Time to Shine

Fall activities are winding down, and it's time to show off what they've learned!  Nathalie took a dance class and loved it!  Her teacher was so sweet, and the kids had a great time dancing like snowflakes, rolling their hoops, and twirling with ribbons.  And of course, curtsy! 

 

Ben was really in his element on Monday nights at drama class.  The kids wrote and performed their play, The Ice Cream Shop Masks.  They worked so hard, and their teacher, Lizbeth, was so kind and encouraging.  We'll definitely be signing up for this one again...this kid is a natural actor!  Bravo Ben!

Gymnastics wrapped up in early December, and little Miss N has become so independent in the gym!  She loves her coaches, and her skills are improving all the time. 

For just a few weeks in early December, Nathalie danced around in a "Wee Nutcracker" class.  The girls performed a highly modified version of the ballet for us...what a treat!  Our little gal is quite shy by nature, so it's been a true joy to watch her spread her little wings this fall.  Way to go to both of our little performers!!

Birthday Boy!!

It's that time of year again...skiing!!  Greg was itching to get the kids on the slopes already, so we signed them up for a Sat/Sun lesson on Nov 15 and 16.  Poor kids...it was brutally cold on Saturday morning.  The car said "1 degree" when we arrived.  Brrrr.  Sunday was much better, and Greg and I even had an hour or so to give our ski legs a preseason warm-up.  I was surprised at how quickly it came back.  Should be a fun season!!

Ben celebrated his 8th birthday - teenage mutant ninja turtle style - on Saturday, November 15 with his friends.  He wanted to have a bowling party again, which was fine by us because it's fun!  The kids bowled for about an hour, and then enjoyed cake, games, and presents in the party room.  What a great group of kiddos!    

Wednesday, November 19...Happy 8th birthday to our Benjamin David!!  I volunteered at Ben's school that morning and brought in some "turtle treats" for his class.

 

When Ben got home from school that afternoon, we skyped with Maw Maw and Paw Paw.  They got to watch Ben open the gift they bought when they were here a few months ago.  Ben was so excited to get this Lego set, and I kept thinking how amazing it is that we have technology like this to share these moments together...a true gift indeed.

 

After dinner, Ben opened presents from family and we enjoyed some leftover cake.  (The joy of having the party before the actual birthday means that Mom doesn't have to make another cake!)  We could not be more proud of our big guy or more honored to be his parents.  We love you Benjamin, and we are truly wishing you a magical year of being 8!

Happy Halloween!

The last half of October was full of parties...Halloween and birthday.  One of Ben's friends from school invited him to a Halloween party.  Dad and Ben enjoyed the party, and Ben couldn't wait to come home and tell me that he ate eyeballs!  :)  Nathalie went to a super-cute Frozen birthday party for her friend, Nicole.  She made a marshmallow Olaf, and best of all, Elsa came to say hello and read stories.  These little preschool friends were in princess heaven. 

 

October has been a rough month in some ways.  I had lots of practice in taking the good with the bad.  The good...swings, leaves, apple cider.  The bad...flat tires and another set of stitches for our little gal.  Some of you may remember that Nathalie had 5 stitches in her forehead last October.  Next October, I am wrapping her up in bubble wrap!  She's still smiling though, what a trooper!

So, originally, Nathalie had agreed to be Tinker Bell to go with Ben's Captain Hook.  We already had the costume, so I was thrilled.  After school one day, we drove to the mall to pick up Ben's costume from the Disney store.  Not sure what I was thinking taking a 4 year old girl into the Disney store for the first time.  Nathalie barely stepped one foot in the store before catching her breath and exclaiming, "oh Mommy!!!".  She was in love...admiring all the princess dresses, shoes, dolls, etc.  Until we get to the Frozen section where she spots the Elsa dress.  She looks at me very seriously and says, "Mommy, I NEED this dress."  Little did she know that I already had the dress at home, waiting to surprise her for Christmas.  Alas, the Elsa dress made an early appearance the week before Halloween, and she was smitten.  She twirled and sang the afternoon away...safe to say that Tinker Bell is forgotten and Elsa is here to stay! 

And now for the main event...Halloween!!  A few pix from Nathalie at school with her teachers and Ben's Scout party.

Happy Halloween!  Ben was excited to start the trick or treating and showed me all of his Captain Hook poses before we went.  It was a gorgeous night...about 50 degrees, and the kids got a ridiculous amount of candy.  Captain Hook could barely lift him pumpkin it was so full!  After counting and enjoying some treats and handing out a few pieces of candy to kids who came to our door, it was time to put these candy monsters to bed.  What a great night!