Another 2013 Achievement

Today marked a big achievement for my little red headed girl:  She finished an entire chapter book.  Melanie's first chapter book, read by Melanie (to mom) was Princess Posey and the New First Grader by Stephanie Greene.  The book was a really cute story of a first grader, named Posey, who has to learn to be friends with someone new.  Melanie did an amazing job reading it to me and I really enjoyed the time together.

After she finished the book, Melanie made sure to (repetitively) tell her sister that she finished a "WHOLE Chapter Book!"  (I heard the word "seriously" quite a bit during this period of time).  I can tell she was really proud of herself.

This is a great achievement for 2013.  A year ago, Melanie hadn't start learning to read.  Melanie started reading in the end of February.

Good Job, Melanie!

  

New Years Eve at the Phoenix Zoo

Today is the last day to make new memories for 2013.  We decided to start the day with one last trip to the zoo.  We met our cousins, Liz, Morgan, Ethan, and Blake.  It was a beautiful morning for a zoo trip.  We got there at 8:30 am and did the African Route and then checked out the Elephants and Dragons before we left.  Our visit was nice.  There wasn't too many people on the trail, and we got to see a lot of the animals interacting, not just laying around or hiding.  I'm under the assumption that they were hungry and stalking around waiting for food.  It was fun.  I took some pictures, mostly of the Circus we brought to the zoo than the animals on display.  They were my favorite part anyhow.  

Here is a picture of Melanie and Noelle eating their breakfast while watching the Giraffes eat theirs.  (I brought mini muffins that I made quickly this morning with us to the zoo.)

 Oliver was really funny.  He kept shouting "I see it!"  (even at some of the displays where there was nothing to see but the zoo keepers cleaning the exhibit).  It made me smile.

 Here are all 6 of the kids looking at the Rhinos!  It's kind of fun to think that soon this group will multiply and be 8 instead of 6.

 Four monkeys looking at the Lions!  The lions were in a feisty mood this morning.  It was fun to watch. 

 I tried to get a picture of my little man with me... but he was more interested in the Lions.  I guess I can't blame him.

 This is a picture I took of little Blake while his mom and siblings were in the bathroom.  He was really sad to be left behind, so my girls tried to cheer him up.

 Here are all 6 monkeys looking at their fellow brother, the Mandrill.  Poor Blake was being pressed against the glass by Melanie and Morgan.

 Later, Blake crashed.  It was a catnap, as he didn't stay asleep long.

 The final exhibit we checked out today was the "Land of the Dragons".  Oliver really enjoyed looking at the "baby dragon".  They also have a Chinese Alligator on display, but he wasn't as easy to see as the dragon.  If you look closely, you can see the dragon through the glass.  

The zoo was definitely a fun way for us to start the day today!  And I'm glad we went early, as it was becoming a mad house when we left.  I'm glad we got one last visit in during 2013.  Now to start making a few more 2013 memories while we have the chance.

Snow Day at the Science Center

It's "Snow Week" at the Science Center.  We are lucky to have membership passes and decided this weekend to take a trip down there for the early opening (a benefit of the membership).  We got there at 9:00 am and went straight to the Physics Room.  This room is typically over crowded with people to the point that it is no fun.  Today, we were the only ones.  It was awesome!

 The girls played a game of tug-a-war.  Melanie was tugging so hard that no matter how hard she tried, Noelle couldn't help but be drug on the floor.  It was cute.

 Eventually Melanie had to tug with someone more her size... or perhaps bigger.  Dad went easy on her though.

 Then everyone tried the pulleys. 

 I was impressed with Melanie, who actually was able to lift herself up pretty well.  She has some muscles!!!

 And I figure I get points for this.  35.5 weeks pregnant and with a backpack on... and I still did it!  

 After the physics room, we started on the 4th floor and worked our way down.  We got to do the SRP Energy exhibit solo, the Digital World with 1 other family, and the Forces of Nature room pretty much alone.  It was a good time at the Science Center!

 The Sea Life had a little exhibit today.  The kids got to touch sea stars!

 Afterwards, we went outside and let the kids play in the snow for a bit.  It was more like sludge, but they still enjoyed it!

It was a great day at the Science Center.  I'm so grateful that Brandon was able to change his work schedule today to participate in the fun with us!  We had a great time.

Christmas Eve Night and Christmas Day

'Twas the night before Christmas... and all through the house....  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.  WAIT!  This is Not that story! 

Let's start again!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was full of fun, and misery.  (Nice combination, right?)  It was on Christmas Eve day that I had to run Melanie to the Urgent Care because she was miserable beyond belief.  It turned out she had an ear infection that was close to rupture.  She was unbelievably miserable at the doctor's office, not able to get comfortable, crying, and kicking her legs.  It was not a fun time for her.  But after we got some medicine to numb her ear, she started to calm down a little bit.  This was good, because then she was able to participate in our Christmas Eve stuff.  We made a giant cookie for Santa. 

 And then wrote him our letters.

 Then everyone went to bed.

