Snowflake!

Lena reprises her role as a snowflake in the Nutcracker photo shoot.

Gingerbread Village

Aunt Rebecca sent some gingerbread house kits for the kids.  Some of the walls got nibbled, and the snowmen mysteriously disappeared.  We must have mice, or kids who just can't help themselves.

Christmas Tree!

We decorated our Christmas Tree yesterday.  Holden's technique was to throw things into the tree.  Joseph made sure the front, middle section was covered.  Lena took time to make the Madame Alexander ornaments talk.

Pizza Night!

Joseph places a chair beside the front door so that he knows exactly when the pizza delivery guy arrives.  In the year and a half that we've lived in New York, Joseph has learned that New York pizza trumps frozen. 

The Polar Express

We went for a ride on the Polar Express tonight.  We left Utica Station and traveled to the North Pole where Santa came aboard.  He gave every child a silver bell.  The kids thought it was pretty exciting, though Holden maintained a healthy distance during his first up-close Santa encounter. 

Pre-Nutcracker Preparation

The Snow Flakes stayed busy as they waited to make their Nutcracker debuts.  Lena had a wonderful time with her friends and danced across the stage.  Some portraits taken during the dress rehearsal should be available soon.

First snow of the winter

Happy Birthday, Joseph!

We celebrated Joseph's 6th birthday last weekend.  He wanted a Transformers-themed party.  The kids built transformers with legos and decorated masks to wear during a silly string fight.  Everyone had a lot of fun, and our little guy is getting big!

Happy Halloween!

Our shark, princess, and ninja had a wonderful time on Halloween.  They carved pumpkins, walked in the village parade, and went trick-or-treating.  What more could you ask for.

Nutrition!

 Rule #1: Cook until well browned (or blued, greened, yellowed...)

Rule #2: Butter makes everything better!

Halloween Prep

Joseph, Lena, and Holden painted their skeletons from Nana this afternoon.  Lena explained, "mine is the one with all the colors and the glitter."  I think we all knew that.

Fall Fun

We spent yesterday at a fall festival in a field surrounded by hills covered by with multi-colored leaves.  It was a beautiful day.  Lena and Joseph both went on their first pony/horse rides.  They jumped right on without any fear.  Joseph said it was too bad that Lena's pony didn't have a "cutie mark" (the little pictures on the rumps of My Little Ponies).  We then ventured into the corn maze.  Joseph explained that we were "a-mazing."

Happy birthday, Lena!

Lena's 4th birthday was yesterday.  We had a little family celebration yesterday and then hosted a party for all her friends from school today.  She had a wonderful time and carried a bag full of presents upstairs for some after-bedtime fun.

State Fair Celebs

http://photos.syracuse.com/post-standard/2012/08/nys_fair_2012_day_nine_8.html

Check out our Great NY State Fair celebs!

Happy Birthday, Holden!

Holden turned 2 today!  We had a party with some of his friends yesterday.  It was construction themed.  All the kids got hats that they could decorate, little felt vests, and a construction scene they could decorate with stickers.  It was a really fun afternoon.  Holden is officially a big boy!