Christmas Eve

The kids got to open Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve.  After that we spent time laughing, playing and getting ready for bed.   The kids were so excited for Santa to come. 

Wait for me friends

Here is a sweet story.

This morning, like every morning, I took Rhylan to school. Riley stays home with Gracin and Hazel.  Riley heard some banging after I left and couldn't find Gracin. He realized he was in the garage banging on the big metal garage door. He had his shoes in his hands, we was crying and yelling, "wait for me friends!"

It was so sad, I guess he really wanted to come with us .

Rhylan sails the Mayflower

Rhylan's kindergarten class had a sweet little Thanksgiving play at school for the parents.  Gracin, Hazel and I were excited to go:) The kids were so cute--waving to their moms:)  They reinacted the first Thanksgiving.  Each student had a line to say.  Rhylan said "we are thankful for Squanto, he helped us in many ways."  I was so proud, when it was her turn she spoke the loudest and most clear:)--confirmed by Riley who watched it on video.  After that they sang some fun songs.

The girl in the pink is Megan, Rhylan's best friend at school right now.

After the 10 min play we headed to their classroom for pumpkin pie!  Here she is sitting at her desk/table.

Paper town

I modified this idea from HERE.  I love pinterest:) Rhylan and I had a blast making these little house and stores.  Gracin started but soon go bored of coloring.  He played along side us instead.  After we made all the buildings, it was time to play.  So far these have created HOURS of entertainment.  They like to get Little Pet Shops and cars.  They drive around delivering cookies, buying ice cream, buying all sorts of pets and pet food.  They even take time to go to school. 

Rhylan especially loves playing with these.  This was her first time with the town and she was smiling and giggling to herself  most of the time.  I love things like this that ignite imagination.

Hazel is 8 months

Hazel is now 8 months old!!

Eating habits: She has started to eat small amount of soft table food like bread and noodles.  She likes cheerio type baby food.  She loves all the fruit baby food and tolerates veggies.  She also started drinking water from a sippy cup.  She still drinks a 6 oz bottle about every 3 hours.

New skills: She learned how to pick up her belly and crawl instead of scoot, and is really fast now.  She pulls her self up to knees and also learned to pull herself up to standing.  She sometimes pulls up to unstable objects and falls over.  She often gets stuck standing up in her crib, unsure how to get back down.  She loves to crawl all over the house and some baby proofing has taken place.  Her little knees are always red.

Sleeping habits: She is a good sleeper once she is asleep.  But, I have to practically rock her to sleep every single nap and bed time.  She won't take a binky so self soothing is tricky.  She will usually sleep from 7pm-6:30am. Her morning nap is always cut short because we have to go get Rhylan from the bus stop at 10:30 every day.  She even boycotts naps sometimes.  Church is hard for her because it is from 2:00-5:00 right during prim afternoon nap time.  She rarely goes to sleep unless she is in her crib.

New experiences: She started taking bath in the big tub.  She really likes to play in the water, suck on bath toys and wash rags and splash her sister.   She also got to meet her new cousin Desmond, who is only 5 months younger than her.

Favorite things: She loves to play with toys and eat everything.  She isn't interested in her exersaucer anymore. But, she will sit in her highchair with toys, or something else to chew on.  She likes to eat our clothes and rub daddy's short hair.  She loves to play chase and giggles at the kids as we run after them.  And never leave your shoes on the ground, she thinks they are dessert!! She loves to crawl into the kitchen, pull down the hand towels and then roll around in them:) 

Mt. Lemon

Winter still hasn't hit us here in Tucson yet.  Today is December 7th and the high temp is supposed to be 74*--- that is warmer than my whole summer was in Oregon!  Not complaining, it is PERFECT weather.But one morning we decided to head to higher ground for cool afternoon in the mountains.  It was really pretty up there.  We climbed up to over 8000 feet (elevation) in about 40 min.  It's nice to know a cool mountain retreat isn't far away at all.  The kids had a great time climbing logs, finding sticks, pine cones, and rocks, and throwing leaves.

I've never seen one of these signs before... and I grew up in and middle of the forest.  FREAKY!  I probably won't want to go camping here anytime soon.

Pro sitter

This last month Hazel finally mastered sitting. She could roll over, scoot, and crawl, all before she could sit. She just never was interested in holding still.This girl loves to be on the move!  I had to document her great accomplishment.

*teeth*

Big girl bath time

 *giggle* 

Yes she is a little rolly:) Whats not to love?

She loves taking a bath in the big tub now.  She loves to eat her wash rag.

She loves to splash the water with both hands.

This really fascinates her.

She loves to take a bath with Rhylan.  They even wash each others hair.

They grow too fast!!

Hazel is always moving!!  She crawls at lightning speeds.

And now, she pulls up to her knees everywhere.  And has almost mastered standing up too! 

This is all happening way too fast.  I just really want her to stay small and be a baby forever!