Our 2014 didn’t end on the happiest of notes as we lost beloved family members on both our sides. But we are reminded that Christ came to conquer death and its sting isn’t nearly so painful knowing that those we lost are with Him. We are also reminded of our great blessings (Adelaide, our family & jobs, and YOU) including our source of constant joy and foundation: our saving relationship with Christ.
We pray blessings on your Christmas season, good health, and joy in the start of your 2015. Our guest room is in a virtual state of readiness should you be in the Des Moines area and need a place to rest your head. Laidy can provide the entertainment and is a most hilarious conversationalist. Ella is still a work in progress, but makes up for it with lots of licks and kisses. 😉
Wishing you the merriest of Christmases and happiest of New Years,
The Krupkes-Gerard, Carrie, Adelaide & Ella
PS. All of these photos below were taken by the wonderful Austin Day. 🙂
