Pictures!

Below is a glimpse of some fun photos we recently got of the kids.  I was experimenting with Josiah's hair that morning and it didn't turn out as I had hoped.  It's definitely a different look for him. ;)

Priya's Christmas Program

Priya has been practicing enthusiastically for the past few months for the Christmas program at her preschool.  She was quoting lines, singing songs and teaching all of us (including Josiah) to sing along.  Sadly, something switched on the evening of her performance and she was less than enthused to participate.

I'm sure she'll love me for this photo one day...  But here the "I don't want to sing" attitude kicked in.

We eagerly anticipated her performance.

Last year Priya was an angel.  This year she was the Innkeeper's Wife.  Her costume was huge and kept falling off and she was not happy with the thing wrapped around her neck.  Poor girl...

She finally came around at the end of the performance and was able to get into the swing of things.  She sang with a smile on her face and participated in the hand motions.

She really lit up after the performance when she got to play with her best buddy, Savannah.

Audrey (on the left) is another friend from her class.

Sibling love.  Josiah was so proud of his big sister.

I love this one!  These two have such a sweet relationship and are still playing together quite well (for the most part).  :)

Savannah and her mom, Cecily.

Hanging out after the program.

Family Time

Quality time together as a whole family is a special treat these days.  Ashish is out of town 5 days a week for work so we are trying to maximize the time that we have together when he is home.  Here is a glimpse of one fun afternoon together - walking throughout the McConnell Foundation walking trails and enjoying being together.

Adventures with Diamond

We've been having fun this year with Diamond, our Elf on a Shelf.  We don't do the Santa thing in our home but our elf has brought some extra excitement to our home.  Diamond arrived last year and made daily appearances in different places throughout our home.  Priya had fun trying to find where he wound up each day.  This year he alternates between showing up in random places and bringing fun treats and experiences for the kids.  Josiah has been enjoying him as well.  Here is a glimpse of some of what Diamond has been up to so far...

One morning Diamond set up a fun Christmas table and brought the kids a North Pole breakfast complete with donuts, colorful cereal and candy canes.  This was an incredibly special treat for the kids since they never get to have sugary breakfasts.

Another morning Diamond was feeling like a funny prank so he toilet-papered our Christmas tree!  Priya thought it was hilarious.

A marshmallow bubble bath in Priya's doll bathtub was another fun appearance by Diamond.

Diamond left "magic seeds" and a special note for the kids one morning...

The kids had to plant the "magic seeds" in sugar and wait to see what would grow.

 The next morning they found that cookie-pops with Christmas trees had grown from their "magic seeds"!

Who knows what Diamond will do next?  It's definitely fun waiting to see what else he has up his sleeve. 

Christmas Party

The kids and I had a great time attending the annual Cooper-Heath Christmas Party (Cooper-Heath is the residence hall where we live).  And as usual, it did not disappoint!  Priya and Josiah donned their coordinating Christmas pj's and went to work building gingerbread houses (and eating the goodies along the way).

Josiah got some help from Hayley, one of the awesome girls who lives across the hall from us.

And Priya was loved on by Heidi, one of the RA's on our floor.

Then we were off to decorate Christmas ornaments.  As an avid craft lover, Priya really enjoyed this activity and has proudly displayed her creations on our Christmas tree at home.

Josiah has been talking up a storm these days with some pretty long sentences and some adorable expressions.  He has recently picked up, "Oh my goodness" and it makes me smile every time I hear it.  In the video below I got him to say it a few times.  He has also been singing songs and putting his own words to the tune.  He often sings "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and puts the names of people he loves in place of the normal lyrics.  In the video below he starts singing "Jingle Bells" but sings "Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Santa Claus all the way..."

Enjoying Autumn

My dad had the unfortunate experience of breaking his arm recently.  But, as usual, he is quite the trooper and just keeps going!  He suggested a trip to the park and actually attempted to push both of the kids on the swings.  Dad, you are amazing and my hero in so many ways!!

 

He also put together (with a broken arm, don't forget) a huge pile of leaves for the kids to jump in.  Oh the memories this brought flooding back from my own childhood!