A Visit with the Fat Man

We took Leah and Hunter to see Santa for the first time. Our initial attempt this season was unsuccessful; we happened to time it for Santa's break, and considering the sheer number of kids in the play area next to Santa's station in addition to where we were in his break (at the beginning of it), we decided to try again the next day.

So, Tuesday morning (last week), despite the steady snowfall outside, we again headed to the mall in the hopes of meeting St. Nick (or at least his helper). We hadn't told the kids what we were going to do; we wanted to surprise them. So when we returned to the same place as the night before, they were a bit disappointed... until we took a few more steps and asked, "Who's that over there?" "Santa!" came the excited reply.

The timing was perfect: absolutely no line, no waiting. As the kids were getting ready to approach, Leah turned to me saying, "I'm feeling a little shy. Don't leave me, Mommy," so I accompanied her and Hunter and helped them get situated on Santa's lap (but not before Leah suddenly overcame her shyness and gave Santa a big hug). I don't think the kids ever really told Santa what they wanted, not because Santa didn't try, but because he was trying to get them to smile and put them at ease. Hunter didn't smile much; he was so serious (though he's not a serious boy), but Leah was all smiles.

Now the bigger challenge is communicating that Santa isn't, well, you know, real. We don't celebrate Santa, even though we do like to talk about him and how he's fun to pretend, but Leah informed me the other night that Santa's going to bring her lots of toys for Christmas and fill her stocking. Hmmm, how do we combat this challenge?

November Mornings (Photos)

We had a lot of smoothies for breakfast in November. What does that mean? Plenty of smoothie mustache pictures!

Hunter had to one up Leah by adding the smoothie eyebrow, too.

Look at that mustache!

And after breakfast, a little fun in mommy's robe. Presenting the two-headed monster!

Christmas Spirit

In lieu of Black Friday shopping, we spent the day decorating for Christmas. Much more fun, especially with my two little elves. They were thrilled to help, especially when they found "their" decorations (trees for their rooms, stuffed animals to play with).

Their excitement carried over to the next day when Scott brought home a tree. We couldn't decorate it until after dinner, so the kids entertained themselves in an effort to wait patiently for me to finish a few things in the kitchen. And just what did they do? Why, they played Santa, of course!

Leah converted the baby doll stroller into a sleigh, attached a couple of "reindeer", and place the Hunter in the "sleigh" before pushing him along the floor. I'm still not sure which one was Santa, though.

Finally, it was time to decorate the tree. Ahhh, every parent knows what that's like! We cranked up the Christmas music, unloaded the ornaments, and let the kids have at it. My heart still warms at the memory of the sight of Leah and Hunter piling all of the ornaments in one or two sections on the lower branches, then adding even more, despite the boughs touching the floor, or the memory of Leah moving her cat ornament next to a pink light, or that of Hunter asking me to take the hook off his John Deere tractor ornament so that he could play with it (FYI he's now added that to his toy collection). Ahhhh, the joy of Christmas through my children's eyes. What a blessing!

Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving with family (and) friends, as per our tradition. There were several new guests this year, which was a nice addition, especially since it meant that many more kids for Leah and Hunter to play with. Though I didn't get to visit as much as I would have liked (I had to keep an eye on both kids, and feed Hunter whenever I could sneak a bite in), but it was still an enjoyable evening (Scott had to work, so he couldn't join us for the festivities).

My highlights for the night included:

*Before the grace, everyone went around, introduced himself, and shared one thing he was grateful for. When it was Leah's turn, she fearlessly said (while waving), "Hi everyone! My name is Leah, and I'm thankful for my baby brother!" Ahhh, melted my heart!

*Unlike his big sister, Hunter didn't want anything to eat except green beans and a roll. Seriously? This entire delicious spread of delectables and that's it?! Well, I loaded up his plate with a roll, green beans, a little turkey, and some noodles, thinking he'd at least try the last two. Nope. That boy ate only the roll. I tried feeding him some beans later, but that was unsuccessful: he took one bite, scrunched up his face in distaste (maybe because they were cold by then?), and then said he was done. Later, when he asked for dessert, I managed to get some other food in him (prior to dessert); I peeled a couple clementines, and fed them to him one-by-one. Some he came over and got, and others, well, I fed them to him while he was laying in the dress-up clothes bench. Yes, you read that correctly. The kids had emptied out the bench, and Hunter had climbed inside. He was just lying there, closing and opening the lid on himself, so I'd walk over, hand him an orange segment or two, and then walk back to the table to visit for a bit. At least he ate something!

I'm thankful for so many things that the good Lord has blessed us with. What an awesome way to begin the Christmas season than by praising and worshiping God for His abundant grace and blessings!

