New Year's Eve relaxing

Nothing like cuddling down with the cousins for a little holiday movie watching to ring in the new year. 

Thank yous for Santa

Emma and I got to see Santa earlier in the month and thank him ahead of time, but Dad forgot to post the pictures. We remembered to smile this year! And Emma got proof for Mom that she has been good this year, because Mom has been asking for some sort of supporting evidence for that claim. 

Christmas morning!

I know we left cookies for Santa on this table last night, but now all that's here is...

PRESENTS!

AND LOTS OF THEM!

Opening our gifts was a ton of fun, but it was really nice to give out some presents too. Grandmom loved her book of pictures of us. I mean, of course she did. How could she withstand our cuteness? 

Christmas party 2017, part 2

Sure, we look cute, but you would not believe how many cookies this crew ate. It's unsettling. 

Emma dance recital

This past Wednesday was my first dance recital, and it was as fabulous as you'd expect. We had music and costumes and the greatest moves you've ever imagined.

First, we had our opening dance:

Then a skills demonstration:

Then a little singing: 

Then, of course, our grand finale:



It was all really awesome. Next time I'll push the teacher for a solo dance. I think I'm ready.

Officially a cub scout

I've been going to cub scout meetings for a few months now, but this wee we had our official welcome ceremony. I got face paint and had to promise to be good to my neighbors and my pack, which shouldn't be a problem. 

Next up: My buddy Matthew and I need to get some cub scout uniforms. Otherwise we won't match with the rest of the kids. 

Christmas party 2017, part 1

Aunt Jeanne's annual Christmas party was this weekend, and all of the younger ones stopped for one minute to pose for a picture. 

After this, we tackled the Christmas tree. 

First snowfall

I keep telling Mom and Dad that it's going to snow on Christmas this year. Maybe after Saturday's snow, they'll believe me. 

First penance

First reconciliation was today -- I was a little worried about the sacrament, but it turned out to be pretty cool. Plus, it was good practice for first communion this spring!

Hanging out with Henry

Henry is only six months old, so Emma and I had to babysit him this week when his Mom had a concert this week. He and I had a lot of fun holding hands and playing with toys. Emma tried too, but every time Henry put his hand out, she gave him a high five. No worries, he still had a lot of fun. 

Emma counting to 100

.. the impatient person's way.

Trimming the tree

December means getting ready for Christmas, so Emma and I set up the whole house this weekend. Mom and Dad helped a little too, I guess.

Getting the tree up is important, but getting Aunt Olga's Christmas village up is even more important. The trick is to remember to leave room for all the different houses.

Emma did a great job leaving a path for the train to wind through the town too. She did keep trying to open the presents in the box cars. 

Not bad for an afternoon's work. I think Santa will be pleased. 

Leftover Halloween pranks

Why yes I brushed my teeth the same as always. Why do you ask, Mom?

Crazy children

I know there was an explanation for these, but I can't remember what it was. 

Relaxing with Shane

Neither of us can read yet, but the stories are still tons of fun. 

Tommy's Jedi training

For Tommy's birthday this year, we went to a Jedi training class. I know, I didn't realize you could learn how to wield the power of the force at the local YMCA either.

Emma and I picked up on the basics of light saber fighting pretty quickly, as you might expect. 

Of course, Tommy and Shane were already master fighters. Shane didn't even need to look where his opponent was to hold his ground. 

We also practiced moving objects with our minds. In the end, I think the explosion of balls had more to do with the parachute moving then our force powers, but you never know. 

Too cool for school

Seriously, if I look like I'm already six years old, then why do I have to still hang out in the threes classroom? 

Now where did I leave that wookie?

All I'm saying is that I would have made a good Princess Leia at Halloween too. 

Raking the lawn ... sorta

I mean, Dad was raking. We were testing the leaf integrity. 

It's a tough job, but somebody had to do it. 

Fun with hats

I can't see how funny this is, but I know it's hilarious. 

Conquering the warped wall

Ollie had his birthday at SkyZone this year and I found out I have a future in reality TV show competitions.

Quiet time

You might need to turn up the volume for this one. 

Harsh realities

Guess what, kids? Only seven more months until summer vacation! Now let's get to school.

It's like falling down a hill...

but more fun.

Halloween 2017

Everybody else is trick or treating today, but Emma and I already had Trunk or Treat at our schools to practice our candy grabbing skills. Here I am at Emma's school, getting ready to hand out candy to her class in the back of our decorated car.

And here's Princess Belle! Aunt Beth said Emma couldn't pull off black shoes with the dress, but I think she managed. 

I've never seen Belle hanging out with Batman and Spiderman before. I don't know why not. They all probably have great stories to share. 

Next up was my school, and my costume. I tried leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but I could only make it over short ones. 

Let's be honest: You can't handle the good looks we're giving here. We cleaned the place out of candy. And we'll do it again tonight. 

Princess time

Just a girl playing dress up on a relaxing weekend morning. What more could you ask for? 

Oh also I have magic powers and we're battling an evil witch. No biggie. 

Testing out potential costumes

Um, no. 

 

Um, no. 

You know what? We'll think of something later. 

Pumpkin picking

Sunday was our annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch for Halloween decorations, and as always, Dad made jokes about our heads being pumpkins and trying to pick them. Very funny. 

Emma wanted to pick this pumpkin, but Mom said it wouldn't fit in the house. 

We almost got lost in the corn maze, but luckily Jonathan used his Cub Scout skills to navigate a way out. 

 Finally, the perfect one. Now somebody come carry it for me.

This was a pretty bumpy ride, but it got the job done.  

(Yeah, he really did carry that one back to the wagon.) 

Can you imagine the size of the pumpkin they're picking if they have a wagon that big? 

First Cub Scout campout

Dad and I hung out with the local Cub Scout troop this weekend and had a great time with some of the outdoor activities. Here I am talking with the Den leader about some of the local leaves we found.

And, after a solid hike, we had hot dogs and smores cooked on the campfire. 

We didn't get to sleep out in a tent this time, but I can't wait until we get that chance soon. Dad said I could sleep on the back porch if I really wanted to try it sooner, but I feel like he's missing the point. 

One last taste of summer

This is probably the last time I'll be allowed outside barefoot for a while, isn't it?