Christmas Sing

Kate has been practicing her Christmas songs for months now.  And today her day to shine finally arrived; it was the Covenant United Methodist Preschool's Annual Christmas Sing.   Kate was beside herself with excitment.  She practically skipped down the center aisle to her front row stage seat.   (Notice the orange heart sticker on her sweater; that is her self-appointed good luck charm for the day.)

 This shot is so blurry, I almost didn't even include it.  However, you can still see her about to burst she is so excited!

 And well now, 8 songs in, she's not so trilled anymore.  Is it time for cookies yet?

A Baker in the Making

Kate loves her baking projects with Mom.  So much in fact, that she asks to bake almost everyday.  Santa brought her an early Christmas present this year:  an apron of her own.  Now she can be just like Mommy when she bakes.   And we had the perfect project to use her new apron for:  gingerbread men cookies!   

 

 And Kate even does the dishes!

Santa Train

Last year my sister-in-law, Debbie, introduced us to the Santa Train.  It's an older train in Walkersville, MD, that does about an hour long ride (very slow moving I might add).  The kids love being on a train, and this train ride is even more exciting because Santa makes a grand appearance. 

 

We were so impressed with how personable Santa was last year; he spent a good amount of time talking to each of kids.  It was a highlight last Christmas, so we decided to go back again this year. 

                      

Here the kids are eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival! And I must say, Santa did not disappoint.  I really love this Santa.  Kate told me today that a "fake" Santa came to her school.  I asked her how she knew he was fake?  She said because the real Santa was on the train, Mommy!"

Here is Santa trying to explain the intricacies of getting a rocking horse down a chimney.  Daddy had to remind Santa that we didn't have a chimney.  This news made Santa very happy, as he explained it is much easier when he gets to use the front door. 

Of course, it was a lot of fun to just go on a train ride too.  Nathan was more interested in the trees going by than he was in Santa.  I hope the kids remember these things when they get older.  Christmas is really magical when the kids are little.

Make a Wish, Little One

Kate has so much personality.  At times she can be quite challenging, but days like today remind me of how precious she truly is.  She brings a wonderful perspective to our family.  She embraces moments of absolute joy.  She savors every detail of a beautiful life.  I hope I can take a lesson from this Little One with whom God has graced our family.    

Kate loves to blow dandelion wishes.  Josh did a fantastic job capturing her one of her favorite pastimes .

 

We love you, Little One!

Goodbye Autumn...Hello Christmas

I was able to capture the last few moments of fall before the cold air blew in for good.  One day last week, Josh took advantage of the nice weather and took Kate outside for a few minutes of kite flying. Kate is actually airborne in the first photo. 

A friend of ours lives in an older neighborhood with the most beautiful red maple trees.  We snapped a few photos knowing the leaves were going to drop to the ground in the next few days.  And I was right, by the weekend they were gone.  :(

Yesterday, Josh and I bundled the kids up after dinner and headed out the CVS parking lot to see the official lighting of the Montgomery Village Christmas tree.  There were musicians playing holiday carols and families huddled together in the cold singing along.  The tree was lit and the kids were in awe.  Moments after Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived for a surprise visit with the kids.  Kate was excited to see them, but very perplexed at where the reindeer and sleigh were parked.  Not to mention that Santa looks 25 and so fake.  Nothing gets past Kate!  (Sorry about the poor picture quality.)