Visiting Santa

We went to have Breakfast with Santa last weekend to pick out our annual Angel Tree ornaments.  On the way to see Santa, I was reminded what an unselfish little boy we have.  I was asking him what he was going to ask Santa for this Christmas and he couldn’t think of a single thing.  After a few minutes of prodding, he finally came up with a pirate ship.  Once we got to church, he went to sit on Santa’s lap, told him about the pirate ship and then we selected an ornament off the tree of a four year old little boy.  Later that evening, we went to the store so Dalton could pick out a present for the little boy we adopted for Christmas.  He, of course, settled on getting him a pirate ship even though he knew that the gift wasn’t for him, but for a little boy that we would probably never meet.  There were no fits, no tears, no nothing the next morning when we took the wrapped gift up to church to place under the tree that Santa would visit again so he could deliver the gift to all the Angel Tree kids.  I hope that he always has such a kind and giving spirit.

Here is a picture of Dalton with Santa.  Addie is not in the picture because we were only able to get one picture with her in it and I wouldn’t want to spoil the Christmas card surprise that should be appearing in your mailbox in the next few days.  :)

An evening under the stars!

A few weeks ago, my best friend of more than 13 years and adopted “Aunt Jess” to Dalton and Addie came to visit.  She recently purchased an amazing telescope to help rekindle her love for the stars she had as a child.  She brought the telescope to our house in hopes to ignite that some passion for the stars in Dalton that she has.  I’m pretty sure it must have worked because he has asked several times when she is bringing her telescope back.  Even at four and a half years old, he patiently listened to her on how to use the telescope, some fun facts about the stars and the planets, a mini lesson on how to use a star map and has since asked me numerous questions….all to which I reply “Sounds like a good question to call and ask Aunt Jess.”

Getting a quick lesson on use before we move outside.

 

Looking at the stars.

It was pretty cloudy that night, so we didn’t get to see much.  But Dalton still thought it was pretty cool.  He is looking forward to going to Aunt Jess’s house soon and learning more about our amazing universe.

Enjoying our brand new library!

 

Our new library has been open for a few months now and the kids LOVE going to story time each week.  The children’s section is huge and closed off from the rest of the library which means they are free to run and squeal through the aisles of books.

 

The two little ones enjoying the crayons with a friend.

 

Instrument day for the older kids.  Dalton was so excited that he got to play the drums.

Mrs. Claudia has done such a wonderful job with the story time program since taking over about a year ago.  Unfortunately, she is taking a full class load at one of the local colleges in the area next semester and will not be able to continue.  I am currently trying to convince my neighbor to take on the job for the next semester so story time does not have to stop.  She used to head up the children’s program at the library on base and would be a perfect fit for the job.  (Hint, Hint Jeri if you are reading this.)  We sure will miss Mrs. Claudia, but we are also so excited that she is fulfilling a lifelong goal of getting her degree even though it is later in life than she hoped.

Enjoying the outdoors

After our almost 60 days of over 100 degree temperatures this summer, we had about one week of wonderful weather where we were able to get out and enjoy the outdoors. 

Playing ball in the backyard.

 

Eagerly awaiting snack time.

Soaking up some sun in the swings.

Swinging with my best bud…as long as he is not playing with MY toys that is.

Playing follow the leader in the tunnels.

“Wait for me!”

“You go first.”   “No, no, you go first.”

“Okay, I went first…but don’t step on me.”

Getting up close and personal with a spider at the zoo.

Dalton wasn’t scared at all.

Feeding the fish at the zoo.

“That is one big hippo!”

None of the kids seemed to be bothered by the fact that snake would have eaten them if it could have gotten to them.

Hanging out with the elephant.

Fishing in the Tot Spot.

Riding the train.  I guess I failed to get a picture of my kiddos on the train, but this was a cute one of our little buddy.

Enjoying the fish at the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Wondering when we can go home so we can take a nap while at the Tea Gardens.

We took Daddy with us to the zoo on his day off.  Addie was not enjoying the goats.

Dalton really wanted his picture taken with the bald eagle.

Watching the birds.  She has to make sure she is doing anything and everything her older brother is doing.

“Come on people!  I have the map.  I know which way to go.”

More fishing at the Tot Spot.  As you can see, no matter how often we go…the zoo never seems to get old for our two.

Peeking in on the prairie dogs.

Watching the “bock bocks” .

That thing is in need of a serious hair cut.

Showing Addie the ropes on the lily pad path.

Cotton candy and a train ride…who could ask for more?

Strolling along the Tea Gardens.  She sure does love her daddy.

Say cheese!

Watching “tornados” in the water.  Dalton was fascinated by the tornados that were created near the filtration system drains.

Hopefully this cold weather that has been hanging around lately will be short lived so we can get back out and let these kids burn off some energy.  I am learning I am not cut out to stay indoors all day long with three little ones running circles around my feet.  Perhaps we may have to start frequenting some of the various fast food places with indoor playscapes if this weather hangs around much longer.

Sibling Love

Dalton and Addie get along great for the most part, but it is even better when you catch these moments on camera.  Here is a cute one of them just hanging out together in Addie’s room.

Budding Artist

Since Addie has never been in a formal Mom’s Day Out setting or daycare, I’ve decided that it is important for me to create some of the opportunities at home that she would be getting from these programs.  Lately, I have been more dedicated to having story time for her each day before naps, singing songs, learning animals and their sounds, and having craft time.  This past week was our first time to pull out the paints and boy did she love it. 

As you can see, most of her masterpiece is neatly painted on the table rather than her paper.

No art project would be complete without sampling your materials, in this case…..the paint.

Up next week….fun with playdough!  Hopefully I can keep her from eating it, but I’m not counting on it.  They make almost all that stuff non-toxic anyway right?!?

First Ponytail

Addison’s first ponytail. Her mother was so excited. 

Marathon

Wow I can’t believe how late I am writing this.  Nobody tell Crystal that I am just now putting this up here!  She successfully ran the Rock N Roll Marathon here in San Antonio on November 15th.  That’s 26.2 miles!  It got pretty warm by the end of the day and the humidity felt more like Houston, but she did really well.  The kids and I went to the Alamo (2 miles in) and waited for all the runners to come. 

After that we went to a couple of other spots along the course hoping to see Crystal run by.  Dalton was very supportive of all the runners. 

Addie tried to be but she was tuckered out. 

Crystal finished very strong and said she had enough energy to keep going.  You can tell by the smile on her face she felt pretty good.

Now that she has reached her goal of running a marathon, she’s broadening her horizons.  She has signed up for a triathlon in May.  (I’m pretty sure she’s going to run the San Antonio marathon again next year too.) 

A BIG special thanks to everyone who helped her fundraise!  Couldn’t have done it without you!