Preschool Christmas Show

William's preschool had their Christmas show on Thursday.  They split all the kids up into classes to do individual presentations.  William sung his little heart out.  They started with the Christian classic "I've Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in My Heart."  then they sang "The Angels Sing:  La La La."  And they had a big finale (with jingle bells) singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."  It was mercifully short and very sweet.  I wish he could continue these Christmas presentations in Kindergarten.

Sean's a Lieutenant!

Sean had his promotion to lieutenant ceremony.  I'm glad I got to be there.  I almost didn't make it.  First of all, I still can't get the timing of getting 2 kids ready for an outing.  William slept in and I couldn't get him out of bed.  I had to dress him like a baby and didn't get to do his hair.  I also didn't have a cute outfit picked out for Charlotte so that took a while going through clothes.  I planned on being there at 8:50am (ceremony starts at 9am), but didn't get out of the door with my kids in tow until 8:55am.  Then, it just happened to be the wettest day of the year.  Pouring rain!  Good thing I curled my hair so it could be soaked while packing kids in the car!  Then, at the base, I couldn't find a parking spot.  I didn't know that they had a spot waiting for me and my cell phone was dead so no one could get a hold of me.  I didn't get into the building until 9:10.  When I walked into the conference room, there were about 30 people standing there, staring and silent.  Awkward!  The captain who was to swear Sean in had left and someone had to go after him to bring him back.  I just wanted to crawl under a rock, I was so embarrassed!  The ceremony was sweet.  William got to hold the Bible and I got to pin Sean's bars on him.  It could have been a nice day, but I was too humiliated to enjoy it.

Hersheypark at Christmas

It's becoming a family tradition to head out to Hersheypark during the Christmas season.  They do such a good job transforming a theme park into a Christmasy chocolate wonderland.  I love it!  This year I got to host all of my family at my house.  It was crowded, cozy fun!

The next day was Charlotte's blessing day.  After church I made lunch and for dessert we had birthday cake for my 33rd birthday.  It's been a long time since I had a birthday party just for me.  It was great!  

 

I hope we can continue this family holiday tradition.

I Hate Nutcrackers!

As a kid, I was irrationally afraid of nutcrackers.  Hated them, wouldn't look at them, didn't want to be near one.  Even now, they give me a creepy vibe and I don't want one in my house.  This commercial confirms my feelings.                               

A Letter to Santa

How sweet is this?!

Dear Santa,
I love you.  I was a good boy this year.  I love Daddy, Charlotte, and Mom.  I love everyone, even Santa!  Pennsylvania is our state.  I hope you know where we live.  I would like a Geo Trax train and Toy Story 1 and 3 movies.  I want real tools and some wood so I can make something with Dad.  And please bring the Laugh and Learn Kitchen for my sister, Charlotte.
Love,
William

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet!

In central Pennsylvania, apparently Halloween is celebrated on different days.  Our township has trick or treat night on the Thursday before Halloween.  Others have it on the Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday.  So lame!  Anyway, William had his preschool Fall Festival and costume parade on Thursday.  Then we got ready for trick or treating.  William was a skeleton, Charlotte was a strawberry, and I was a cat.  Sean was a trooper and stayed home to hand out candy.  William and I hit the streets around our townhouse community.  He was relentless.  By the end of the night, I had to hold his bag for him it was so heavy!  It was a great night. Too bad it was all over by Thursday and very anti climactic for the actual holiday.  Maybe next year we'll "double dip" trick or treat by heading out of town on Halloween.

Field Trip to Paulus Orchards

William had his first field trip with his preschool.  My dad made it just in time to join us.  We went to a family run orchard and pumpkin farm.  A good time was had by all.  The kids learned about how bees pollinate the blossoms on the trees.  Then we hopped in the tractor pulled wagon and headed out to pick the perfect pumpkin.  Then we headed out to the orchards to pick some Red Delicious apples.  After the wagon ride, we were dropped off at a homemade playground with giant tube slides.  Charlotte was excellent by sleeping in her carrier the whole time.  Good ol' farm Fall fun!

Blessings

A small list of blessings:

Beautiful, bright, crisp, Fall weather.

A sweet little baby girl who isn't too fussy.

William, who is such a big help to his new little sister.

My wonderful Mom who was such a big help during the day and all through the night.

An understanding husband who didn't make a big deal about me spending all my time with my mom.

Friends who helped out by bringing us fabulous meals.

An awesome sister with the foresight to take pictures of it all.