a bunch of stuff

So our 15-month old is already practicing her runway strut.We are not sure how we feel about her proficiency in walking in these little heels.
And they are not exactly 'little' heels either.
Last weekend we went to Charming Faire Farm for Santa's Big Party. While we waited for our hayride Kaylee got to go on a hayride.
Her pony's name was Snickers.
She had a lot of fun on the little trail.
She wanted to go again, but there was lots more to see.
All sorts of animals to pet and feed. Rowan and Bampa examined the sheep.
Kaylee got up close to the sheep and fed them some grain pellets.
It was pretty cold out, but Rowan's only demand was that she not be expected to walk. So Bampa carried her most of the day.
Our friends the Levy's joined us.
Kaylee and Emily boogied down in the barn area.
When we finally got to the party, it was time to meet the characters...Rowan's reaction was slightly better than it was in Disney, allowing herself to be brought within a foot or so before complaining.
Kaylee, on the other hand, loves all characters and couldn't wait to give them all hugs.
Kaylee and the Christmas Penguin.
We took a quick break for some cookies and cocoa by the fire.
Rowan didn't seem to mind the Gingerbread Man.
Kaylee, of course, had to get in on that action too.
Kaylee's favorite winter character is definitely Frosty. Rowan was not as easily convinced...this was the closest she'd get.Kaylee gave several hugs though, to compensate.
Kaylee and Christmas Bear (we didn't even bother trying Rowan with this Towering figure.)
Even though Kaylee said she wanted to go give the Grinch a hug...you can tell she wasn't quite so sure once she got up close.
Rowan became enthralled by the Christmas Penguin when he came up to say good-bye to her.
But before heading out we had to get one more picture...with the Big Guy.
We got Rowan to agree to pose too.
And finally Daddy joined the picture. Merry Christmas Giffords (and Santa.)
We had a few fun activities in the last couple of weeks too.
Here Kaylee decorates some ornaments (which now proudly adorn our tree) at a MOMS Club Christmas Craft activity.
We also had a cookie decorating activity with the MOMS Club.
Yummy.
Rowan didn't decorate a cookie, but she definitely partook in the eating of one.
And finally, we all celebrated Hanukkah last week too. It was great listening to Kaylee repeat the blessing.
Of course, Mommy likes the irony of lighting the candles in our Santa hats.
Kaylee had a lot of fun lighting the candles with Mommy.
Mesmerized by fire.
And finally one with Rowan as well.
And that about wraps it up. Happy Holidays.

Weekend #1 of December--Super Busy!

We hadn't seen our friends Nevaeh and Jordan for a while, so they came over to play on Friday morning. Ro and Jordan had a good time sharing blocks.
The girls had a great time playing princess.

A shared princess secret?

Then, on Saturday we headed over to Michaels for some kids crafts. Kaylee painted a Christmas Box which has yet to dry (almost 48 hours later...)

She also decorated a stocking by making a felt snowman.

Rowan made a snowman stocking too. Ok, ok, Mommy did most of the work for her.

But Rowan did help, I swear.

Mostly she just had fun watching.

On Sunday, Daddy's company hosted a Christmas Party for its employee's children. This year was the first year we got to go as it is intended for children 3-9. Kaylee had a blast and even Rowan liked meeting Rudolph and his shiny red nose.

Kaylee especially liked Frosty and Crystal.

Of course, who wouldn't?

Pooh Bear? Well our standards might be a little high after Disney. So we'll just call him Christmas Bear.

Snoopy and Donald(?--again, I'm a Disney snob now) were on hand too, and Kaylee wanted to meet them all.

Even Clifford showed up. Rowan really loves "Dogs"...but this one was so big she preferred to wave from a distance.

Then it was time to go inside and see the show. It was really fun, they had a magician and a very talented clown. Kaylee was riveted. And Rowan, well, she was Rowan, but considering she did very well.

Then all the characters came up on stage to say Merry Christmas and welcome their special guests.

Santa and Mrs. Claus! They came up and said hi to everyone and then revealed the toys they had brought for each good girl and boy. Kaylee's toy was really excellent, she's played with a lot since. We had a great time and are especially thankful for Daddy's company for hosting this event, especially in a year when I think no one would have been surprised if it were skipped.

Afterwards kids could get their picture taken with Santa. Now this was Kaylee's 3rd or 4th opportunity to say hi to and sit with Santa this year. Each other time she refused to go anywhere near him. The secret to success is obviously Mrs. Claus. But hey, at least I got a picture of both girls with Santa. (I would have preferred to stay out of the picture, but Rowan is definitely in stranger anxiety phase, so it was this or screaming Rowan on Santa's lap.)

And that makes us caught up and timely again!