December is always such a whirlwind, and each year more and more fun and we form our family traditions. Adelaide this year was really interested in making her own Christmas decorations, (Hapee Krismis too al and too al a gud net!) so we had hand-made kid crafts everywhere. Miles attended his first Nutcracker (yes, little boys DO sit still!) and it was the highlight of his season - he loves the songs, the Mouse King, the story book. And little Anika was in awe of all the festivities - so many new adventures for her.
Joe and I escaped to Bend for our first weekend away from Miles or Anika, which was rejuvenating and relaxing in the midst of all the busyness, and of course we weren't missed a bit.
Over Christmas, we all had a sleepover at Grandma and Pop-pop's house (a little 'stay-cation') and had so much fun - watching a few Christmas movies, making cookies, Christmas morning in PJs, the 'usual' breakfast, and perhaps a few too many gifts.
All 3 of them were absolutely overjoyed by it - the perfect ages for "the true meaning of the season." Adelaide loved picking out and wrapping presents for other people, Miles was ever so well-behaved despite all of the excitement (showing his emotion with a huge grin and trembling hands) and Anika learned to sing along with our favorite carole "rum-pum-pum-pum" (our hilarious musical duets may soon become trios!). It's always a little sad when the decorations have to come down and it's back to school time, but this year brought lots of great memories to add to the pile.
Little Anika started her Montessori pre-school this week. I didn't work much, so we eased her in with little visits, then a 2-hour day, then a 3-hour day (so much easier than the transition that Adelaide got! We are all grateful not to go through that again!!). She's a little social bug, and she seems just thrilled to have so many other babies to learn from, not to mention the special attention of a teacher to dote on her. Anika made particular friends with teacher Eric and apparently led him all around to watch her "work" - I had been mourning my decision to let her leave the house (even though it's only 3 days a week, to accommodate my work schedule), but now that she's already thriving, it certainly seems like a good decision. She is certainly proud of herself and all the things that she is learning. And now already we are sharing her little joyful personality with the world ... watch out world, this girl may be small, but she is captivating!
