The American Girl Dolls Store Experience

For a special treat for Mia's birthday, we took her to the American Girl Doll store in DC.  It was awesome.  The store is amazing! 

That day, they had a card craft in the store. 

Pax did not participate

He spent a good amount of time on the floor apparently....

 

 

Mia made a card for her Grandma

As a special treat, Mia got matching outfits for her and her American girl doll.

The Legend of St. Nicholas Book Review

 

This is a wonderful book that tells the story of St Nick.  It starts with a young boy (Nick) who is doing some last minute Christmas shopping.  He isn't exactly thrilled and would much rather receive gifts than give them.  While shopping, Nick overhears a Santa at the mall retelling the story of St. Nicholas. 
The story tells of St Nicholas as a boy and told how his tradition of giving gifts began. His story talked about the compassion young St. Nick had for the less fortunate, and wanted to bring them some happiness. It was a great story and a great way to get kids to understand the importance of helping others and that it is better to give than to receive.
I thought the book had great illustrations that are very colorful.  My kid's only complaint was that the santa was "skinny".
Overall, I really loved this book and would highly recommend it. 

Ice Skating Lessons

In September, my kids started ice skating lessons.  Mia LOVES it and now wants to be a Princess on Ice.  Paxton likes it once he is there.  He likes to run and fall, but then gets mad when his pants get wet and his legs hurt.  It's fun though and great exercise.  Since I'm so late with this post....we've completed our first series and Mia skipped 2 classes!  Pax moved up to the next class.

Helmets for safety

 

First lesson

 

 

I can't believe how fast they are learning!  It's really awesome to watch!

Mia's Bday Party -Frozen on Ice

Mia celebrated her 6th birthday last month.  Clearly, I'm a little late with the pictures.  It was a frozen themed party and of course, Mia was Elsa.  It was  a great time, but definitely a lesson learned.  That lesson is...don't invite children who have never skated and whose parents will not be skating.  Chris and I had kids on each arm taking turns around the rink and it was exhausting!  But...the kids had fun so I guess that's all that matters.

 

Here's Chris with 2 kids

Raini and her Dad and Paxton

Mia and Pax

Mia and Chris

Nicholas did great!

Pax fell on purpose.  He liked to run and slide on the ice.

Mia and Ava.  Mia didn't need the walker, but she liked to use it to go fast.

 

So happy some parents stayed to join in the festivities.

Matthew was ready for pizza and cake!

Mia, Leo, Nicholas, Ava, and Ella

 

Cake

Happy 6th Birthday Mia

 

 

 

Dear Mia,

Words cannot express the love we have for you.  You are smart, beautiful, sweet (a little bossy) and super loving.  You always try to help others and care for those who need help.  Right now, you still love the Disney Princesses, especially Anna and Elsa from Frozen.  You love music, but you do not like "loud" music (unless it's Pat Benetar's Hit Me with Your Best Shot or the theme song from Rocky).  Your favorite color is Pink and you love dolls and stuffed animals.  You like pizza with light sauce and most vegetables (especially carrots and broccoli). 

I love you and can't wait to see all that you learn this year in kindergarten. 

Love always,
Mommy

Mixed Emotions

Sorry I've been a little MIA lately.  I've had a lot going on.  I know I still need to post pictures from Mia's bday party and the pumpkin patch and everything else that we've done, but instead, I find myself in a position of not wanting to write.  Usually, writing has been my outlet, but lately, I've just been so overwhelmed.  You see, my Dad was my "person" and now, without him, I'm a little lost. 
Yesterday, my stepmother put my Dad and her house on the market.  We expected it to take a while to sell, but....it sold...yesterday...after 1 day.  While this is good of course, it's also sad.  It's the house my Dad had built to retire in.  The house that he planned to grow old in.  Ultimately, its the house that he instead, died in.  He never really got to enjoy it.  So, now, I'm traveling to FL to help pack in a few weeks.  I have no idea how I'm going to do it. So, for now, I'm sorry to be a little absent.  I'm hoping at some point, I'll be able to write again and share fun pictures and stories. 

Book Review: Love Letters from God

I received this book free for my honest opinion.

Love Letters from God is a fantastic book.  There are almost 20 beautifully illustrated bible stories- each on a two page spread.  With each story has a letter from God to your child.  It is really sweet.  I love the way you lift the flap to the letter.  The artwork is also great!   
The titles she chooses and the way the stories/letters are worded is very appealing to kids of every age.  The stories start include Genesis, David's trust in God, the birth of Jesus, the lost sheep, and The Tiny Tax Collector.  I absolutely love this book and will enjoy reading it to my children.

Book Review: Best Party Book Ever!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review...

With young kids ages 4 and 6, I am always looking for new creative ideas.  While pinterest is great, you can't beat having an actual book with all of the information you need at your fingertips.  The book is great as it is broken up into different sections (birthday parties, holiday parties, etc.).  There are a lot of beautiful pictures and great recipes and craft ideas.  It's a one stop shop!  It has everything you need to know about throwing a kids party and has a lot of fun and creative ideas.  I really enjoyed flipping through this book and found a lot of new ideas that I'm excited to try!  Overall, I would highly recommend this to a mom with a girl(s).