Monday, December 17, 2012

Holiday Fun

Last week I went with Carmen on her class trip to the Children's Museum. It was so fun to watch her interact with the other students in her class. It was also nice to take a day off work and enjoy some special time with her. Her three teachers just absolutely love her. They adore her and it was so nice to hear all the wonderful things about her from people at school. I know how smart, creative, and beautiful she is and it is so wonderful to hear her teachers praise her as well.
Gianni just became an official cub scout member. He was able to march in his first parade and has been to a few meetings. Gianni and Abel work through the book together and enjoy their special time together every few Tuesday evenings.
Last weekend we went out to Tempe to see a Christmas production of Junie B. Jones. Carmen laughed out loud at the play and Gianni's eyes were glued to the stage the entire time. Afterwards the kids went outside by the lake. It was a beautiful night out and the kids loved the show. I think what we loved most is that it was something different. We don't ever really get down to Tempe Town Lake so it was nice to explore the area, see a show, and have dinner as a family of four.
 Carmen just had her class Christmas party this past week. She was featured in their performance of Jingle Bells. See the two links below to watch her sing. If you turn up the volume you can actually hear her voice above the others. She just loves to sing.



Not only does she love to sing but she loves to dance! This weekend she was in yet another dance recital. She looked a little tired at first but once the music got going she did a fantastic job. Her arms and legs are getting so straight when she dances. We are very proud of her progress. You can see her in the video on the far right.

 

  We are looking forward to this final week of school before the winter break. Nonna will be here in 5 more days! The kids are counting down!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Let it snow!

 This year, we started our Thanksgiving Day with a little morning run. Gianni and mom ran a 5K and Carmen and daddy did the 1 mile fun run. The kids thought it was so cool to have numbers on their bellies. And....guess who showed up at the race???? NONNA!!! She finally came! She was there to cheer us on as we crossed the finish line. We spent Thanksgiving Day with my parents. On Friday, they took the kids for the evening and treated them to dinner and a movie. They bought them MP3 players so that they are prepared for the next run. My mom surprised me with a waffle maker and new crock pot (jumbo size). Still haven't used them yet. My plan is to bust them both out next weekend. On Saturday we went for pedicures with Nonna and out to the Cheesecake Factory for a final goodbye dinner. We have to wait until Christmas to have a longer visit.
 The day after Thanksgiving, our elf George showed up! The first night he was under the Christmas tree playing Candy Land with Barbie! Gianni made him a necklace and the next morning he showed his appreciation by wearing the necklace and by saying thank you.
 This weekend was not as crazy busy as weekends in the past. On Friday, I went out with some friends and then met Abel and the kids at the school for an evening of stories under the stars. On Saturday we did all of our chores (laundry, cleaning, errands, Christmas cards). We then joined Papa for dinner and a night at the Goodyear Ballpark for a Winter Festival. It had rides, games with prizes, slides, and snow! The kids had a blast and ended the night with hot chocolate and donuts!
Today we watched the Cardinals lose - AGAIN! It's getting so frustrating but we do our best to cheer them on. We ended the night with two hours of play time outside and a family movie. As I sit here tonight with a list of presents to still buy and holiday things to get done, at first I felt like there was no way I could just hang with the kids today, but looking at their cute little faces reminds me that they are what the holidays are all about. It will all get done....just not today!