Victorian Christmas

Jeff and I have this routine where after a day of doing something for the kids that one or both of us didn’t really enjoy one of us says, “Did you have fun?” and the other responds with, “the kids had fun.”  And that is our very diplomatic way of saying that while we wouldn’t really list that as a top ten day, the kids had fun therefore it was worth it.  This routine played out on Sunday after a day spent at Victorian Christmas in Nevada City. 

I didn’t really know what to expect, but visions of casually strolling through adorably decorated Victorian era streets were quickly dashed when I saw the crushing crowds, the porta potties, and the icy streets.  It was not exactly what I had expected and it was one of those activities that you think could’ve been fun if you and hubby went alone, but not so much when you are constantly freaking out that you are going to lose a kid in the sea of people.  Throw in my inability to enjoy things like hot buttered rum and warm mulled wine since I am six months pregnant, add in a dash of baby on the bladder and no decent bathrooms in sight, and you don’t exactly have a top ten day. 

However, the kids had a blast.  Not because of the giant pretzel they got to eat, or the chocolates we got them, or the toy flare copters they got – nope, they had a blast because there was snow on the ground.  We weren’t dressed for snow, didn’t really expect that much snow, but they are kids and to them snow is magical and amazing! They were so excited about the snow they could barely contain themselves.  Joey said he, “gets energy just from looking at snow” and Emmie didn’t care that her sparkly red flats weren’t built for trudging through snow banks one bit! They probably played in the snow a total of 10 minutes throughout the whole day and yet they had, “the best day ever!” 

So at the end of the day, the kids had fun, and that really is all that matters. 

 

 And, this over the top cuteness happened while we were there and these pics will always be something we treasure - so again, all worth it!

Christmas Cookies and Crafts

What's the holiday season without a little cookie and crafting fun?  Sugar cookies, frosting, candy, paint, glue, and googly eyes all add up to equal a fun night of kid creativity!

Veteran's Day

We had that parenting moment when you realize that your kids don't really understand something that they should... like when your kids think Christmas is Santa's birthday... that kind of moment.  Only this time it was for Veteran's Day and our kids, albeit pretty young, had no idea why we celebrate this holiday.  In fact I was told rather emphatically by Joey that the next holiday was to be Thanksgiving and this could not possibly be a "holiday" at all.

So, since they do have a teacher for a father after all, Jeff was adamant that we attend the Veteran's Day parade as a learning experience and a patriotic experience as well.  He offered to take them alone, since I am constantly tired, but I wanted to go too and so we headed out that morning not sure what to really expect.

Our neighbors joined us and together we sat and watched the various marching bands, a ton of corvettes, multiple branches of the armed forces, etc. walk by.  In the end we are both really happy we went.  The kids understand a little more of what Veteran's Day is and they had fun at the parade, especially when candy was thrown at them!

Confessions of a Preggo Pescatarian

For over 10 years I've been a pretty good Pescatarian, meaning I don't eat meat but will eat seafood. I cheat occasionally for my weakness - carnitas- but otherwise am pretty good. I'm not perfect and it's an entirely personal decision that I don't push on anyone else including my kids and hubby. I happily make a pretty awesome meatloaf for my family (if I do say so myself!). And have tons of other meat recipes that I make without complaint. I don't eat them so I pester everyone for feedback at the table - Too salty? Overlooked? Needs more sauce? 

When I was pregnant with Logan I spent the first two weeks craving and eating cheese burgers. Then went back to my Pescatarian ways. With this pregnancy I find myself craving all kinds of different meats now that I've got the morning sickness under control in month 5!  

Chicken taquitos, beef soft tacos, cheeseburgers, roast beef sandwiches, etc. What's worse is that I have no desire to deny these cravings. Not even an inkling to say no. I'm not sure if it's the power of the craving (pregnancy cravings are no joke!), or if it's because I was so miserably sick for so long that I don't want to question wanting food now, or what!  In any case I am happily enjoying a  beef soft taco from Taco Bell now. I am just going to go with it for awhile and enjoy it! Maybe I will go vegan for awhile after I have the baby to make up for this...

Emmie Turns 4!

Our beautiful little princess turned 4 this weekend. She requested a ladybug party so that's exactly what she got, to the extreme! 

Princess getting ready for her day!

Ladybug nails

Jim got her 1,500 live ladybugs!!

Her brothers were very excited to go shopping for her. Logan had a hard time picking the perfect gift for her and spent a good 20 minutes in the "girl aisle" at Target. He wanted to get her everything!  Joey on the other hand had a hard time picking a gift that Emmie wanted, as opposed to a gift he would want.  In the end, Logan settled on a Princess Sofia doll and Joey got her a robotic fish. 

Her ladybug party was attended by friends and family and included strawberry ladybugs (strawberries with mini chocolate chips) and ladybug cheese appetizers.  Since Emmie loves tomatoes we did an Italian themed dinner with lasagna, spaghetti, tomato salad, etc.

Since Emmie's hatred of the "happy birthday" song continues, she requested we sing the "ABC's" instead.  I have no idea why she has such an issue with the "happy birthday" song, but I have to admit that I do love that she puts her own unique spin on birthdays.  She blew out her candles when we sang "...next time won't you sing with me!"