FRIENDS
So this isn't really something that just happened in November. Besides our play dates with Stephanie and Sigmund, Mary has had a few other friends that we have been meeting with regularly - for the past several months- from her primary class at church. It's not really a play date, because the mom doesn't stay. It has been nice though. Mary goes to Thomas' once and month and once a month he comes here. Same with Nadia. So it ends up being about one a week. It's great! I can't post pics of Nadia and Mary playing - but here is a cute pic of Mary and Thomas playing. Mary always looks forward to playing with her friends.
And it has been good practice to learn how to share with others.
THE NUTCRACKER
My friend Christina (she and I danced together growing up)'s daughters dance with the International Ballet School (rated like 7th in the nation) and they performed a mini version of the Nutcracker at one of our Highlands Ranch Rec Centers. It was perfect, because I wanted to take Mary, but didn't know if she could sit through the entire thing. She enjoyed it immensely and I actually had to take her out once because she wanted to dance in the aisles. But she had a chance afterwards to get up on that stage. I only wished they had done a bit more with the scenery for this small performance - especially since it was geared towards kids. Their full production is really great! Anyway, it was a fun mommy/daughter date.
So this year, I really wanted to do a Christmas book advent countdown. I wanted to read a book with Mary every day and do an activity to go with it. I decided to start early since we were going to the Nutcracker the weekend before Thanksgiving. I set up the tree extra early this year (which I found out I will probably continue) so that Mary could wake up every day and find a Christmas book wrapped under the tree. We started with the Nutcracker (book), and then to books about Thanksgiving and then Christmas books. I got most of them from the library, but I did buy a few, and I also had some Christmas books already.
WELL, let me tell you.... I was successful for about a week. One thing that is discouraging to me right now is that I want to craft with my kids (NOW is the time while they are young), not to mention other projects for myself, and I just haven't been able to carve out the time. I'm still going to try. But it is certainly easier said than done. I'm hoping as I get more organized I will be able to find time for it in my schedule.
So we started out strong - doing an activity along with the book for the first few days. Then I lowered my standards to try to just read a book every day until Christmas - which I was more successful about - but still not perfect. Oh well. It was my first time trying. I'm hoping I can work out the kinks so that I will be more successful next year.
My tree this year. Isn't it so pretty and serene? I loved having my tree up so early for at least a couple of reasons - firstly, it is one less thing to do in December, secondly, it gets you in the Christmas mood.
Making an American-Indian headband to go along with one of our books about the First Thanksgiving.
FAMILY PICS
Of course some of the best times in life are just hanging out as a family. I sure do like the feel of our little family of four. Feels kinda perfect.
I love this pic of Mary and Jonathan playing together (look at both of their expressions). I'll take it - even if it is a bit questionable. : )
Saturday morning snuggles with Daddy.
Park Days
I remember when Mary couldn't do some of the more challenging things on playgrounds such as climbing up a wall. She is so big now.
This situation was kinda funny. Awhile back I made pumpkin cookies and as Jeff was eating them, Jonathan (who has never tried cookies) used all his strength to try to get them. It was so cute, but was even more funny because.....
Isn't it fun to see how much Jonathan and Mary look like each other as babies? I hardly recognize Mary in those pictures she looks so much like Jonathan.
That's it for now!
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