It's the most wonderful time!!!!!

I can think of some talents that I have, many that others have, and some I would love to to develop ( and some, others would like for me to develop), but one is the ability to tell a great story, whether it be through writing or verbally. I have been addicted to the following blog, www.cjane.blogspot.com- I could read her stuff all day. Granted, she she has a much different, more emotional story to tell, but she can tell it in an amazing way. Others I know have a similar talent (SPW), who I can listen to all day and laugh no matter how grumpy I am. I wonder if this is a talent than can be developed or if it is just a gift...

Next, I have seen other posts asking this same question, but in light of the upcoming holidays, what are your favorite traditions? We have some in our home that we have adopted from our families of origin, some we have heard about and even a couple we have come up with on our own (that is good for someone as uncreative as I am). Our kids are at the ages when they are up for anything and make us feel great about anything we are willing to do- but we would still like to have the best traditions we can, so if you have any you love, please feel free to share.

One we will start on Sunday is hot chocolate and Christmas books every Sunday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ethan has been talking about it for weeks and I think he thinks it is every night, but that will all get straightened out I am sure. Another one we do is watch Scrooge (while we put up Christmas decorations), and we sing it most days during the holiday season and some days in the summer actually. We have tried the "Last Straw" which usually means Ethan picks up a toy, and then puts away stuff Ava is playing with, I am trying to cook with or finds a new spot for things that are already put away- this lasts about 1-2 days and then I spend the rest of the season trying to put the straw in the "easily stored" (always falling down) manger that collapses any time anyone touches the table in our living room.

Happy Holidays!!!

What else we have been up to

Ethan and Ava both had great birthdays. David and I did as well, but I don't think we took any pictures of them- sad. I don't know if Ava has been happier in her life than when all her cousins sang happy birthday to her and cheered when she blew the candles out. She got tons of dress up shoes and princess stuff- ahhh, life is so good. Ethan went to "the bouncy place" and then we had a planet party- he won nearly every game, so he was psyched as well! He also got a birthday crown at school, here it is!





OK, I think that is about enough of us for a while!

And.... we're back!!!!

David got the computer fixed last night- hurray!!! So, here I am with updates!!! Here are a few pics from England. I have to say, we had the best time! My sister and her family were fabulous hostesses/hosts, were so fun and planned great things for us to do. We had so much fun walking to school, riding scooters, playing at parks (Ethan particularly liked the pirate ship one), going to castles, listening to Hannah Montana, going into London, riding the train, meeting all their friends, eating great food (Amy is an awesome cook) and just being together. Here are some England pics...

Ava got hit with a swing in the eye- you can see the first time that happened a few posts back


Buckingham palace, David, Kari, Ethan, Ava and Marta



Frisbee in Hyde Park
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