Winter Break for the Girls

While you never really get a break from winter while living in Vermont, it is nice that the schools give the kids a week off to have some fun.  Gideon still had classes, so I set out looking for something the girls and I could do that wasn’t too far away.  

We were also having our floors refinished in preparation for listing the house, so I decided that a vacation where we could spend the night would be good.  I had heard that Manchester, NH had a science center and as most of you know, we are all about kid’s museums and science centers.

The one in Manchester was not what I expected.  It was small, and had few exhibits.  That didn’t stop the girls from having a lot of fun.  It was our only event planned for the day and the only thing in Manchester that I knew the girls would enjoy, so we visited all of the exhibits and most of them multiple times.  We were lucky that a traveling dinosaur exhibit was there at the time. 

After spending the night in Manchester, we continued on to Boston, one of my favorite cities.  We started the day at the aquarium.  I knew it was under construction, but not to the extent that it was.  The whole center column was closed. 

Next we visited Hard Rock Café for lunch.  The girls loved their desserts.  We got two shooters which we were all supposed to share.  I got a few bites of each and then the girls took over.

I’ve always wanted to take the girls to Build A Bear, so I decided it was the right time.  After picking out their bears, we stuffed them, bathed them, and looked at all the pretty clothes for them.  When we left, we added Rainbow and Heartful to our family.

We ended the day with the Children’s Museum.  Without a doubt, Boston’s Children’s Museum is my favorite that we have been to so far.  There is so much to do and the girls never get bored with it.  We managed to see all of the exhibits, but I know the girls could go back every day and still have fun.

Malia is 2.5 Years Old

Dear Malia,

While most two year olds are busy throwing temper tantrums and fits for not getting their way, you continue to be the most laid back, funny kid I have ever met.  There is very little that ever gets you down or makes you mad, and you are always ready for your next adventure. 

Before you never wanted to leave Mommy’s side, but you started going to “school” at Ms. Christy’s house.  You love going and have so much fun.  It has helped a lot with your separation anxiety and now you are much more willing to go places without me.  It has been good for both of us to have some time on our own.  I think it makes us appreciate all of our time together that much more.

I love watching you and Hadley play together.  Seeing your imagination grow is wonderful, and I am always amazed at the stories and scenarios you create.  When Hadley isn’t around you want me to play “baby, mommy doggie” with you.  Sometimes you get frustrated with Mommy when I don’t know what to do, but you never stop trying. 

You never seem to give up on anything you do.  You continue to be very determined and focused on what you want.  While that would seem to contradict with your laid back attitude, somehow you pull it off. 

Just last week, you decided you didn’t want to wear diapers anymore.  You are doing great and already waking up from naps and bedtime dry.  It won’t be long until you get your big girl bed.  You are becoming my big girl too.  While you are getting taller and skinnier, you have managed to keep your big ole belly.  I love giving you kisses and tickling your belly. 

You love to laugh and make everyone around you laugh too.  Gym is one of your favorite things to do.  Whenever we go you pick a stuffy and carry it around the whole time.  Austin is your favorite stuffy right now and we can’t go anywhere without him.  While it can be hard always keeping track of him, I love how attached you get to objects and people.  I think it shows how much you love and care and how big your heart is.

I hope you always keep your big heart.  Remember to keep laughing and love with all you have.  Mommy will always love you and adore your funny, quirky, mischievous personality.  

Disney on Ice

For the last three years we have gone to Sesame Street Live around this time of year.  As the girls are getting older, they seem less interested in Sesame Street.  I found out that Disney on Ice was coming to the area, and I heard really good things about it.  I decided we should try something new.   Our friend Christy and her daughter Kylie joined us as well.

Of course I had to get us all Disney clothes.  Hadley picked Rapunzel, while Malia went with Cinderella (because she has blue).  I got a classic Cinderella tee for me and a Grumpy t-shirt for Gideon.  We were all ready for the show.

After finding our seats, all of the girls picked out snow cones as their treat.  For the first part of the show, I know my girls were more interested with the snow cones than the skaters. 

Christy ended up with Kylie's crown

Soon though, they started paying attention and were quickly drawn in by the magic of it all.  The show we say was Disney’s Treasure Chest which contained pieces of several different shows.  It was fun, but some day I would like to see a full show acted out on the ice. 

Peter Pan

Starting to notice the show

Loving it

The Lion King

On the edge of her seat

Aladdin

Our Princesses

I’m glad that we went and that we got to share it with friends.  We all are starting to realize how soon we are going to be moving away from each other.  

Cold but Fun

Last year we had so much fun at Santa’s Village for New Year’s Eve that we wanted to go again this year.  We even decided to drive straight back from Illinois so we could make it in time.  We had our doubts about going though since the whole area had been hit by winter storms and the high was only going to be about 25 degrees. 

After a lot of debating, we decided to go.  I packed everyone warm clothes and we set out.  The night did not disappoint, and we were all glad that we went. 

Love my Sillies

We decided to watch one of the shows to warm up a little

Watching the fireworks

Hopefully next year we can find something just as fun and kid friendly.

Christmas Number Three

Around noon, we left my parent’s house and headed north to celebrate at Gideon’s parent’s house.   His brother and sister and their families, and his step brother and grandmother were there as well.  We also got to meet Vanessa, our future niece for the first time.  It was another full house to celebrate Christmas and just being together.

She was so excited by her blue piggy bank and spent the rest of the trip asking for change from everyone

After opening gifts we enjoyed Christmas dinner with everyone. 

During the rest of our time there, we went to lunch with Frank, Vanessa, and Jordan.  It was nice getting to know Vanessa.  She is going to be a great addition to our family. 

Uno Moo

Her first time not sleeping in a crib

Jordan was a little squished during the ride

Three of Gideon’s friends from high school were also in the area at the same time.  We were able to go to dinner with all of them.  Gideon enjoyed catching up with his friends, and the guys went out for a little extra time after dinner was over.

The girls enjoyed some more family time, playing with the dogs, and being spoiled even more. 

The trip back was less eventful then the trip there.  We only had to drive through severe winter storms the whole way.  We decided to drive it straight, which I thought was better, but Gideon and Hadley complained about it being too long.  Who knows when our next trip to Illinois will be; I can only image the adventure it will bring.