Birthday Party Drama

Peder went to a birthday party at a huge gymnasium where they practice gymnastics and host birthday parties. He got some great party favors including a coveted Webkinz stuffed animal (he traded a horse with "girl eyes" for a toad, so a crisis was averted there). He also got a party bag with a bag of animal crackers, a bag of Skittles and a bag of M&Ms. On the bag was a balloon. Caroline LOVES balloons and he was running around with this bag and balloon (I had already removed the candy). Caroline was getting so frustrated and we finally told him that Caroline really wanted to see the balloon and that he could share with her. He ran again into the kitchen and I was about to plead with him again to JUST GIVE HER THE BALLOON (!!) when he said "Mommy, just a minute." He brought in the balloon with the bag. She opened the bag and saw the bag of animal crackers and was thrilled. Now the balloon wasn't even an issue (of course). Peder gave her a kiss on the forehead and sat with her on the couch. Okay, he doesn't really like animal crackers, but it was the thought that counts, right? Now if I throw a tantrum will Peder share the M&Ms with me????

Putting up the Tent

Peder asked to put up his tent today and since we got the tree out of the way, there was more room. I think this tent cost us under $20 and it's been a great activity. Now Caroline loves it too. We had it out last year but she was too young to appreciate it like she did today. She was entertained by just going in and out of it MANY times.

Taking Down the Tree

I always hated taking down the Christmas tree and ornaments when I was growing up. I still don't like it, but I don't tell that to Peder. He was fine with taking down the decorations and even helped a little bit. Most of the ornaments in this little box were made by my grandmother. Peder commented that he wants to learn how to make beaded ornaments too. Mom, can you help with this one??

We took down the tree while Caroline was napping, of course. I wondered if she would even notice that the tree was gone, but she just looked at the dining room table with all of the Christmas decor we hadn't put away yet. She's always into something. I do think the one thing she will miss is the Polar Express talking Santa that was given to Peder a few years ago. Peder was actually scared of it when we received it. This year, Caroline started calling the Santa "Happy!" Whenever we saw a picture of Santa somewhere, she would exclaim "Happy!" and we would respond, "Yes, Caroline, it's 'Happy'." I guess he does look happy.

Discerning Tastes

Peder always has the funniest comments about things. Over Christmas, his uncle was helping him play a new computer game and said something like "That was a good move." and Peder replied "Indeed!" Yesterday evening my fabulous dinner for the family was a box of chicken Rice-A-Roni which is actually a favorite of mine because it tastes good and it's easy to make. Peder helped me make it and opened the herb packet, smelled it, and said "Oh my, how I love this..." This is the same boy who won't put sauce on his pasta, won't touch most veggies, and doesn't like green thingies in his food.

Then there's Caroline who doesn't think twice about picking up food scraps from the floor. She really is a bottomless pit. Today at home after school she sat in her chair at the table and declared "nana!" when she saw a banana piece that had been sitting about 9 hours on her plate that we left out accidentally. But she still ate it and loved it! Some days feeding these kids is easy!

Caroline Changing a Diaper

This is an almost daily occurrence for Caroline. She loves to try and put diapers on her doll or teddy bears. She usually gets distracted and never finishes the task. I guess no babysitting jobs for her anytime soon. It's several minutes long but we think it's funny.

Fun on the playground

Look at that hair!!

On Saturday afternoon we took Peder and Caroline to the playground down the
street. They had so much fun. It was near 80 degrees outside and
comfortable. Caroline LOVES to slide and swing and didn't hesitate a bit
with big brother around. Her hair was crazy with the static as she came down
the slides. It was hilarious. We met friends of ours there, Amelia and her
father, who live nearby. Amelia is a year younger than Peder and has a 2
week old baby brother at home. Maybe Peder gave her some advice on being a
good big sibling.