Gearing Up for Thanksgiving

Parent Day at piano/ballet/tumbling

This week I got to see what Eli and Maggie are learning in their classes. In piano, Eli is learning to recognize notes and play rhythms for counting. He loves his "team" class.

After piano he gets to run into tumbling and has a great time there with Bronson. He is doing a great job with his cart wheels this year and controlling his movement.

Maggie is having a great time as well in ballet with Emory. They are learning all the positions and how to be creative with the music. We got to see this demonstrated and the dance they are learning. She loves the princess music.

Leg warmers are cool

I finally convinced her to wear them. And that wearing them is cool. And that I wore them - because I was cool too.

Loving the first snow fall!

Parent Teacher Day with Eli

I get to see how wonderful Eli is at home - the choices he makes, the way he helps me and treats Maggie, and the thoughtful comments he makes about things around him. It is so great to know he acts this way at school too.

His teacher had many compliments to give today during our Parent Teacher Conference, and said this was the first year she has had to make a formal seating chart for their floor time - apparently there are so many kids who want to sit next to Eli that it causes a fight.

This was funny to hear since I had just heard a similar story from a mom who went with their class on a field trip last week and had to referee some children on the bus who were all trying to sit on "Eli's bench." She said it was a great opportunity to teach her son that people like to be around others who are kind - which is why so many people want to be Eli's friend. I just love him!

He also brought home a report card full of high marks in all categories and was asked to participate in his teacher's special reading program. Eli loves to read with me and is excited to start on his own books. He also chose to participate in this year's Reflections Contest and submitted his drawing of a rocket ship - which received a ribbon. He was thrilled!

Note the self styled Mohawk. He was quite proud of it.

Pharaoh Maggie

Surprise!

Thanks Monica for the awesome birthday week! The surprise party was TOTALLY a surprise, and a great time with many friends. I love (and am still a little embarrassed) that you made everyone play a game...all about me, then watch a video...all about me. You made getting old a lot of fun! So glad you're here!

Helping Grandpa is the Best!

Eli loves it when he gets to help Grandpa around the yard. This week was especially great because he needed help clearing out the gutters and raking leaves.

My Birthday Party!

I had a great birthday this year - even though the day started with Maggie waking up extra grumpy (probably because Hannah slept over and her and Maggie kept falling out of bed). They all made some really great cards for me, and Eli made sure I had a birthday crown to wear as well.

Even though it was a full day of work and school, we were able to squeeze lunch in at Red Robin with Mom. Earlier this week we also enjoyed dinner with my parents at Red Lobster to celebrate (E&M love the "red" restaurants and can eat shrimp link no other).

That night, my great friend Monica (aka: gourmet chef), made a special dinner for some friends and I. For my birthday she made some of my favorite foods - all from scratch (filled wantons, spicy/sweet chicken, beef Lo Mien, sticky rice, and homemade fortune cookies). The food was delicious!

For fun, she put some funny (and embarrassing) questions inside the cookies for our after dinner dessert/entertainment. It was a blast. Thanks Monica for all your hard work! (Next time we need to make sure I get a few pics with you in them too.)

Fall Fun with Grandma & Grandpa H

Thanks for making holidays so fun!