ISU Christmas Party

So on this day we had a birthday party at the pottery studio and a Christmas party for ISU staff.  Since Papa Mike works for the University, Emma and Lauren were able to attend and enjoy the activities--photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Reggie Redbird, Gamma Phi Circus, art projects, treats, and tattoos.  Because the two events overlapped, we were a bit rushed to experience everything.  Emma missed out on the jumpy house, but there's always next year.  We had a great time and look forward to this yearly children's party.

Pottery Painting Party

Birthday party number two--pottery!  This was Emma's first time painting pottery.  She chose a Minnie Mouse ornament.  It was a challenge to hold the round piece and cover all of the curves, but she did it with very little help.  Emma is a budding artist, so I think we'll be visiting the pottery studio again soon.

First-Time Bowler

Emma was invited to a bowling birthday party.  Several of her classmates turned five in December, and they each had a different party venue and theme.  This was Emma's first time bowling.  She liked using the ramp, but also gave freehand rolling a go.  The bumpers were up to prevent gutter balls, but the ball  did drop off into the gutter at the last second every now and then!  It was a good time for all!

Sisterly Love

Precious!

Beautiful Babes

 

Yes, these were also taken at the photo session.  I think we purchased 10 different poses and qualified for a few "freebies" like the entire shoot on a CD, a Christmas ornament, and mini photo books.  This is why we only have them done once a year . . . but with two girls maybe we should take them twice a year!  I love it!

Say Cheese!

Might I brag . . . what gorgeous girls!  I just love having their pictures taken.  During the moment, it is so chaotic and you think there is no way the photographer got any good shots.  Then you narrow them down during the selection process and realize why they are the professionals.  The family picture is our Christmas card this year.

An Early Christmas

 

Oh what fun it is to . . . open presents!!!  We always celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving with Scott's parents, grandma, aunts, uncles, brother, sister-in-law, and niece.  Emma's been on a Cars and Jake and the Neverland Pirates kick for awhile now.  She was a lucky girl!  We really appreciate the outpouring of love.  It was great to visit with everyone and see the girls play with their older cousin, Sydney.

Lovable Lauren

Here are a few of our favorite pics of Lauren this past month.  She's a happy baby like her big sister!  It's so fun to watch the girls together.  Emma wants to love on Lauren all the time.

We Are Thankful . . .

Emma and Lauren brought their teachers 2 dozen decorated sugar cookies as a thank you this Thanksgiving!  It's lots of icing, but so adorable!

Da' Bears

The girls were clad in their Bears wear this fall, but it was a short season for our team.  Lauren is a mover and a shaker, so this is the only pic where she is still . . . for the moment.

Festival of Trees

Emma's preschool class performed at the Festival of Trees this November.  They sang 5 Christmas song.  Some included motions or instruments.  It was her first time on a stage giving a performance.  She loved it!  Can you find her in the front row?

Fall Art and Games - Part 2

 

Coffee Filter Pumpkins:  Coffee filters can be used for any season to make something fun!  We used Do-A-Dot markers and a spray bottle.  Watch the orange blend into the white spaces as the water is absorbed.  When it dries, add a construction paper stem and small pipe cleaner for a curly vine.

Fall-owing Directions Math and Literacy:  These laminated worksheets helped Emma practice following directions to add and decode a mystery message.  We also worked on number and letter formation.  These came from www.allkidsnetwork.com.

Jack-o-Lantern Funny Faces:  These 1/2 pieces can be arranged in any fashion.  After creating one, choose a follow-up activity.  Ask your child to point to the ones that are happy, have circle eyes, do not have a nose, etc.  Or ask if he/she can make a jack-o-lantern with certain characteristics.  You can also discuss emotions and model character development by speaking as the jack-o-lantern in a unique voice.  Then ask your child, "How is this jack-o-lantern feeling?  How would he talk?  What would he say?"

Jack-o-Lantern Memory:  As with the previous matching game, you could also discuss shapes and emotions with these cards.  Ask your child, "What happened to make this jack-o-lantern be so upset?  Why is this one laughing?"

More Fall Books:  We are developing quite a home library with many seasonal books.  Most of these had a Thanksgiving theme.