Kids...what have they been up to?

I thought tonight I would write about what the kids have been up to lately.

Allie is still loving school. She is reading short books nightly now to us. We read her bedtime stories, then we get to listen to her read to us. She is really doing such a good job. She can write sentences that I dictate to her, and knows all the sight words that's she's learned from school. She can count money like a pro using nickels and pennies and sometimes even throwing in a dime! She's always loved math. Her 2nd quarter report card was great. Allie's been asking for a while now to take gymnastics. So, we tried out a few places and found one we both liked and she started her classes this week. She's such an eager little student, never missing a beat of what the teacher says and does. Next week she will start an after school art program for 5 weeks at school. She has been looking forward to that. Oh, she's also a Daisy girl scout. She meets twice a month with her troop, and seems to really enjoy it.

Other than school and extra activities, she loves playing with Hunter. Hunter is now 20 months old. His vocabulary is still very slow, so today we have started Early Intervention Speech Evaluation process with him. Today was just part 1, which was a checklist to see if he was eligible for part 2, which is a more in-depth evaluation with him. He qualified for step 2, which will be where 2 speech pathologists come out and evaluate him, then they will determine if he qualifies for services. The next step happens in about 2 weeks. He does now do a mouth movement for a pig. It's not a letter sound, but is the same movement each time when we ask him, so that a step in the right direction.

He is still the sweetest little guy ever. His loves are still his books and stuffed animals. (I think he sleeps with maybe 9 or so in his bed). He likes to brush his teeth, play peek-a boo, clap, wave bye. He can point to his belly, nose and ears. He just started eating with a spoon and fork about 2 weeks ago. He LOVES to dance. He could care less about watching a TV show, but wants us to play music on the TV all the time to dance. It's really just the cutest. He's definitely growing up so fast.

It's hard to believe in less the 2 months Allie will celebrate her 6th birthday. Unreal. Then by the summer Hunter will be 2. Our babies are growing up. They love each other so much. The hugs that Hunter gives Allie are precious. They are best buddies for sure!

National Building Museum

It's so nice to live in Northern Virginia, where we can take the kids to so many places, with just a short drive. Recently, we took the kids to the National Building Musuem. I had never even heard of this place in DC, until friends of ours took their children there and recommended it. It's a fun place to spend a few hours. There is a huge lego room where you can build to your hearts continent, and then a building zone room, with lots of different toys Allie and Hunter both enjoyed. Here are a few pictures from our trip the other week.

In the Lego Room

In the Building Zone

3,2,1 Blast Off

January has started off great. We took the kids a week or so ago to the Air and Space museum that is about 20 minutes for our house. Allie has been there before, but it was a few years ago. Each month the museum has a hands on program, where kids can complete different stations and when finished they get a little surprise. This month's focus was the Wright Brothers. Allie got to pretend to be flying a plane back in 1911, learn about how the 1st planes were made, do crafts, try on Space gloves, and even sit in an airplane. Each activity was neat in it's own way. Allie had so much fun, she asked to go to another museum the next day! (that trip is planned for this weekend) Here are a couple pictures from our day!

Allie wearing space gloves and trying to pick up cups. Not easy!

Are you 2 headed somewhere?

Hunter ran around the museum so much, so was exhausted. I think this might be the 1st time he's even fallen asleep in his stroller (except for maybe as a newborn)

2012... Already?

I feel like 2011 came and went in a flash. It's close to the end of January, and I am just sitting down to wrap up December. Christmas was a lot of fun as always. We packed as much a possible in to the month.

On Christmas Eve, Brian was out doing a little last minute shopping and got into a fender bender. He was fine, but my van had some damage. We were thankful that Brian was okay, and the van could be fixed. We got dressed and headed to Christmas Eve service at church. I got a few cute pictures of the kids in front of the tree. Once we were home from church, we prepared for Santa's arrival with cookies and milk.

Christmas morning it was the 4 of us. There was lots of excitement with all the toys Santa brought , which by lunch time had worn Hunter out. The next day Granny and Papa came up and it was Christmas round 2. Then on the 27th, Marshall, Jane, Galen, Maitlin and Omri, along with Joey and Kate were here. It's so much fun when we all get to hang out. Once everyone left of the 28th, it was time to start getting ready for the VT Sugar Bowl!

Granny went back to Lynchburg for a few days before riding the train up to keep the kids while Brian and I went to New Orleans to the Sugar Bowl. We had lots of fun with our Hokie friends there and even our neighbors went (Michigan fans). Even though it was a disappointing game for the Hokies, it was a nice little trip away for us.

And, that about wraps up 2011, and the start of 2012. Our year is already off to a great start, hope yours it too!

Hunter is 18 months!

A few days ago Hunter turned 18 months. He is the sweetest little guy. Hunter has started a new activity...Tiny Tot Tumblers! (Allie did this also at his age). It's 30 min. once a week. He is so cute there. They get to play on mats, dance, play with balls and the parachute. He has so much fun, but I think he is definitely more cautious than Allie was at this age!

Hanging out with Daddy watching ESPN.

Lately he loves to stack blocks, then knock them down, sort through his stuffed animals, throw ball for Sky, and playing with Allie. He gives lots of kisses and hugs to us. Today he went for his 18 month appt. He's a healthy big boy! He's is 34 1/4 in. for height (95%) and 27.4 lbs. (70%). He still only speaks 2 words which are Dada and Mama. Since most children his age speak around 20 or more words/animals sounds etc., his Dr. said he does have some speech delay. Brian says...he will eventually talk, which I am sure of too! He knows what he wants, he just isn't communicating it in words yet.

Kisses for Dada!

Here are some recent pictures of Hunter playing with his stuffed animals. This is one of is favorite things to do!

This was another day where he moved all his animals from the basket to the dog bed, then cuddled with them.

Tis' the Season!

It's hard to believe, as I write this, Christmas is just 3 days away. This year has flown by, with so many great memories. At the beginning of December, we took the kids to the a Santa breakfast, which is organized by the volunteer Fire Dept, and at our church. We have been for several years now. This year Allie was very excited to see Santa. I guess 5 is the magic age for that! She had written him a sweet letter a few days before and took it to him at the breakfast. She waited so patiently in line to visit with Santa. Hunter was busy running around the church, keeping Brian busy while we waited. Once we got up to Santa, Allie gave Santa her letter. Such a cute moment! Santa gave Allie a whistle (thanks!), and Hunter a little duck. Allie told Santa, she wants a 2 wheel scooter. I am thinking he will be delivering that Christmas Eve. Hunter wasn't so sure about sitting up with Santa, but Allie was all smiles!

Allie giving Santa his letter.

Hunter getting his little duck from Santa

Cute picture of the expressions of a 5 and 1 year old with Santa!

Artwork by Allie

Allie loves arts and crafts. It is probably her favorite thing to do. She made this art out of model magic recently. It is a whole picture, which includes, the sky, clouds, sun, Sky (our dog), flower and grass. I was pretty impressed!