Introducing Carmen's newest friend

This is Skeleton Peach.  He arrived in the mail yesterday from Grandma and Grandpa 'Son' (along with lots of other Halloween goodies).  Carmen really enjoys spending time with Skeleton Peach (who she proudly named).  She can take his arms, legs and even his head off and he doesn't complain.  She can also boss him around without any pushback (unlike her brother).  A match made in heaven!

Yes.  She is really napping with him.

He doesn't even complain when Carmen hogs all of the couch space. 

He's a keeper!

Ballet Style

No, not leg-warmers.  Rather, lots and lots of hair scrunchies used to accessorize.  What style!

(Side note: she transported them all to one leg and kept them on as long as I would let her before they cut off her circulation, saying it was her cast)

Go Hawks!

Outdoor Pre-School

Carmen, Max and I have been attending outdoor pre-school.  Once a week we get to...

Go hiking and exploring

Learn about nature

 

 

 

 

Find treasures

Eat snacks (Max's favorite part)

Do activities

Meet new friends

See new and interesting things

Spend time together

A minor miracle

Ok, miracle may be a bit strong, but a victory nonetheless.  Both of our kids were down and sleeping before 8:30 tonight!  Carmen has NEVER been asleep before 8:30, at least in the last two plus years.  It may have been that she took no nap today, but that's normal these days.  With two zzzing kids, I was able to whip up a batch of muffins, clean the kitchen and answer some work email all before 9:30.  I could get used to this. Fingers crossed we experience another minor miracle tomorrow night and the next, and the next!

Ballet

Our Carmen James started ballet class.  She was so excited for her tights, leotard and pink shoes.  She looked darn cute.  She was twirling, spinning, pointing her toes when at home.  When at class, it's been a slightly different story.  Her enthusiasm waned a bit with 13 other 3 year-olds.  But, she did it.  No fussing, just reluctant participation.  That's certainly progress. Some things she did with enthusiasm, other things she just did not want to do.  True Carmen style.  Regardless, we are proud of girl for giving it a go.  We're only two classes in.  We'll see how it goes. 

Celebrating Max

We did lots of celebrating this past weekend for Maxy's birthday. 

 

His special day started with hot chocolate and Mickey Mouse pancakes.  There was some play time and then it was time for more eating; Dick's burgers and shakes!  It was a picnic of sorts in the back of the car. 

 

After naptime, we were off to Elevated Sportz for some running, climbing and jumping.  Just enough exercise to work back up an appetite for dinner out with an ice cream sundae to complete the meal.  A couple of gifts were opened, with sister's help--a new backpack, Husky hat, ball and mitt--to round out the fun-filled day.   

 

 

Then...it was time for robots. 

 

 

I was up early and captured the sun-rise. I knew it was going to be a good day. I had been keeping my fingers crossed and begging and pleading with the weather gods that it wouldn't rain.  To my delight, not a drop in-sight and it turned out to be sunny, blue skies for the entire day.  Good thing, since the party was at the park. 

 

Max was surrounded by his good friends to help celebrate in robot style. 

There was treat bag decorating

Piñata pandemonium

Feeding hungry tummies

 

Cupcakes and candles

Thanks everyone for making my birthday a great one!