Days for Play, Parents, and Birth

We leave for Missouri on Saturday morning. It seems like we just returned home from our Thanksgiving trip. We were supposed to leave on Friday, but Jason has to go into work. I'm not disappointed, this way Lucas doesn't miss his holiday party at preschool (they will be decorating gingerbread houses). Plus... it also gives me another day to procrastinate packing. After the week that I've had, I really needed that extra day. Not only has it been an incredibly busy week of running and doing, but it's also been a week of emotional highs and lows.

This past week Clara finally got to have a playdate with her dearest 1st grade friend. It was interesting for me to finally get to witness how well they interact together. At one point, they were creating a picture by each one taking turns to add something to the paper. It turned out lovely. And it also showed me that yes... Clara does indeed know how to share and take turns. So why then is it so hard for her when she is playing with Lucas?

It was Parent's Day for both Clara and Lucas at the dance studio. This was the first time that we were invited into the room to watch the dancers. Clara was so excited to have us there. She kept looking over and smiling or waving. Lucas was trying hard to be serious... he takes dance very seriously. They both gave us good reason to be proud parents!! Of course, Lucas is the only boy, but that doesn't affect him at all.

And my birthday was last weekend. We, as a family, did go out for dinner... and it was yummy, but for the most part... it was just another day. Clara and Lucas made me birthday cards, which I loved and want to share (at Kelly's urging).

Clara's card (side 1):

Clara's card (side 2):

Lucas' card:

The first snow

The temperatures here dropped drastically this weekend and then Saturday evening it started to snow. Our first snow. The first snow is the ultimate winter welcome. There is something so magical about snow... the little white flakes falling and covering everything. There was a lady that came into the building where we were and said it "smells like snow outside" and I actually got goosebumps! And yes... I completely am a realist. Snow is no fun for those of us who have to get out in it, especially for Jason who was up on the roof when it started snowing... the snow prevented him from hanging the outside lights. But there is nothing like that first snow. And for all of you who have kids... they understand completely!! Even though our first snow was only a light dusting, which had pretty much all disappeared by lunchtime, my kids were clamouring to play out in it from the time they woke up and saw it outside their windows. And yes... by the end of winter, I, too, will be tired of all the hazardous road conditions, shoveling the front stoop, and trudging to and from the different schools every day. But for now... I'm in love with this season and looking forward to our second snow.

Picture Perfect

This isn't an actual post... just wanted to put this picture up. It's an excellent picture of the kids.