Christmas Town 2011

We went to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens twice this year. The first time Grandma and Grandpa were here and the weather was beautiful! At night it was mid-50's and we could get away with light jackets. Such an improvement over last year when we were freezing in the snow and over the second time we went (no pictures from that night) when it was raining and 40. YUCK! As always, the gardens were beautiful and going was the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.

Cousin Christmas

Heidi, Jeff, and the girls came out to celebrate Christmas a few weeks early since we were going to be gone most of December. Grandma and Grandpa were already here for Thanksgiving so they got to join in the fun with the girls (and Carter). Great minds thought alike for Christmas this year and all the girls got new dress up clothes. Heidi, knowing Carter well, got Carter a few new Cars 2 cars and he was in heaven. We love that we are so close and get to see the girls as often as we do.

Princess and Prince Birthday Party

Addie and Carter's friend Brianna turned three and had a prince and princess birthday party.  She encouraged all the children to dress up and then had Cinderella come to read to them and help with the party.  To say it was a hit would be an understatement.  Addie followed Cinderella around the whole night in awe that she was there and Carter and a blast with his buddies terrorizing all of the wonderful art projects Kendre had put together.  We all had a great time and you can just imagine what Addie wants for her next birthday...

The prince (or rather knight) and his princess

Oh my word Cinderella is here!

The birthday girl

Thanksgiving Parties

Addie and Carter both got to enjoy Thanksgiving parties this year.  Addie's teacher organized her 20 kindergartners and taught them several super cute songs.  The kids were darling and dressed as either Pilgrims or Indians (which I volunteered to make... dyed t-shirts in a bucket, cut them up, got carpal tunnel, never again!).  Here's Addie with some of her friends celebrating the day.

Carter also had an in class celebration.  He opted out of singing most of the songs (he "just didn't want to") but enjoyed the snack afterward and the time to play with his friends.

Taking it to the Ice

Addie has been dying to try everything and so this winter we gave ice skating a try.  I had pretty low expectations but she did awesome!  She was in the beginner class and was able to actually glide a little by the end of the five weeks.  She showed no fear, hardly fell, and loved it.  We may have a skater on our hands over here!

Happy Halloween!

ARR MATEY!  Happy Halloween from our house to yours.  We were finally home for the first time in three years and the kids got to enjoy running around the neighborhood with their friends.  A perfect evening!

Addie's First Field Trip

Addie's class along with 10 other Kindergarten classes in Hampton Roads went to the pumpkin patch today.  Henry was able to take off work and go with her and you will have to ask him what it was like going on a field trip with a ton of moms in mini vans.  My favorite quote from the day was, "a mom in a mini van just got pulled over for trying to speed over the bridge to catch back up with the bus as if she would never be invited back to another field trip if she wasn't directly behind the bus at all times."  Yikes!  Maybe I'm glad I sat this one out.  Addie had a great time though and that's all that matters.