Children's Museum

If you know me at all, you know that I am not a big fan of museums, especially ones focused on children. But our last visit to the Children's Museum in St. Paul was actually pretty fun. It was very quiet, which helped, and Millie was older so I wasn't nearly as terrified when she was out of sight. Millie's favorite part of our visit? Going to the Candy Land store, a candy store down the street from the museum, for a sucker. Figures. 

In Peter Rabbit's house in the Story Book exhibit. 

Making "snow angels" in The Snowy Day. It looks more like a giant ice monster is about to swallow our girls.

DIY face painting.

Elliot gets a little help from Mom.

It's never too early to do some career research.

Petting Petunia the rat. Notice Petunia running for her life.

Elliot's birthday party

This time last year, we were all freezing our patooties off at Elliot's birthday party, which includes skating at Langford Park. This year, it was sunny and warm, Elliot was upright on his fancy new skates, and no one was in a hurry to get inside.

Look Ma', no coat!

Opi's got him.

Skating!

Or not...

I'm ok!

Christmas loot

Santa is a very busy man, but he is nothing if not efficient. In order to deliver all those toys to all those girls and boys, he spreads his travels over a few days. It would just be too stressful to try and fit it all into one night. It's a big world, after all, and Santa's already over-worked heart cannot handle any unnecessary stress. 

So first, he shows up at our house. And Millie is ready. 

She asked for a Minnie costume and was please to see that Santa got the memo, even though she kept forgetting to send him a list. Thank goodness he has WiFi. 

What's in here? 

Why it's Kitt Kittredge, American Doll!

And we're off to Iowa. 

All dressed up for present opening! 

Grandma, Grandpa, and a whole boatload of grandkids (missing Abbie who is currently studying in Austria). 

Dancing outside with Dru in the Christmas heatwave. 

Barefoot coffee on the front porch. Merry Christmas!

Playing Hedbandz with Aunt Allison and Dru. 

The idea was for Dru and Millie to sleep in our room. But Millie kicked Dru out when he couldn't contain his excitement. 

Our newest addition!

It was finally time to add to our family. Just before Christmas we adopted a tiny, 10 week old Shitzu and Dachshund mix rescue puppy. She was named Skyy (yes, after the vodka) but I chose Ivy instead.

We surprised Millie with Ivy a day after returning from Iowa, where we had spent Christmas weekend. She was delighted, but it's been a tough transition. I don't know how you moms do it when both kids want something from you at the same time. Millie has been especially needy and tired from being at Spanish Camp all day, so between that and letting Ivy out every hour while she is being potty trained, I am exhausted and a bit stressed but it's been really, really fun. Ivy is adorable, sweet and cuddly. She plays hard and then crashes for hours, preferably while touching some part of you. She has been sleeping through the night with her head on our pillows and has had very few accidents in the house. She walks nicely along side me and seems to be responding very well to simple commands like "no bite!"

We are very excited about Ivy joining our family. I hope she gets to meet all of you soon.

Crazy Kids

I love our crazy kids.

Halloween Week

Evidently, Halloween lasts for at least a week when you have a four year old. The festivities began last weekend with a Halloween themed birthday party, then Zoo Boo, Kowalski's and Byerly's Boo Bashes, Preschool trunk or treat, the yearly pumpkin party at Rumspringa, and finally, the actual Halloween night party and trick or treating. It's was all a blast, but I must admit I woke up this morning relieved to be done with the cupcake costume for a while.

Let the gluttony begin. Cupcakes at B's birthday party.

With princess Eve and prince Graham at preschool. By the way, Eve is five days younger than Millie. I guess I have a shorty.

Drawing faces on lollipop ghosts.

Face painting at Byerly's. 

Pumpkin carving at Coco's farm.

What I was doing while they were busy carving. 

In the hay stacks. 

Some festive mini cupcakes. 

With David at our pre-tricking party. 

The astronaut, the cop, and the cupcake. 

Our motley crew.