Thankful

A little stream of consciousness writing (for those literary buffs out there) about the many things for which I'm thankful (in no particular order): Loving, hardworking easygoing hubby. Imaginative creative playful fun focused intelligent loving helpful kind beautiful Leah. Daring snugly playful silly goofy intelligent all-boy mimic charming Hunter. Crisp fall days and spring-like fall days. Fires in the fireplace-- on those cold winter-like nights. Feeling better (finally!) and more like myself. My LORD and Saviour who makes all things new-- all days new-- author of life Creator gracious merciful just loving righteous holy perfect MY EVERYTHING. Home that needs upkeep updates maintenance. Healthy food and chance to make lifestyle changes improvements. Happy everyday unplanned relaxed moments with the kids. Being a full-time mommy--- free from the distractions of outside work (job). Friends (who says blood is thicker than water?) in Christ who love me in spite of my many failings and imperfections. Who are solid true trustworthy and reliable. My prayer warriors! For my parents and in-laws: their faith, generosity, love by example, consistency, genuineness.

For all these blessings and so many more, I thank You, Lord.

#9

Happy Anniversary to my hubs! Last month we celebrated nine years together as husband and wife. And just how did we celebrate? By taking the kids to Arby's, of course! (We did have a kid-free date night earlier in the month. It was a celebration of two sorts: an early anniversary dinner, and Scott's successful ranking on the lieutenant's list, which means another promotion in about a year.) Last year we tried someplace else for our anniversary dinner, but it wasn't quite the same; it didn't have the sentimental value that Arby's does (and Scott wasn't that impressed with the food at the other place).

Leah had to take our picture three times to get one without Scott making a face.

Even Leah gave Scott a hard time about not smiling nicely for the picture!

candy. Candy. CANDY!

Last year, we took the kids trick-or-treating at several different places, mainly because they were free family events (and we're all about those!). This year, however, we decided to cut back a bit, not so much because there weren't as many events, but because the kids didn't need so MUCH candy. (We're slowly but surely trying to make some positive and healthy food changes/choices, but that's for another post.) Besides, they still had candy leftover from the 4th of July parade!

Well, despite limiting some of the specific trick-or-treat candy deluge opportunities, the kids still wound up with a ton (and that's after giving some of it away to the trick-or-treaters who stopped by our place). First, there was T-or-T at Wegman's. Leah ran from station to station, greeting each person with a "Happy Trick-or-Treat!". Hunter waddled, stiff-armed, from one station to the next. (I don't think he was sure how to walk in his shark costume.) It was pretty funny watching him, especially since he looked so serious.

Then there was the WSHS Homecoming parade. I knew there would be candy, but I had no idea just how much! Of course, cuteness equates to extra candy, some of it personally delivered (rather than it being jettisoned through the air) to Hunter (along with, "Ahhh, he's so cute!"). Leah was quick on her feet, snatching candy in her vicinity (or Hunter's). By the end of the parade, my pockets were full!

Halloween morning, I took the kids to the library for a costume parade. I didn't know there would be candy; I thought they'd listen to a few stories, maybe make a craft, and then parade around the library in their costumes. Silly, naive, Mommy. Yes, the kids listened to stories, but then the parade involved T-or-T. Yes, more candy (though not THAT much, thankfully).

And of course, do I even need to mention Halloween night? Scott and I both were surprised by the amount the kids collected, especially the number of full-size candy bars they received. Looks like we'll have to do our part to get rid of the candy in the house, too. Oh, the sacrifices we parents make!

We didn't carve pumpkins until two nights before Halloween, mainly because we hadn't had time before then, but the wait was worth it.

Hunter and Leah enjoyed pulling the seeds out (and surprisingly, it wasn't too messy!).

The cat and the bat.

Leah took this photo of her jack-o-lantern. When we took them trick-or-treating, she told everyone about her cat pumpkin. She was so proud of it!

I'm THAT mom who doesn't know how to take a good photo. This was at the library, and where do I stage them? In front of the book drop and next to a trash can. Real classy.

The fairy and the shark are ready to go! Scott and I loved walking around with the kids. Halloween is much more fun living it through our children's eyes.

Staycation Day #3

As I sit here about to write, I can't believe that it's been over a week since our staycation. Funny how the time between then and now has passed so quickly. (Even harder to believe that November starts Friday... but I digress.)

The last day of Scott's week off work (I was so spoiled having him home all week!) culminated in a trip to the Children's Museum in Richmond. The kids and I had ventured there for the first time last spring with friends, so this was the hubs first visit. Aside from the travel to and fro (almost 2 hours to get home!), the trip was worth it, especially since we basically had the museum to ourselves.

