Earth

At the Maryland Science Center, they have this sphere where they project images on to it that are pictures of the earth taken by satellites. This was absolutely my favorite part. The one image shows the night scene of the world and it was amazing seeing how areas are populated by the lights and then the remote but populated areas, especially in Africa, where there is no electricity. I would have loved to stay for the 20 minute presentation but the kids did not like just sitting there. Oh well, it was amazing if even only for a short time.

Dinosaurs

One of the exhibits at the Science center that both Emily & Matt liked was the dinosaurs. They were able to "dig" for fossils which required a pair of goggles and a brush. It got a little "dirty" but was fun. Dave lifted up both kids to try and reach the T-Rex and Matt was being "eaten" by a Stegosaurus. I think out of both kids Matt enjoyed this exhibit more but Emily was the one who came out of the gift store with a stuffed dinosaur. Well, the one Matt wanted was as tall as him so we had to say no.....instead he got magnets.

December Family Getaway

Every December we "get away" as a family since Dave's busy season at work usually starts early in January and is unpredictable until April (year end and first quarter closings). This year we decided to head to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD, where we visited this summer. Our arrival was delayed a day due to our NJ snow storm but we still made it work and notice there is no snow in Baltimore. On Tuesday, we took the kids to the science museum followed by a little shopping and then Wednesday we went to Port Discovery which is their children's museum. Wednesday night we were able to go to my cousin Amy's house and out to dinner with her, her girls, Uncle Bob, Aunt Iris and Rachel. It has been such a long time since I've seen them and we had a wonderful time catching and being together. They introduced us to a family restaurant that makes prize winning crab soup and let me tell you it deserves that award. Yummy!!! Thursday we headed back home and took our time - we did get delayed in two areas of traffic. It is great to be able to get away and enjoy our time together as a family.

Let it snow ....NOOOOOO!!!!!!!

So, we got our first snow storm at the most inconvenient of times. The snow started on Sunday, December 26th at 11:00 a.m. We were suppose to leave for our family getaway to Maryland right after church but when we saw the forecast that morning we decided it was best to stay put for the night and it is a good thing we did. These pictures were taken the next morning. What is so funny is that the way the wind blew the snow there was no snow up against the house it was like we had a moat around it. The back patio shows the most dramatic look of the snow fall we received - over 20 inches. The snow didn't stop us though......Dave shoveled enough to get the van out of the driveway and off we went. It was nice leaving it behind but we knew we would have to return to "take care" of it.

Nana Joan's Visit

The kids were very happy to have Nana Joan come to visit and stay with them while Dave & I went away to Vermont. We had a few days to get her prepped on their daily routine before we left. Nana got to relive kids going to school, making lunches and homework. The kids enjoyed their special time with her. Before she went back home, they celebrated Christmas with her and opened their presents from her and Papa Joe. Matt brought out his chair for the event and as you can see Emily was very happy with what she received. Thank you Nana for taking care of the kids while Dave & I got to finally go away for an extended stay.

Homework Stations

Matthew and Emily settled in to do their homework by creating their own "offices". Homework took a little longer that night because of the "distraction" of office supplies and equipment (easy buttons, kid phones, etc.) but it was very cute!

Grandma & Grandpa Wessel's Christmas Visit

On Thursday the 16th, Dave's parents came for their annual Christmas visit. It is a little different now that both kids are in school. Friday night we took them to check out Whole Foods and get some Christmas shopping done. Our weekend was very full. Emily had cantata practice on Saturday (2-4) so while we were there Dave & Matt took Grandma & Grandpa to the Paterson Museum. Saturday, after the practice, we went to dinner at Kiku for hibachi then came home quick bathed the kids and had Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa. Sunday, flew by. We had to be at church early on Sunday so the children's choir could sing a song in the morning service and at 5:00 for practice prior to the cantata at 6:00 which was followed by a church fellowship. In the middle of these commitments, there was a Bills/Miami game. Crazy as it was we had a very nice visit.

BBC Children's Choir Christmas Canata

This is the first year that Emily participated in any children's program since her PreK4 closing program. Originally, when we received notice of this program, we didn't ask Emily if she wanted to participate because there was a required practice on the Saturday and Sunday that Dave & I were away in Vermont and we didn't want mom to have to "deal" with these additional commitments. Emily had other plans. The first Sunday there was practice (part of the practice was during church continuing a half hour after the normal service time) Dave went to pick up Emily from her church program only to be told she was in the practice. We didn't have the heart to tell her she couldn't participate seeing this is the first time she has shown any interest in being in a program. So, I cleared it with mom who said she could take her to the practices.

Sunday the 19th at 6:00 p.m. was the program and all the kids did a great job. I couldn't help but have an extra feeling of pride knowing how far Emily has come with her learning issues. In addition to singing, Emily had a verse she had to read and did it so clearly. She loves to sing and is a true performer. I have a feeling we will have many more programs in our future. Excellent job Emily!

