Natalie's school party

Mommy surprised Natalie and volunteered at her school party. Mommy had a lot of fun helping kids make crafts and watching Natalie in action with her classmates. But perhaps the most interesting part of the day was to see how organized and clean Nat's desk was, especially compared to other kids. It was organized so well that I left her a little note right in the front because I knew she'd find it. :)

Visit with Santa

In years past, Natalie has been so eager to meet Santa but frozen up when finally face-to-face with the jolly man. This year... she may not have been interested in sitting on his lap, but she overcame her fears and actually talked to him.

Eloise was terrified and wanted nothing to do with the situation. But she did want to stand at a safe distance and watch the other kids talking to Santa.

Independence Bear

Natalie was Star Student this past week and as part of being Star Student, you get to bring home the class bear, Independence Bear.

First things first, Independence Bear needed a BATH. So Mingo and a few of Natalie's other friend volunteered to take a bath with our new friend. You know, so he wouldn't get scared.

The next morning, we found Independence Bear in the pantry with the giant jug of honey!!!! He must have climbed up there after mommy and daddy went to bed. Sneaky lil dude.

After finding him in the pantry, Natalie decided it would be nice to fix him a proper meal.

And he was happily waiting at home for Natalie after she finished the Sled Run. She was even nice enough to let him wear her finishers medal.

The next day, Independence Bear was lucky enough to get to go to The Nutcracker with Natalie and mommy. We think he had a wonderful time.

The Nutcracker

Mommy got tickets with Staci and Maddie to go see The Nutcracker at one of the local community colleges. The show was full of kid dancers and the costumes were wonderful! We had wonderful seats in the 4th row and were able to see everything, especially the feet of all the little kid dancers. We all had a wonderful time and even went out for donuts after the show!

It was an exhausting day...

Cookie Party!

In keeping with the tradition Grandma Becky started many many years ago, Mommy made a ton of cookies and then invited all the neighborhood kids over to decorate (i.e. eat) them. This year we moved the festivities outside because it was a perfect day!

12Ks of Christmas

Mommy signed up to run the 12Ks of Christmas this year as a challenge. Low and behold, on the day of the race... Natalie, Eloise and Daddy decided to run the 1 mile Sled Run together for fun.

 

Ready.... steady.... go.... !

A finishers medal! 

After the race... Mommy, Eloise, Staci and Camilla.

 

November 2016 - over already?

It seems like it was just Halloween. But no, Thanksgiving has come and gone and our Christmas tree is up (ornament-free this year so far) and it is December already. Here's a summary of November...

Natalie continued to dominate and love Kindergarten. Now if only she could figure out how to keep herself out of trouble at school...

 

Eloise learned that it is perfectly OK to chill out sometimes.

Eloise discovered her love for mommy's shoes. All of them. As such, Mommy hasn't found a pair of her shoes together ever since.

Eloise continues to enjoy going pretend shopping with purses.

 The weather was perfect for lots of outdoor fun!

 

Gus became a little more skeptical...

Eloise learned how to make pizza.

Mommy and Daddy learned (the hard way) that Eloise is allergic to walnuts. This is 15 minutes after eating a small walnut, throwing up, taking a bath and the max allowed dose of Benadryl. Thankful we found out at home and that the reaction, while quick and scary, was not more severe.

The girls reached a new level of co-existence and now enjoy sitting in Natalie's bed at night reading books together. It doesn't always last long, but it is always wonderful to see.

We got a piano as an early Christmas gift to the kids. It's not much of a looker, but it is a perfect learning piano for little people (and their mommy who would like to re-learn when no one is home).

Our giant pink unicorn started to make herself at home around the house.

We decorated the house for Christmas and got our first inflatable yard decoration.