Getting Ready for Bed

... Or not.

Carousel

We took the kids to the mall (at Maia's request) to ride the carousel before heading out for my belated birthday dinner.  It was Parker's first time, and he thought it was pretty cool.

He did a good job holding on,

while Maia is becoming a bit more lax. 

Little Things I Love

When Maia grabs Parker's hand, and says "I'm going to take him with me so I don't miss him"

When Parker yells "hooooop!" to ask for help.

Watching Maia and Parker dance to the Lord of the Dance soundtrack.  Parker calls it "Di di di deense!"
(and the mini-tantrum at the end of this video is hysterical!)




And I love my kids!

Big Thought, Little Head

Bleary eyed conversation with Maia at 6:30 am:
She: aw, you gave me a kiss because you love me! 
Me: that's true!
She: and that means that you don't want me to die because that would make you sad and you would cry.
Me: yes, that's true too.
She: and I love you too and I don't want you to die. Because I would cry.
Me: yes...
She: and if we died we would go to heaven and God would make us better.
Huh. I think she's making progress on this concept since Grandma A passed away. Made me a little teary.

Reading

How awesome is this?  And also, a good example of how Parker repeats the end of phrases, which seems to be  building up his vocabulary.

It's funny...

It's funny the little things that make you proud of your kid.
Wednesday night. Bath night for two little kids.  Bath water running. Maia is sitting on the potty. Parker is fond of this word... Pah-dee. Pah-dee!
Ray asks Parker, Do you want to try the potty?
Parker: YESCH!
Ray: Okay, wait for Maia!
Parker: Pah-dee!
... and then he begins to pee on the floor, eagerly looking at the potty.
Ray excitedly shouts Good job! You totally would have peed on the potty if Maia hadn't been using it!

Christmas, Round 3

Ding!

These lucky kids had a Christmas that kept on going.  Aunt Tara sent (generous) gifts a few days later. So after baths, we skyped with Aunt Tara and opened them.  

Maia got a LeapPad Explorer.   She didn't know what it was, but it wasn't long before it became a favorite.

 Parker had a better idea of what to do with presents, but Maia was still there to help.

 Parker got more cars to use on his race track, which is great. It makes that toy even easier to share!

 Maia's dress up shoe supply was replenished,

 and each of them got a Giants jersey!

Thanks Aunt Tara, Uncle Dave, Aaron and Rachael! We miss you!