First "exhibit"? The carousel, of course! From there, the kids split up, each exploring what suited his/her interest. Leah and I played in the diner, before heading over to the farm exhibit to play with Scott and Hunter. We stopped by the dinosaur dig for a bit, but that didn't hold their attention for too long (surprising since that was a favorite for Leah in the spring). We did make a stop in the art studio; both kids made puppets. Hunter made a dinosaur (picture a paper bag with a section of orange rick-rack glued willy-nilly on it. And that's it.), while Leah made Super Cat, complete with a smile and a cape. (Hers was a bit more elaborate.)

One of my favorite moments with Leah was outdoors, and even then, I was a bystander. Leah was playing in the sandbox with some older kids (elementary age so I'm guessing they're homeschooled). During the course of playing and conversation, the girl said to Leah, "You're nice."
   "Thanks. That's because I love Jesus," Leah replied. My heart WARMED to hear that. Plus, I was so proud of her for speaking so frankly. I can't remember exactly what happened next, but I think Leah might have asked, "Do you love Jesus?"
    From there, the conversation turned to heaven. I couldn't hear the girl, but I did hear Leah's rebuttal: "No, Jesus is building a big house for me." Yeah for Scripture, Bible study, Sunday School, and prayer! Even at 4.5 years old, Leah's learning Truth... and speaking up for it!

Because we were so busy playing and exploring the museum, I didn't take as many photos, but I suppose I don't need that many. After all, the blessing of the day was an overheard conversation that I couldn't have photographed, and that I can treasure in my heart.

They wanted their picture with the pteranadon (or is it a pterodactyl?) in the background (which happens to be Leah's favorite dinosaur).

A little cow milking action.

Leah shows Hunter how it's done.

Rockin' out at the outdoor music station.

Leah enjoyed picking "apples" and dropping them off. She filled her bag two times (ahhh, the beauty of a relatively empty museum-- she had the exhibit all to herself!).

Getting ready to put on a puppet show. Not long after this, Hunter and Leah put on a "show" for a baby (12 months maybe?). The baby girl LOVED it, especially when Leah and Hunter made the puppets kiss her. So cute! 

Playing dress up.

Staycation Day #2

Day #2 of our staycation involved a trek out to Leesburg Animal Park, about an hour's drive away. God blessed us with another beautiful day, which was perfect considering our destination.

The LAP consisted of two activities-- seeing the animals, and exploring Pumpkinville. First stop for us? The animals. Leah and Hunter had a chance to see and pet all sorts of farm and exotic animals: lemurs, tortoises, donkeys, goats, bunnies, sheep, pigs (Leah's favorite), porcupine, servals (or as Leah called them, "the kitties"), gibbons, alpacas, camels, and zebras. Although the kids couldn't pet the exotic animals, they did have a chance to walk around with and pet the farm animals.

After seeing the animals, we took a lunch break before venturing into Pumpkinville. Then it was time to play and explore! Although both kids enjoy jumping on the bed, only Leah wanted to go in the moonbounce. Hunter preferred the giant slide (especially since Daddy went down with him). Then they checked out a giant spiderweb, before we headed over to the pond. Much to our surprise, there was a school of hungry catfish at the pond's edge, feeding. WE couldn't believe the sheer number of them!

We explored the park some more: found a tricycle race track next to the zebras; climbed inside an old, dilapidated bus (which kind of spooked me out!); and discovered a giant pile of hay (much to Leah's delight, especially when she could cover Hunter with it).

Alas, all good things come to an end, and soon it was time to go. But... not without stopping at the gift shop for a little something to remember the day by, and an ice cream treat. While we were sitting at the picnic table enjoying our treats, one of the animal workers came out with a tiny pink kennel, and sat down at the other end of the table. She had two 1.5 week old piglets with her (Stella and Darla)-- too cute! Of course, Leah was THRILLED, especially when she had a chance to pet them. Both little piglets tried climbing out of the bucket, probably in an effort to get to Leah and Hunter's ice cream.

Ahh, what a great way to end "the best day ever!" (according to Leah and Hunter both). 

Leah wasn't afraid at all of the animals. She'd walk right up to them.

I think she was a bit surprised by how coarse the pig's bristles were. She didn't spend much time petting one of her favorite animals.

Hunter, however, was NOT so interested in petting the animals. Apparently the little donkey kept following him around, looking for some love.

Scott to Hunter: "Do you want to stick out your tongue at the camera?" *sigh*

The pirate ship playground.

Enjoying an apple cider break. Yum!

He won't pet the animals or go in the moonbounce, but he'll slide down a giant slide. I don't get it.

Best lookin' fly I've ever seen in a spider's web.

Watching the catfish.

See what I mean about the bus? Spooky! I wouldn't want to ride it!

The only tractor "ride" they took that day.

I tried getting a good photo of the two of them, but you can see how well they cooperated. 

Practicing her pouty face (not sure why).

Peek-a-boo!

 

Stella and Darla-- so stinkin' cute!

In hog heaven! (Couldn't resist!)

Think he enjoyed his Spiderman pop?

Carting home their goodies!