Jane and Matt in the Nutcracker!

This was a very special treat.  Jane performed in the "suburban nutcracker" with her Dad.  The music is to the "Mother Ginger" scene in the original nutcracker- in this version however, the girls are the dirty laundry that the parents can't get to stay in the basket.  Clearly, this is more of Matt's problem than mine.

Matt and Jane are on the other side of the stage from the perspective of the video - but you'll see him in his red PJ's and Jane in a red sweatshirt.  She also flies the highest in the air in the finale of the number.

 

Christmas Traditions

We've had a big week of Christmas events.  First Santa and then our annual trip to the Nutcracker with the Dulleas and friends.

At Santa, Hank got so excited upon seeing him, he began yelling, "I want fire truck shirt, fire truck shirt" over the railing.  Santa was so delighted by Hank's insistence that before the next photo shoot, he came over and gave Hank a high five.  Hank loved it!

Turner could have been staged in the Christmas Story in his delivery of his desired items.  Before the photo, it was all fun and happy - "A beyblade and stadium, Merry Christmas Santa, ho ho ho..." and then as we walked away - a rushed return to Santa, "I want a nerf gun too."  Santa laughed a hearty laugh and asked him who he wanted to shoot.  awesome.

Jane was impressive with her list of what she wanted - of course, that's her.  She's is very clear about most things.  She sat confidently next to him and demanded his gaze - I'd like a  Princess Barbie, a tea set, and a barbie doll house.  That's it.  She was all set with Santa.

As we were going inside the house later that night, Turner said, "I don't think he was the real Santa.  I think he was just dressed up."  Hang on - this might be it for the T man.

(Turner with Santa when he was 18 months...)



Then, this afternoon we went to the Nutcracker at the art school in Natick.  We partied up up before hand with personal pizzas and cookie decorating.  We left and came home to the baby's crib up in the new room.  A very special day.

The Nutcracker Party in years past...

We hope the Christmas season is filling your lives in many, many ways!  In this time of waiting - in lines, for gifts and for of course for new life - may your life be light!

Happy 4th Birthday Jane!

A few weeks ago, Matt started finding tissues in the pockets of the shirts he was leaving out for the next day.  After a little investigation, I found out they were "special papers" from Jane - magic - that she wanted him to have.  She'd found the package of tissues we bought at BJ's, stacked up all of the boxes in the closet in the baby's room and opened the very top one.  A tower of magic that she has been passing out to all of us in her quiet way.

Our baby girl is turning 4. 

At this moment in life, she is wise and determined, convinced by somethings fully (like how one plays hide-n-seek or keeps the snack at the table at playgroup) and under the spell of imagination towards others - in one day she will be the wolf, peter pan, robin hood, friar tuck and a mermaid princess-witch.  She plays at her doll house for hours, loves to play "witch" with her dolls and is the primary author of Hank's world view.  She insists on a hug from Turner before he leaves the house and will often ask, "Is it a half day today?"  And as for the new baby on its way, she is counting down the days when she and I will have the baby all to ourselves during Hank's nap and while Turner is at school.  Janey Bea is a special little spark, a cuddle bug with a hug that will leave you warm for hours and a precious gift to us in our life.  Happy Birthday little one!

 

Jane's Royal Fete

We turned the living room into a royal puppet theatre this weekend and celebrated a princess birthday party.  Jane was a mermaid princess while the others filled the room as Belle, Aurora, Cinderella, a Dragon, a few knights and Hank who was really just there for the cake.

The performance in the Royal Theatre was the 3 Little Pigs played by Grandma and Grandpa and myself.  We're not ready for broadway yet but the kids loved it.

With lots of help from guests and family we had a wonderful morning.  Here are some pictures of the event!  We'll have more to share on her birthday next week.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Halloweened Out

This side of Natick was a party on Halloween.  We've only moved to the other side of the common and yet nights like Halloween make it feel like a new town.  We had about 90 trick-or-treaters come to our door and we collected more candy than people live in the state of Rhode Island.    Hank and Jane loved handing the candy out as much as receiving it - especially when I kid dressed as a witch came to the door.  

We had friends over for chili in our driveway before the big event and Turner waited as patiently as a 6 1/2 year old Yoda can wait to begin the candy collecting.  When we told him it was time - he stood on our porch yelling "everyone, it is time to go -let's go people!"  We were off.  It was at the second house I noticed that his coveted glow in the dark light saber was not with us nor was his Yoda mask.  He had no time to stop though - so like he has done before - he adjusted.  He went as Hans Solo the rest of the night.  Love that kid.

Earlier in the day the Cooperative Playgroup had a mini-parade through town.  We ended our walk at the fire station where they gave us candy and wowed us with their trucks, sirens, uniforms and the grande finale - someone sliding down the pole.  It was an awestruck moment for Jane and Hank.  

Halloween Build up

Halloween is almost here. Our house is covered in snow and we have 3 little pumpkins who were giddy like only children can be when they discovered that tomorrow is indeed Halloween. We have a Yoda, a Lightening McQueen and a last minute decision to be made between Super Girl and Aurora.

Yoda

super girl

Who doesn't love a pumpkin being dropped from 70 feet?

66 Summer Street Gang back together again!

Jane with Princess Lea (Shannon)

Lightening McQueen!