The next morning was interesting.  Typically, Melanie wakes up extra early and sneaks in to the living room to peak on the presents.  Not this Christmas.  This year, Melanie was up most of the night and slept in that morning.  No one got out of bed until 8am (which is extra late for our family).  The first one out of bed was still Melanie, who, instead of running into the living room, ran into our bedroom.  She was extra concerned because she didn't get an opportunity to finish making the gift she was making for Noelle for her Christmas present.  I had to calm her down and let her know that everything would be okay.  Then Brandon woke up, with a horrible migraine.  (Not good).  I brought Oliver into Melanie and Brandon, who were both laying in our bed, and then went to wake Noelle.  I sang Happy Birthday to her, and she just rolled over, not interested.  Then I mentioned she was 4 now... her eyes FLEW open!  She instantly asked if she was taller.  

At this point, I had everyone awake, but daddy wasn't doing so good, so we waited even longer before entering the living room.  It's a rule/tradition that Daddy gets to say when every gets to go in there.  Finally he was "ready"  (term used loosely, of course).  We went into the living room and determined if Santa had come.  He had!

  

 And he brought scooters!

 Then we opened presents.

Everyone was spoiled by one another.  We had a lot of fun seeing gifts opened and smiles.  Both girls had made gifts for each other.  I had made all the kids aprons and hooded bath towels.  The kids made dad gifts.  It was a lot of fun.  

Later, I took the kids to my dad's house and they enjoyed playing with cousins and seeing Grandpa and Grandma George.  Unfortunately, we didn't see daddy the rest of the day, as he was too sick to get out of bed.  Thankfully, he was better the next day and we were able to really celebrate Noelle's birthday after all!

Merry Christmas!

1:00 am wake up

At 1:00 am this morning, I was asleep in my bed.  When suddenly, very quietly, I heard:

"Mommy!  Mommy!"

I opened my eyes, and Noelle stood there, right next to my face.  I asked what was the matter.

Noelle: "Mommy!  Can you ask daddy to snuggle me?"

Me: "What?"

Noelle: "Can you ask Daddy to snuggle with me?"

Me: "Why don't you walk to the other side of the bed and ask him?"

It was too cute not to remember.

Oliver-isms

Oliver is a total crack up.  He is always saying or doing something that makes me laugh or keeps me on my toes.  Here is a small sampling from just this morning.

When I went to greet Oliver and get him out of his crib this morning, I was welcomed by the strong aroma of a diaper that was filled to the brim (tinkle).  I picked him up and immediately got a hug.  I asked him if I can change his diaper.  

Oliver: "There's nothin' in there"

Me: "Can I please just change it?"
Oliver: "But there's nothin' in there"

I put him on the changing table, sitting, and he held onto me tighter.

Oliver: "There's nothin' in there mama!"

I ended up waiting a few minutes and changing him in a different room.  He was too funny.

When it was time for me to make breakfast, I was in the pantry getting some ingredients.  I walked back into the kitchen to find Oliver trying to get a pair of scissors out of the drawer.  

Oliver: "I'm gonna cut it off!"

Me: "No...  You aren't cutting anything.  I'll cut it off!"

Melanie (yelling from the next room over): "NOOOO!!!! Don't cut my hand off!"

Turns out that Oliver had hurt Melanie's hand with something, and instead of saying sorry, he had decided he would cut off the hand to make it feel better.  (Clearly I have offered that too many times)

At breakfast, this morning:

Me: "Who's super cool?

Oliver: "Me!  Me's super cool!"

I just can't get enough of Oliver!  Mr. Man, I love you!

Pre-Christmas Festivities

The Christmas festivities started early at the Smithson house!  We started celebrating Saturday, after the birthday party, at my mom's house (Grandma Traci).  We got to Grandma Traci and Papa Terry's house at about 5:00 pm, for dinner and to visit with Family.  My Uncle Timmy, Aunt Connie, and Cousin Casey came to town for the holidays. Also, my Cousin Carol and her Boyfriend, Nevada, and daughter, Teagan drove from El Mirage to visit.  It was really nice to spend some time with them.  Here is a few pictures from our Saturday night gathering:

Oliver enjoyed piling up boxes and sitting on them.  Apparently this was more fun then anything else.

 The kids got to make beaded candy canes.

 We got to video chat with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Hopkins (who live in Evanston, Wyoming).  My kids enjoyed smiling and waving.  Poor Teagan was freaked by the whole experience.

 Speaking of Teagan, here she is enjoying a yummy cookie!

 A little picture in front of the Christmas Tree.

 Here is a picture of my cousin, Carol, and myself.  She is due a month before me.  Of course, I had to wear stripes.  If I could do it again, I'd pick a slimming black as well!  Carol is having a boy as well!

 On Sunday, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Smithson's house for a fun Christmas party.  Apparently the "big man" got wind of our a little gathering and decided to make an appearance.  Here is a picture of all 25 grandchildren with Santa Clause!

 Later, the cousins each passed out the gift they brought for the cousins' exchange.  This year they opened the presents from oldest to youngest...  It was hard, but Oliver did a good job waiting his turn.

It was a fun party with great food and a lot of time to just visit.  

Merry Christmas to all our family and friends.  Thank you for a fun weekend.