Christmas!

Snow Globes

Last Friday we made snow globes and learned to spin the dreidel  in Patrick's classroom. Spending time with those kids is the highlight of my week.

Spirit Week

Every day leading up to Patrick's Christmas vacation had a different theme: crazy hair, mismatched shoes etc. Madeline took charge of crazy hair day with her hair chalk; we loved the theme the boys chose for "twinsie" day.

Cookie Party

Madeline and I hosted a cookie party last Sunday. The girls quickly switched out my boring holiday tunes for "happy" on repeat on the iPad. Princess costumes soon followed.

Good Citizens

I don't think I have a happier memory this holiday season than of watching Patrick and Madeline filling bags for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Madeline loved choosing items for 5-year-old girls; every bag had a beautiful doll. Patricks' bags bulged with Lego sets. 

Pageant

Our sixth Abra Christmas play. We know every word. It never fails to delight.

Trimming the Tree

An Elfin Arrival

Just in time for December 1!

Thanksgiving Scenes

Mystery Readers

Donald read Peyton and Eli Manning's book "Family Huddle." The boys were riveted.

We made pilgrim boats for our craft

Turkey Trot

Post trot

Football Fun

Cheers!

Disney Thrills

I nearly expired after the Star Wars virtual reality ride but Patrick LOVED it--and all of the other roller coasters and thrills at Disney World. Splash Mountain was a favorite. We rode it at least 5 times in spite of the chilly weather.

The Teacups. One spin was plenty for me.

Splash Mountain

Space Mountain

Back on Splash Mountain with Uncle Greg and Aunt Melissa

The Tomorrowland Peoplemover... My kind of ride.

Pure Magic

Madeline told me her favorite part of Disney World was the song they sing before the park opens. Mickey pulls up on a train, Elsa and Anna are on board, and they welcome "ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls" to the "Happiest Place on Earth!" She was captivated by it, and all of the little shows that go on all day, all over the park and the millions of magical touches, from the mirror that shows you what you look like in ALL the princess dresses to Aladdin's spitting camel to the pixie dust they sprinkled in our hair at the Frozen shop.

Mirror, mirror....

Patrick had a great time, but I think Madeline was at exactly the right age for the trip to be true magic. Each morning of our trip she carefully combed her hair, knowing we'd be encountering a Princess at some point during the day. Our shy girl found her courage to march up to them and ask for an autograph, give a hug, and pose for a picture. It was magic for us, too.

A hug for Merida

Talking hair care with Rapunzel

BFFs

She waited patiently in line for the chance to chat with Cinderella's fairy godmother.