Polar Express

While we were in the mountains for Christmas we took a ride on the Polar Express. We were able to keep it a surprise until the day we were going. I bought the kids new pajamas just for this special occasion. It was a little rainy and we had a little blood sugar drama but other than that it was great!

We enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate brought to us by dancing waiters. On the way to the North Pole we listened to the Polar Express story. The hobo came strolling by to wish us a Merry Christmas. Of course Santa came by to see if we had been good this year and give each child as special gift. On the way back to the train depot we sang Christmas carols and the kids were dancing in the aisle!

Cole and Adrienne had a great time and I think we may have to do it again next year!

Piano Recital

Cole and Adrienne had their piano recital in early December. Cole played We Three Kings with his group and Adrienne played Away in a Manger with hers. Cole was excited and confident with his song. Adrienne was very nervous which is typical for her in these situations. She was so excited afterwards and told me "Mommy I did it! I did what Mrs. Jan told me to do" Mrs. Jan had worked hard with Adrienne building her confidence and letting her know she could do it.

I am so proud of both of them for practicing every day and doing their best with piano. I only wish I had as much talent as they do!

Christmas Fun

I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. I have so many December posts to catch up on but I think I will go ahead and give you a glimpse of our Christmas.

Cole and Adrienne were up bright and early to open presents from us on Christmas Eve.

We spent the day playing with all of our gifts and cooking our Christmas Eve dinner. After dinner we went to Christmas Eve service at church. We made it home in time to put out cookies for Santa and food for the reindeer. 

 

 

Our Crazy Life

I have many pictures and stories to post but have not found the time lately. I guess these are a few reasons why I haven't had much time.

Santa Train

Living Christmas Tree

Piano Recital

Disney on Ice

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Play

Christmas in the mountains

Polar Express

Christmas party with friends (Adrienne says they are our family too)

Cole and Adrienne singing at a nursing home

We have slowed down this week and have moved on to baking Christmas goodies, gingerbread houses, watching Christmas movies, and reading all of our Christmas books. We do have one more performance on Wednesday night for the kids Christmas Musical and I can't wait to watch them.

I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season as much as we are!

Living Christmas Tree

Six performances in four days!

Cole and Adrienne are exhausted but they enjoyed every second of singing in the Living Christmas Tree this year. All the kids did an amazing job singing with all of their hearts.

Now time to get ready for the kids Christmas Musical on December 21st!!

Happy Unbirthday Adrienne

While we were on our trip to Washington Adrienne finally got the birthday present she had been waiting for since June. The American Girl Store in Washington did not open until after her birthday but we promised her a trip there. She was so excited to be there and of course has made a Christmas list a mile long. I will admit I was just as excited as she was to be there.

Weekend Trip

We took a quick trip to D.C. the weekend before Thanksgiving. We walked a lot of miles and did not even see a third of what we wanted to see. The kids have a map of the area and they are already planning where we will go on the next trip.

If you are ever in the Washington D.C area make sure you eat at Old Ebbitt Grill. I am still craving the Trout Parmesan I had for lunch.

Happy Thanksgiving

It may be a couple of days late but that is how we work around here.

Here are a few Thanksgiving observations

CVS has great deals on Thanksgiving Day.

Adrienne HATES turkey.

Cole learned he LOVES turkey legs. 

Sweet Potato pie is crack to my kids.

If you leave paint cans outside a bunch of cousins may decide to take it into the woods and paint a tree.

The day after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich is the best!

Always make sure you have enough mayo for that sandwich or while everyone else is grabbing up Black Friday deals you will be buying mayo.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Happy Birthday Cole

Today Cole turns 10....double digits. It hurts my heart a little to say that number. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital.

He brings so much joy to our family.

He loves his Daddy and wants to be just like him.

He takes care of his baby sister in such a sweet, gentle way.

He is a Momma's boy.

He has such a big heart for those less fortunate than him.

He loves music.

He dreams of being President one day.

Words can not begin to express the love I have for that little big boy!

Happy Birthday Cole!

Brownies

This year Adrienne has moved up to Brownies. She is enjoying all the fun things they have done so far this year like a trip to Stagville, Halloween Party, and all the fun meetings. They had a ceremony a couple of weeks ago and Adrienne read in front of everyone. If you know Adrienne you know this is her worst nightmare. She did great and I am so proud of her for facing her fears.

One of the best things about Brownies is having a sweet friend to enjoy it all with!!

Pumpkin Time

The day before Halloween we carved the pumpkin. Every year we get them each a pumpkin to paint and one pumpkin for us to carve together. Next year we are going to have to get two pumpkins because they are both getting interested in making their own face for the pumpkin. We had to compromise this year so Adrienne did eyes and nose and Cole did the mouth.

Cole working hard on his pumpkin mouth.

They always have their "you didn't tell me you were going to kill it" moment

Adrienne loves every second of "cleaning out the guts" but Cole is more than grossed out!

Happy Halloween

Homeschool Helps

I am five years into this homeschool journey and still learning my way.

Here are a few of my new favorites that we are enjoying!

Charlotte Mason - Outdoor Secrets
 We are enjoying reading these short stories together. The stories we are doing now all have to do with apples. Some of the activities we have done are visit the farmers market, find the star in the apple, tasting different kinds of apples, and we visited the apple orchard in August.

Picture Study in a Jar
This is a great sitting around eating breakfast/lunch activity. We have small prints of famous paintings and questions in a jar. The kids loved the Art Museum so we are running with that and trying to get them looking at famous artwork and paying attention to the details.

30 minutes of quiet time after lunch!
My kids are long removed from the napping stage but I have found we all need a little quiet time in the afternoon. They are allowed to read or draw during this time. Of course everyone goes to a different room to make it work.

NC State Fair

Thursday morning I loaded up the kids and headed to the fair. It was perfect fair weather 65 degrees and breezy. We had a fun morning of games and rides. My kids take after their mommy so they stick to the kiddy rides. Poor Adrienne looked like she wanted to hurl on the swings but when she got off she said she loved it.

Cole took this picture to show Daddy that you can get deep friend ANYTHING!! The whole deep fried thing was gross to my picky eater.

On our way out of the fair the kids got caramel apples which is the only "fair food" they want.

Of course I did not get a picture of the most memorable thing at the fair for them this year......a girl catching cow poop in a bucket! They were amazed that anyone would stand behind a cow and do that. I would have to agree with them on that one.

Fall Festival

Sunday was the perfect ending to our busy weekend. We left the mountains around 8:30 Saturday night so we could be back for Homecoming and Fall Festival at church on Sunday. The service was wonderful with all three services together for one service and the weather was perfect for the Fall Festival.

The kids were exhausted from traveling so late Saturday night but that did not stop them from having a great time with their friends. Adrienne kept it pretty low key this year with face painting, a caricature, and a pony ride. Cole of course was going 100mph and did every activity out there at least twice.  It was such a fun day for all of us.....now if we could just find time for a nap!!