January 2016

This month has flown by...with Abigail's birthday, school starting, and activities starting up again. We've actually had a gradual start to all most of our activities which has been nice.  Still can't believe the month is over though.  My mom and I have been putting together the girls photo books (full of 2015 pictures) so no time to actually take pictures.  Everything in today's post is from my phone.  =)

We've had a few afternoons of nice weather, but mostly it's been cold.  We bundle up in jackets, scarves, and hats/hoods while walking to school.  It's 10 minutes one way so not terrible, but I'm always glad to come back home where it's warm.  No crazy snow or ice storms though which is nice.

Speaking of cooler weather, I broke down and bought Domino two fleece shirts from an online vendor that owns sphynx cats.  I swore I wasn't going to spend money to clothe my cat...but it was cold.  And we tried sock sweaters and infant sweaters (all bought really cheap) and they were just not the right size. Thankfully I found a really good sale so I didn't have to spend an arm and a leg.  Domino still isn't sure sure that he likes them though.  =)

When it's sunny in the afternoon the window in Hannah's room is Domino's favorite place to be.

The girls are LOVING the dollhouse my dad built for Christmas.  The play with it all the time.  I enjoy doing some basic school things with Abigail while Hannah is gone.  We don't do it everyday and mix in learning games and crafts too.  Abigail surprised me with how many letters she knew how to write.

When we get home from picking up Hannah from school, we have snack and then a 30 minute quiet time in our rooms.  This gives Hannah a chance to decompress from her day and puts her in a better frame of mind to do homework and Abigail loves it too.  And Mommy has a few more minutes to get something done without being interrupted.  =)  One day I came to tell Hannah it was time to come out and found her playing "school" with her toys.  SO CUTE!  I love that her doll is raising her hand to ask a question.

Abigail is Four

This birthday right after Christmas always seems to get away from me.  Love the way these picture turned out this year. Abigail was super cooperative which definitely helped.  =)

Even Abigail is surprised she is already 4!  =)

Abigail has loved all things frog for quite a while.  So when I asked her if she wanted a frog on her birthday cake she immediately said yes.  SO CUTE!  My sister's friend does an awesome job.  We had a nice quiet celebration the week after her birthday with dinner and cake.

 Abigail's big present was a 12" bike.  She got a tricycle last year, but her legs just weren't long enough to pedal it.  Her feet are in a much better position on this new bike so hopefully she'll catch on quickly.

December 2015

We started the month with our choir and orchestra Christmas concert.  The elementary choir always sings a few songs, so Hannah got to participate as well.  And my parents came to the concert so both girls got to listen....a first for them since Mommy and Daddy are always on stage playing.
(photo credit: David Alvey)

Poor Hannah missed a few more days of school.  Her only symptom was fever but it would not go away and lasted 4 days.  We're glad she's feeling better and didn't share her germs.

The preschool choir also did a little Christmas performance where they sang 5 songs they learned this semester.  No singing photos, because Mommy and Daddy were both busy helping since that's the choir we work with.  They were so cute and Abigail loved getting to sing on stage.  They did have a photo booth set up in the lobby.  (Photo credit to David Alvey)

I'm happy to report that Domino has been a very good boy with the Christmas tree.  I was REALLY worried that he would try and climb it, knock it over, take off all my ornaments, etc.  So glad that has not been the case.  He is very interested in the ribbon on the packages though.  =)

We have enjoyed Hannah's break from school!  We've baked goodies for neighbors, had some friends over the play, met Daddy for lunch, puppet shows at the library, and just played at home.  We also made a gingerbread house with Grammy, lots of coloring and played at the park one afternoon (when it was warm).

Last month I mentioned taking photos for our Christmas cards. We actually got quite a few good photos.  My mom does such an awesome job. These are just two of my favorites.

We also continued our tradition of taking pictures of the girls by the Christmas tree at night.  This photo session did not go as well....it took two tries before we actually got anything good.  Once the girls were ready to cooperate we got several cute photos.  Only posting a few favs though. This is my mom's beautiful tree and living room, not mine.  =)