Seriously, Bubs?

You've decided that napping is overrated today. When I just went in there to find all of your babas, I found you amusing yourself in your crib. You had taken down your crib soother and decided to "clean it" by spitting on it and wiping it off with your blanket. Over and over again. Then shouting "Yay!" because you are so proud of yourself. Seriously. You are SUCH a delight, but continue to keep me on my toes!

The Gaylord Texan 2011

Our annual Gaylord tradition with Ryan's family took place last weekend. With Uncle Aaron back from Switzerland for a few weeks, Ava and Griffin were especially excited to get to spend some time with him. This is such a great place to see and really feel the Christmas spirit. No matter what holiday you celebrate, there is so much to do between the gingerbread house and the ICE exhibit, to the snow slides and train displays. The amount of lights and decorations is amazing and truly a sight to be seen.

Warm and Cozy

Phone Pics- Buddies x2

Decorating the Christmas Tree

A few weeks ago we dusted off the ole Christmas tree box (lol!) to kick off the Christmas season. I have such fond memories of decorating the tree when I was little and beyond and if the shrieks and giggles are any indication, this time of year will bring great memories for Ava and Griffin as well.

Gush

I just feel like I need to gush over my first born. She is just turning into a little lady right before my eyes. She's so gracious and caring, kind and helpful. Small tasks like helping me unload the grocery without my asking. Or thanking someone when they compliment her. Or seeing a friend fall off her bike and asking if she's ok. It's just neat to see those types of behaviors when you work so hard at reinforcing being a nice person and get nothing but eye rolls, pouting and/or snarling thrown atcha. I know they'll be a lot more attitude in the years ahead, but for now it's nice to see more good days than bad. I'm just so proud of who she is.

Winter Dance and Theater Program

Ava was thrilled when she learned that they would be doing The Nutcracker for their annual Winter Performance this year. She told me all about it each day after school. When I unexpectedly announced a girl's night out to see the local Children's Ballet perform, she thought that was so great! She watched with great admiration, seeing the big girls up there and was surprisingly able to make it through the entire performance.

So when she and her classmates performed pieces from the Nutcracker, she had a true appreciation for the dances. What a difference a year makes, also. The dance moves were much more detailed and the entire class did a fantastic job. They danced the "Russian Dance" (my favorite) high energy dance and the "Arabian coffee" dance and did a Chinese New Year theater performance.

Santa's Lap 2011

Overheard....

While playing with Daddy at the park....

"Daddy, you're always going to be my prince."

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After Griffin went pee-pee on the potty....

"Oh Griff, I'm so PROUD of you!"

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Responding to me telling her what a nice idea it was to pick something out of school's treasure box for Griffin.....

"My pleasure."

Another Buddy

I never could have imagined that given the age difference (a little over three years) and Ava's initial reaction to having a baby brother, that these two would adore one another as much as they do. I've said it before that Ava is an incredible big sister. She genuinely loves and looks after Griffin without being prompted or asked. I know that this is common among siblings, so I know what they have isn't necessarily rare, but it doesn't make it any less special to see the love and admiration they have for one another.