Books & Banana Bread

In Drew's classroom they have a "mystery reader" every couple of weeks. Basically a parent comes in and surprises the kiddo and gets to read the books for the day! Derek and I had our slot last week and I'm so fortunate that the teacher was able to snap a couple pictures for us! Drew was SUPER shocked to see us both walk in! :)

And then both kids 'assisted' on my favorite baking day of the year when I make my mothers banana bread. I give loaves out each year to friends, teachers, neighbors, etc and end up making quite a few. Thanks to Derek for snapping these!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Stay at Home Mom

With no child care this week I've been lucky to spend a LOT of time with the little and extra time with both together as well. Yes, it's stressful and I admire all of you who do it full time. But at the same time I'm looking forward to winter when photography slows down some in order to see these faces more!

And I have to report that electronics and TV have been very minimal! They get maybe 30 min of iPad time a day and then TV from around 5pm until dinner. Hey.. I've got to cook in peace!

The 4-legged

In light of my parents losing their beloved Roxie, I had to post a couple recent shots of our girl. I tell her everyday she's a good dog and despite some random new behavior issues like getting in the trash she's still one of the best. The kids taunt her nonstop and Ady even leans/sits on her when I'm not looking... poor thing. I try my best to keep them away but the fact that she likes being around them means she doesn't mind. We love her so and are so glad she's our 5th family member. :)

Also, FINALLY caught her golden eyes on camera! They are so beautiful when they catch the sunlight!

Santa!

We went last week to see Santa and although I was very sure we'd have tears from the little, she did amazing. Thank goodness for big brothers who hold your hand and tell you that Santa isn't scary.

She was a bit tentative when Derek first put her on Santa's lap....

And then smiled just fine!

Sickness

We're finally all starting to feel back to our normal selves (except for Mimi and Grandpa) after a week and a half of being sick. Both kiddos missed a day of school and although I think they had 2 different types of colds, we're so glad they are over! 

My poor sweet boy fell asleep on the couch during one of his worst days...

This one keeps checking out the presents....

And we've had plenty of iPad time lately in which she loves to watch what Drew is doing...

And, of course, my other baby...

My Buddy

Now that sessions are winding down for the winter I've been able to enjoy more and more time with my girl while Drew is at school. Although she quickly moves from toy to toy, her seriousness when she's at a task is the best. We spend a lot of time in the playroom, but she does love her mommy dates to 'Ta-Get'. :)

 

The Christmas Tree

We went back to Cox Farms this year to get our Christmas tree despite the fact that it's not a you-pick. It's still a huge operation with tons of fun for the kiddos, hot chocolate and even s'mores by the fireplace!

The next morning we decorated and only lost one ornament to the littlest monster.

LOVE this time of year!! :)

New York City

For Thanksgiving this year we rode the train up to New York with Mimi and Grandpa to spend a few days there and see the Macy's Day Parade! Aunt Whitney met us for a few of those days as well. The train ride was a blast for the kiddos and Derek and I liked the extra leg room compared to an airplane. While in NY we visited Central Park, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Sak's 5th Avenue light show and several yummy restaurants. We were SO lucky to have a reserved spot for the parade thanks to some contacts and for the fact that it was 50 degrees. It was the perfect length and the kids loved every second! Our Thanksgiving meal was at Ruth's Chris and absolutely delicious. Like I needed rolled out of the restaurant after it was over because I was so full. Everything went off perfectly except for the 9/11 Museum and I wouldn't recommend that for young kids. There just wasn't enough 'entertaining' stuff there to look at for their ages!

Here are some pictures!