My Newest Creative Outlet

This Christmas I decided to make something for some very special friends of mine. I took some wooden photo cubes painted them, decoupaged them and then blinged them. I didn't take pics of the ones I made for my friends but did of the two I was asked to make as gifts for one of my friend's nieces. I'm always amazed at how relaxing crafting is for me.

How In the World?

Matthew has always been a good sleeper. He sleeps hard and long - he would sleep late every day if he didn't have school. It seems lately he has become one of those sleepers that is in constant motion. This is how I found him the other morning. His knees are actually on the floor. I don't know if he fell off the bed and just couldn't get up all the way or just decided to kneel while sleeping. Either way it doesn't matter he was sound asleep in this position. Too funny!!! Sleep well young man!

Christmas Traditions - Dinner Out

For the last 4 years, we have been going out for dinner on Christmas day. Today we went to one of our favorite places - Legal Seafood. The kids love getting popcorn shrimp but Matt has recently decided that I have to take all the breading off before he'll eat the shrimp. This time I got smart and actually asked if they could just give him a portion of grilled shrimp that would be equal to the popcorn shrimp kids meal. Let me tell you Matt downed that shrimp and I enjoyed having "clean" hands. Emily has been eating only small portions of food the last few weeks as her two lateral incisors are loose making eating a little uncomfortable. It was very yummy food and great company!!

Christmas Traditions - Gingerbread "Something"

Each year we buy a gingerbread kit that Dave "creates" with the kids. Last year we did a gingerbread village, the year prior 2 full sized gingerbread houses. This year Dave found a gingerbread train. Dave & Matt made the "structure" of the train and Emily assisted on the decorating portion. It turned out great!!!

Christmas Traditions - Feeding the Reindeer & Santa

We try to make sure that the reindeer and Santa make it to our house and are well fed when they leave. The kids spread panko bread crumbs with glitter on the lawn closest to the chimney for the reindeer to see and eat - the glitter sparkles by the light of Rudolph's nose directing them to our house. While the reindeer were outside eating, Santa got to feast on Fat Boy's Outrageous chocolate chunk cookies that we baked just a few hours before and egg nog - Emily's favorite holiday drink. By the way, the cookie dough is from Whole Foods and is like they say "outrageous". We had extra cookies we got to sample..... wink, wink!!!

We're Back!

Do not adjust your computer. I am back to blogging. I've started with Christmas day and am heading back to let you know what we've been up to. So, be prepared to do some reading.

Christmas Traditions - Pajamas

Growing up my family opened all our presents Christmas Eve night while Dave's family opened presents Christmas day. When Dave & I got married, we had to decide what we would do as a family. So, we made it that we could open one present on Christmas Eve which usually ended up being the Christmas ornament my mom sends each year. Prior to Emily being born, I heard of this tradition and "borrowed" it for our family. On Christmas Eve, the kids open their present of new pajamas which they wear to bed and open their presents in Christmas morning. This was the first year that the whole family had matching pajamas. Usually, Dave & I would get new pajamas but never ones that matched the kids.

Christmas Traditions - Watching The Polar Express

This is the 3rd year that we have spent Christmas Eve watching the movie "The Polar Express". I think this is one of my favorite traditions. We always watch the movie with a fire in the fireplace and popcorn to eat. Matthew still gets a little antsy about 2/3rds into the movie and starts to wander around the living room. He was not so willing to go to bed after because he wanted to watch it again. After a some crying and fighting sleep, which is very out of character for Matt, he finally went to sleep.

Christmas Traditions - Reading the Christmas Story

Christmas morning, after the kids have scouted out the presents left for them under the tree, we all meet up in our room where Dave reads the account of Jesus' birth from Luke 2. This year we used Matthew's Bible for the reading. We are hoping in the future that the kids will be able to read it to us. We've made it our family tradition that before we get "crazy" with the gift part of Christmas, we take time to recognize the greatest gift that was given to us and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Christmas Time Is Here

The kids were very excited that Christmas finally came. We started opening presents around 8:30. This year we got a little smarter and made it so that after you opened your present you had to put the wrapping in the "trash" bag before you went on to the next gift. I know, I know it may seem a little "organized" for the "joyous" event but it made it much easier to get to opening the actual toys after all the unwrapping. As you can see, both Emily & Matt got a good amount of gifts. Matt has spent most of his day putting together his Lego police station, which has 953 pieces, all by himself using the "blueprints". As of right now, he's about 2/3rds of the way done....keep going Matt. Emily has spent her day playing with a variety of dolls and pets she got. Dave programmed his digital picture frame that he is going to take to work while I've spent most of my day on my computer and doing small household chores. Okay, most of my gifts were clothes and jewelry, what am I going to do with that...lol. It has been a very relaxing day. In a little while, we will do our birthday cake for Jesus' birthday - that is Christmas day dessert.