December

We had a very long and busy December this year, just like we do every year. We went on a field trip with some friends to the Commemorative Air Force Museum, which was really interesting. Probably more for me than it was for the kids. The kids loved the planes and the huge engines and propellers, and I loved the history and stories. It is surprisingly a really good museum if the history interests you. The (smaller) kids were able to ride in a pedal (car) plane and loved it. Seeing the kids ride it made me want to have some sitting around for when I have grandchildren. I know, my oldest is only 11, but I will have grandchildren before I know it. Time goes by so fast!

While we were at the museum, we also got to walk through a B-17. There was a spot right in the middle where you had to walk across a narrow bridge with netting on the side. The bottom of the plane was open so you could see straight to the ground. When we went through, Aimee was terrified of this section. After much coercing, she finally crossed. When we finished going through, Aimee asked to go again. She must have forgotten how much she disliked the center section. It was a really fun and interesting field trip to go on with the kids' friends.

Kate has been bragging for several weeks that she has a loose tooth. I had checked it and it was barely wiggly. I guess she either convinced Ethan to help her or he grew tired of her bragging and tried to play dentist with her. We found both of them in the bathroom. Ethan had tied a string around her tooth and was ready to pull it out by slamming the door. Luckily for Kate, the string slipped off her tooth before it came out. Oddly enough, we haven't heard her bragging since.

We also did gingerbread houses again this year. It was a lot more fun this year than it was last year. The kids understood what they were doing this year, so I didn't have to do as much helping. I did try out a new recipe using sugar as a glue. Basically, I had to boil sugar and water as if I was making hard candy and then dip the edges of the gingerbread in it. It was perfect! Next year, I think I will add a little flavoring to the sugar to make it more fun.

Ethan really enjoyed seeing Ryan's icicles hanging from the roof.

Sadly, V didn't get to join in the decorating fun. She didn't mind, though. She was fully occupied with a candy cane (or two) I gave her. I know, it is just terrible for me to give candy to a future dentist's infant daughter.

It at least kept her happy while we were working.

We also had a wonderful Christmas. We were blessed to receive a large delivery on our doorstep Christmas Eve. The kids loved opening their presents and received so many fun toys, games, and books.

The kids got some Care Bear toys. At first when V opened hers, it terrified her so much. It took quite a while for her to not scream when she saw them. Here is a video of her a few hours after initially seeing them.

 It is just terrible of me, but I find so much enjoyment out of seeing her reaction to the bears. I am happy to say that shortly after this video, she started to scratch at their eyes and, realizing that they were just plastic, quickly fell in love with the bears. She can now be found walking around with one bear hugged in each arm. She just loves them now and it is darling!