silver sneakers- check

Over the Christmas holidays, I took my final exam for my silver sneakers healthway accreditation and I passed.  I have taken 8 courses over the past 18 months, been observed 3 times and had to do a practical in San Antonio.  I can now teach anywhere Silver Sneakers is offered and I can teach any of their formats. 

Sea World Christmas

Mimi blessed the girls and I with tickets to Sea World for the Christmas Spectacular.  The girls have only done the homeschool days, so they were really able to experience all of the park.  The weather cooperated nicely, there weren't tons of people and we were able to see all 4 shows early in the day which gave us the afternoon to play.  Bella rode her first roller coaster.  I sat with her and LE sat in front of us.  Both girls came off crying, but I was so happy they tried it (idea of their own). 

Read's Christmas

Read had a great Christmas.  He got the idea of opening his gifts and enjoyed playing with the paper as much as what was inside them.  He got little cars, bath toys and little people.  He enjoys pushing his cars, but I think he likes throwing them more.  Christmas at Mimi's wore him out and he crashed in Daddy's arms, a first for him in about 8 months.

Bella's Christmas

I got to surprise Bella with a gift from DW of little prince dolls to go with her vast collection of princess (Polly Pocket-sized).  She also got 2 more Pooh Bears, one a pillow pet, a Belle watch, slinky dog, a croquet set, Barbie furniture, pair of winter boots, and a new backpack full of activity books.  She also got a glow-in-the-dark etch-a-sketch, but thankfully she has not discovered after bedtime yet.

more adventuring

Read let go of the couch and took his first steps last night (13 months, 2 days).  I think if he had slowed down, he might have gone a little farther, but sense he wants to run before he walks, he doesn't get very far.  Look out world~

Landry's Christmas

Landry's wish list included a light saber, go-kart, nativity and a miniature Christmas tree.  I guess one out of four isn't bad, but she got some great alternatives.  Mimi found a re-purposed American Girl Doll on her vacation this summer and was able to keep it secret even from me.  She made her a pioneer dress and matching jammies for LE.  She found glasses and winter boots to match LE's.  Bella surprised her with a Mickey and Minnie doll b/c she didn't want one while we were at DW, but changed her mind about a week later.  She got a hot pink bath robe, Hello Kitty watch, Princess and the Frog cookbook, backpack filled with busy books, Barbie furniture, games, new boots, and a lightsaber.

stocking sutffers

13 month old adventure

Mommy forgot to close the baby gate today and I went on my first adventure up the stairs.  I called her and told her I was going up, and she must have not heard me or she trusts me.  I made it up 6 steps and then Mommy followed me the rest of the way.  Afterwards, I needed a big nap.
Mommy also forgot to tell you I give open-mouth kisses now, but only to Mommy.
-Read

13 months old

Apparently no one told R2, there is no crying at Christmas.
Happy 13 months Sweet Boy!
This past month was HUGE for him.  He is still not walking, but boy is he talking.  He says, Go, Up, Down, Touchdown, plus all of the other words he already knew.
He LOVES food, lots and lots of food and he WANTS to feed himself.  No more bottles, cup (another word he is learning) is his preferred method of drinking.  He likes juice, whole milk and occasionally water. 
He likes to play ball, push his cars, and dump his sister's markers out and put them back in the basket.  He hides his toys under the bed and in the couch cushions.  I have found things behind desks and I am quite sure the trash is where the majority of his magnetic letters have disappeared to.  Bath time is his fave time of day and I thought it was b/c of sisters, but discovered this week he has even more fun when they are not in the tub with him.  We love you sweet boy.

visit with Paw-Paw Claus