#2 Things That Make Me Smile... :)

#2. I'm a little embarrassed to admit how many times I've played this little guy already in the last 24 hours. He sure make me smile though. Jenny gave it to us for Christmas one year and he's one of my favorite things to bring out each year. The kids love him too! :)

Things That Make Me Smile... :)

Sometimes when we are feeling down or discouraged it's hard to see the joy in the simple things of life. Not that I'm feeling down or discouraged at the moment, but I've decided to make a list of "things that make me smile" to look back on whenever I do feel that way. I was going to start at the beginning of the year, one thing each day that stands out, but decided to start today with my smiley moment.

#1. As I set Nolan's lunch out on the table, a simple tuna fish sandwich and some goldfish crackers, he comes up and says, "Wow, thanks mom, you're the coolest mom EVER!" :)

That's What Big Brothers Are For...

Nolan's Holiday Gymnastics Show

Yesterday was Nolan's holiday gymnastics show. Nolan started gymnastics during the summer this year and he really enjoys it. It has really built up his strength, balance, and self-confidence. Nolan went into gymnastics struggling to do even a simple summersault. Also, walking across the balance beam scared him to death. He wouldn't do it without someone holding his hand the whole way. In fact, certain things that have to do with balance, Nolan struggles with a little because of his missing toe. He just has to take a little extra time and go slow, which is fine. Not so much walking or running, but like going up and down stairs, or walking across balance beams. :) Just recently however, Nolan has started walking across the beam by himself. He goes nice and slow, but HEY he DOES IT! You'll see in the video how proud he is by a little Nolan move he makes the second time across the beam. Pretty funny kid! I got my pictures and videos out of place, but oh well, you get the idea. Annika had so much fun watching the show and cheering everyone on! She really got the clapping thing down that night!

This picture was taken after the show of Nolan's group.

Sorry for the poor quality of video here. It was dark and the camera seems to be getting worse and worse. Oh well, it'll give you the idea. This first one is of all the gymnists marching in. If you can't tell which one's Nolan, just look for the kid who's marching stands out the most! He's also waving later on.



Here's Nolan's group show. Sorry, I'm not very good at taking a video at the same time as watching the actual performance. Plus, I zoomed in too much, but I couldn't change it once I started.

Auburn Festival of Lights Parade

Last night was the Auburn Festival of Lights Parade. We got to ride the float for Home Instead Senior Care (where Adam works). It was such a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Nolan had fun yelling out, "Merry Christmas" to everyone and waving as we rode along. There were soooo many people lined up along the streets watching the parade. Nolan wore a Santa hat and I wore the white hat you see in the picture above. Nolan said I reminded him of a snowman, but instead I was a "snowmommy." Annika was asleep until the parade started and she woke up just in time to enjoy all the action. She just couldn't stop staring at all the beautiful lights! She loved it! I wish I could have taken some pictures, but our camera's battery was dead, so the best we got was this one from Adam's phone. It was raining a little, but not too bad. The worst was when we walked home. Even though we live somewhat close to the fairgrounds, it's not so fun walking in the rain, dark, carrying a baby and all our belongings. Our 60 degree house actually felt like an oven by the time we reached home. It wasn't that cold even though it was raining outside, so we worked up a good sweat, especially walking up a forever long steep hill. As Nolan carried a little flashlight to light our way he made sure we were all doing ok and being safe. He kept saying over again to Adam, "Now dad, make sure you stay real close to us so you don't get hit." He was very concerned about this. He's such a sweet boy.

Santa's Reindeer

I think Santa's Reindeer showed up a little early, don't ya think? :)

10 Months Old!

Dear Annika: Today you are 10 months old! I love you soooo much, even though you kept me up lots last night and scream every time I have to put you down! I can't immagine my life without you! Love, Mommy