Christmas Wish Lists

As in previous years and posts, this is not a request for gifts, but just an effort to share what the kids would like should you be inclined to get them something for Christmas.

Layla
This is the first year that Layla has asked for something specific and that is "Dolls, big and small".

For big dolls: We are a few years away from American Girl dolls, so I think soft baby dolls and related accessories are appropriate.  She has a baby doll stroller already, but a baby cradle/crib would be fun.  Circo brand at Target is the doll she has now so anything that went with that and also a few more babies.  I saw Melissa and Doug have some 12" dolls which would be right up her alley.

For small dolls: We are looking at Calico Critters.  She does not have any but will be getting a dollhouse so any families, accessories, etc. are up for grabs.

She like blocks and would really like on or both of these Cindarella Block sets with Carriage and Castle:
 

Any other Duplo sets are great too, we have some already and both kids enjoy them.  Once Jayden is a bit older we will get real legos, he still likes to put things in his mouth!

Books: She loves Berenstain Bears, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Curious George, Clifford, etc.  I know this is a little tough since we have a lot already!

Art supplies:  Good thick paper for painting and paints.  Some kind of portfolio or keepsake album to keep artwork in.

Clothes 5 or 5T

Money for college is always appreciated!

Jayden

Jayden is going to be getting a train table and will be looking for tracks and trains to go along with it.  I'd like to have some of the wooden train tracks that are compatible with the various trains and cars out on the market.  We haven't got anything right now, so choose whatever.

Duplo blocks 

 Clothes 2T for all seasons.

Money for College

Gingerbread Party

We were invited to go with our friends to a wonderful family event and fundraiser on Sunday at the Four Seasons downtown.  Our friend, Scott's parents were chairs of the event and it was quite the production.  There was gingerbread house decorating (each kid got their own house) including a 20' long table of every candy, pretzel and other decoration you can imagine.   There was a huge brunch spread, including mimosas and bloody Marys.  Ralph's World (a children's band) performed which the kids really enjoyed.  My favorite song: M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E!   We got to sit right in front and there was a stage for the kids to dance on.  They had a blast!

Decorating our gingerbread house was a lot of fun.

Layla had to be convinced, over the course of an hour or so, that Santa was not scary.  She finally agreed not to sit on his lap but to stand near him.  Jayden was feeling less compliant. 

Kate and I with our sweet boys. 

Mamas and all the kids together after the show by Ralph.

We're Going on a Tree Hunt

The season of Christmas is upon us and our first tree in our house is up and [mostly] decorated! 

Jayden's first ride on the tractor trailer, heading out into the tree farm.

He came to the farm last year, but it was raining so he and I stayed inside. 

Balancing Act

 We are all bundled up and off to find a tree.

Here is our tree. 

Tree decorating, eggnog, and a fire!

Baby no more

Though he does still like 2 naps a day and is not yet quite walking (just a few steps here and there) there are some definite signs that our baby is not a baby anymore. 

Riding in the car at the grocery store with big sis. 

Opening and climbing into the dishwasher.

Standing up and turning around in order to shake the high chair. 

He thinks this is hysterical!

First haircut - Getting the apron on. 

Trim underway, no crying! 

Baby transformed into little boy, with hairspray to tame that mane.

Ice Skating

The park district in Glenview offers a great intro to ice skating class every so often.  It is 2 nights in a row of 1/2 hour lesson, including skate rental, for only $15.  I thought it would be fun for Layla and see if she like skating.   Turns out, she is pretty good at it and despite the best efforts of some of her pals to pull her down, she mostly stayed upright.  She also had a wonderful time!

Jason may have some better pictures so I may edit this post with more!

Things from Wisconsin

We had a lovely trip to Wisconsin for 'real' Thanksgiving.  We spent the day of Thanksgiving with Jason's family at his Uncle Jim's house.  Jim is the youngest of 'the brothers' and his kids are young yet.  Layla was very excited to play with her cousins!  Jayden was feeling a bit under the weather but still was charming to his Aunts and Great-Grandma especially. 

We also got to see cousin Kendra, due with baby Evelyn in December, which was exciting.  She looks amazing and so happy.  Pregnancy is not joyful for every woman, so I was glad to see her and how well she is doing.

On Friday I took the kids to the Building for Kids in Appleton, which was a fun outing for us three and a very quiet ride home for mom.

Saturday we visited Jason's Mother's family for dinner and enjoyed catching up with them on the events of the summer and fall.    Here are a few things we got in Wisconsin on our visit.

A smiling Jayden at the train table at the Building for Kids, after 4 days of fever and unhappiness. 

Homemade Apple Pie filling from Aunt Judy and lots of beets from Grandma Helen. 

 

A new birdhouse made by Aunt Carol.  Layla will love to have this outside her window next Spring.

A really horribly bruised elbow from falling on the driveway at the winery, while holding Jayden. 

Thankfully, I did not break anything on myself or the baby.  I just look like someone beat me with a bat!