Happy Thanksgiving 2012

I'm squeaking in this Thanksgiving wrap-up, before my Christmas deadline in two days :) We had THE MOST wonderful multi-day celebration with my parents and sister's family, all visiting from the north... We had a large and delicious meal on Thanksgiving (Kyle's turkey was the best I have ever had), a Christmas tree cutting outing (complete with live reindeer, a talk with Santa, hot chocolate, and lots of Oregon rain), gift exchange between all the little cousins (since we won't be seeing them over Christmas), and oodles of fun all mixed in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

decompressing in front of the tv... :) wait, why is Marcus watching a show?!?!

 

Swimming with Max & Maddie

This fall, after a failed attempt in the summer to talk Madeline into doing swimming lessons, she announced one day "I'm ready, sign me up"... Tricky girl, waiting until school is in full swing and there are nap schedules to uphold.

 

However, with this sweet-child-o-mine, I know to strike while the iron is hot :) So, I discussed with her kindergarten teacher, and she agreed it would be ok to take her out of school a little early on Mondays so she could squeak into one of the morning lessons.

 

As I was signing her up, I realized because she is still in entry level class, which is for 3-5 year olds, I could also enroll Max in the same class. Those two little snickerdoodles had the time of their lives together ~ learning to be brave, trying new things, and have the comfort of a sibling in the pool.

 

And guess what?!??! This girl who previously would not even put her toe in the pool over the summer actually PASSED the class and is going on to the next level.

 

Like I said, strike while that iron is hot!

 

Max had no fear, but he will be repeating this class again :)

 

 

 

Marcus - months four and five

It's not like there are many different captions for this cute baby boy. I just never want to forget his sweetness, his huge smile, his "surprised face", his darling little rosy cheeks. And... even how he still flips his wig occasionally, despite large amounts of kissing from Mom. Love him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madeline the Cute

My girl is getting glasses! A necessity, and now an adored accessory... Love her stylish ways and precious face. I'm sure glad she can see better, and be happy about wearing her new specs :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cousin Gingerbreads

Our favorite Vancouver cousins came over for an afternoon with us recently. The kids decorated their gingerbreads, and had a blast! It's so fun to see the different personalities in creating things - some like to copy the idea on the packaging, and some like to free form (and some get help from their talented older cousins!)... Turned out cute :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marin: reading and writing

Wow first grade is a special year. Marin is exploding with both reading and writing. She loves both and is eager to work on homework on the bus ride home... I think this highlights both her love of school and her love of shows once she gets home ;) Her other favorite homework and reading spot: behind the Christmas tree!

Here is a recent journal assignment... "I would love to meet.... (fill in the blank) ..." I love her thoughts and interests.  I could write a paragrah of commentary on each one of these :) This is soooo entertaining to me.

I would love to meet.....

the president of the united states of america

santa and his elves

jesus

my new cousin

the person who keeps the bank

cousins

rosa parks

laura ingalls

my mom's friend lanie

more brothers and sisters (whatever, baby girl !!!!!!!)