Ice Skating

Avery's friend invited her to go ice skating at Winterfest.  The girls were so excited despite the fact that it was 60++ degrees and the rink had quite a few puddles.



I hadn't been on ice skates in YEARS so I was a little scared I was going to fall but it wasn't too bad, even with this little one using my arm as a safety net:)


I'm pleased to say I didn't fall once.  Avery did great too.

Santa Visits

Visits.  Two.

First was a failure.  Santa line was too long to wait outside in the cold. A failed lunch stop where we didn't even make it inside the restaurant because of crying kids.  Kids lost their minds on the way home.  Not because they didn't get to see Santa (Ben didn't want to go in the first place).


Waiting in line.  All smiles.



We're up next!  Everything is still going well.


And the it all fell apart.  Ben walked up to Santa and blurted "big orange crane truck" and then expected to walk away and collect his crane.  He wanted no part of sitting on Santa's lap or even standing near him for a picture.  Apparently he didn't think that was part of the deal.  So we had to jump in too.

Ben was not happy.  And the entire way home he was so upset because he didn't get his big orange crane truck right then.  After repeated attempts to explain, Avery finally snapped "it doesn't work like that, Ben."  In spite of the whining and crying I actually felt a little bad for him because he really didn't understand.

Oh, well.  Another Santa pic in the books!

December Happenings

Well.  I have absolutely no idea where the past couple of weeks has gone.   Rather, I do, it has just gone by very quickly.

So where do we start?  We seem to have lots of holiday activities throughout December.  Between Avery's school activities and parties and our little family traditions we stay pretty busy.

Getting ready for Gigi's birthday dinner in which Ben would stay under the table 90% of the meal.  Yay for 3 year olds!



Avery had a matching doll dress, which she put on the Grinch.  I encouraged her to take him to her classroom on Grinch Day at school but I think she was a little embarrassed.  Not sure if he made it out of the backpack.


One of my days off fell on Polar Express Day at school, so I volunteered to help out as needed.  They put me to work delivering hot chocolate to classrooms and helping with crafts.  Avery was really excited to have me there:)  I just love her school and am always so pleased to see happy, smiling, enthusiastic teachers and administrators every time I visit.



Polar Express Day was the last day of school before winter break!  Since then we've mostly been lounging around the house.

Ben loves to help me make smoothies.


We made applesauce and Avery ate every inch of apple peel.


Heading out to look at Christmas lights.  Pajamas and hot chocolate...


Avery is my little kitchen helper.  We didn't make a whole lot of things this year, but we did put together some homemade hot chocolate jars for some friends, chocolate covered pretzels, Rolo pretzels, Chex mix, and sugar cookies.  Our elf brought an apron and hat.  He only brought one which I was kind of afraid they would fight over, but Ben really showed no interest.


Speaking of our elf, Hank, he was up to his usual tricks this year.


He even snuck into their rooms and drew mustaches on them while they were sleeping.  I heard that one is a much lighter sleeper, thus it was a bit harder to draw a proper mustache on that one.



A momentous occasion: Avery's resort bracelet from Mexico finally fell off her wrist.  She had refused to remove it because memories.


Avery told me she is tired of not getting to pick out her own clothes.  I knew this was coming.  And I know a lot of parents have been fighting (or given up) this battle since 2 or 3.  She's never had much of an opinion about clothes and has always worn whatever I picked out (for the most part) without complaint.  Now?  She won't wear jeans or skirts at all.  Jeans are uncomfortable.  Skirts "aren't her thing."  It's pretty much all leggings all the time.   She picked out this outfit all her own, which really isn't all that bad.  Could be worse.  I think the paper elf hat went with it nicely.

Polar Express

All ready for the Polar Express!!



Someone was a little tired.


The kids were so excited.  I must say the whole trip to the North Pole was very cute.  There was a reading of the story, a ticket punch from the conductor, songs, and a visit from Santa and the elves.  And I got the whole family to wear pajamas!




They also delivered hot chocolate and cookies, just like in the book.

Super fun evening and experience.

November

Well.  Hello, December.   So, the last bit of November:

The kids got to ride ponies at a birthday party.  Well, Ben declined.  But he could have.


We saw the new Peanuts movie and had the theatre to ourselves.  Cute movie.


I ran the Route 66 Marathon relay (6 mile leg)!


We hit up the park during one of my days off.


And then, Thanksgiving!  It was a wonderful day filled with family and food...lots of food.

We have lots to be thankful for...