bluebird cafe

We hit the jackpot with our neighbors.  Not only are they sweet and quiet and helpful, but they also have 3 teenage daughters who love to babysit!  We were able to snatch one of them over Christmas break and I somehow scored tickets to the Bluebird Cafe.  I have been trying for a long time and it had been a year since I had last gone and about a year and half since Jeff went.  It did not disappoint and it was great to have a night out together!

rainy days

This has not been the greatest winter.  When the weather is warmer, it seems like it is overcast and rainy.  We have also had some bitter cold temperatures and we just haven't been able to be outside as much as we have the last few years here.  We had so much rain for so many days in a row the lot next to us was basically a lake!  It was crazy.  My brother left the girls this giant whiteboard one time when he came to visit.  When the girls are tired of being cooped up in the house, they often go outside and draw.  Heidi has become very interested in Paris lately.  She researches it and talks about it constantly.  The other day I found she had drawn the Eiffel Tower on the board.  She is really a pretty good little artist! 

christmas break zoo day

 Over Christmas break we went with our friends to the zoo.  It was such a fun day!  These kids love each other so much and love any chance they have to be together.  We hadn't been to the zoo in a long time so the kids were extra excited to be there.  Since it was so close to Christmas and there had been so much rain the day before we went, there were hardly any people there and we felt like we had the zoo to ourselves.  It was a great day!

visit with santa

 We went to see Santa after school on Friday.  I thought maybe this would be the year I might get a picture with all of them with Santa, but I knew that probably wouldn't happen.  Heidi of course was more than fine with it and couldn't wait.  Caimbree wanted to see him, but she also said she was nervous and doesn't like when people look at or talk to her.  Savanna said she wanted nothing to do with Santa.  Sigh.  Either way, the girls saw Santa and at least one of the three had a really terrific time.  Maybe next year hahaha.

gingerbread houses

 For family night we spent a lot of time talking about Jesus' birth and life and then we made our gingerbread house.  For whatever reason, the girls weren't super into it this year and we trying to hurry.  Heidi wanted it to look absolutely perfect and was frustrated when it didn't.  They were all so grumpy it was kind of comical.  Savanna was actually in pretty good spirits and excited and Caimbree just wanted to play with the fondant.  At one point I heard Heidi say, "This just looks stupid."  And then they all started saying it.  And then we all just started laughing.  You win some, you lose some hahaha.

heidi's last week of school

 It's no secret Heidi loves school.  I mean, loves school. She has not been thrilled about the idea that she won't be there for a few weeks.  I, on the other hand, cannot be more thrilled to have her home for a little while!  Having her gone has never really gotten easier for me and I love when she has breaks.  She had a fun last week and I got to go help out a little bit, which is always a treat.  She made gingerbread houses and had a pajama and Polar Express Day, she learned about Christmas around the world, had a Grinch day, a Rudolph day, and a little class party.  It was a busy and full week! I love her teacher, I love all of the friends she has made,  I love her school, I love how much she loves to learn and I am so grateful for everyone who loves and cares and teaches my baby each day!

pre-k program

 Savanna had her last day of pre-k before Christmas break and a cute little program.  She did such an awesome job!  She loves school...well, if you ask her, she will tell you she loves recess and that's all, but I think she likes it more than she admits and she is learning a lot and comes home happy.  Caimbree, as usual, was a little trooper. We went to the party beforehand and then while we were waiting for the program, I looked over and she was lying on the pew blowing raspberries quietly.  It made me laugh.  She is so good about just going with the flow. 

Savanna's favorite song was, "The lights on the tree go blink blink blink all Christmas Day."  She has been singing it for weeks and I loved watching her perform.  Her favorite part of the song was when it said, "The dad in the house goes snore snore snore all Christmas day."  She gets the biggest kick out of the most simple things.  I love her so.