School Christmas Program

Peder had his school's Christmas program this evening. It was a beautiful program with all of the kids singing song after song. The kids even sang some descants and sang in several foreign languages. Even Caroline enjoyed it. Although when Peder walked in to head to the risers in the front of the church, she tried to follow "my Peder". Here is a picture of Peder with his teacher, Mrs. Tesauro. He loves her.

Advent Workshop

Making an Advent Calendar. Peder is helping me put on a grommet. He likes using a cool-looking tool called the crop-a-dile.

Interesting ornament?

This morning we went to our church's Advent Workshop. Peder helped make an Advent Calendar (well, I made most of that) and he created a few "chrismons" or ornaments to hang on the tree in the sanctuary. It's always nice to slow down the pace and think about the time leading up to Christmas. Mark especially loves Advent (and Epiphany). So, in our household, the Christmas season lasts as long as possible!

A Holiday Recital at the Galleria

Peder played for shoppers and parents at the Galleria tonight outside Nordstrom Dept. Store. The Galleria has all day music this weekend and his piano teacher had an hour of it. So, Peder got to play three pieces: The Time Machine, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Jingle Bells. His teacher played with him for the first piece (smart of her, since he's very shy about playing in front of people). He played by himself for the rest. He was the first to play too (again, smart on her part since he could have easily changed his mind about playing). Twelve students played in all during the hour.

We prepared him very little for this in an effort to make it sound casual, and it was. But I didn't know the set up and before we got there, I commented to him that everyone will be walking around and not listening much, so he was not to worry. When we got there, though, he was surprised that there was a good amount of seating available for those who wanted to sit and listen during the recital. All the people who sat were parents and family of the players, so it was a supportive crowd.

The bottom picture is of him looking out at the audience after he was finished. He was supposed to take a bow, but I think he was just glad it was over. We were so proud of him!! He got a hot pretzel after the performance was over.

Terrible Twos?

Caroline is now 2 years and 8 months and we're wondering if the Terrible Twos are hitting. She had the worst tantrum ever yesterday evening. Nothing would please her. Even Peder tried to reason with her (unsuccessful). We even called the lady who watches her during the day (amazing lady, we all love her) to see if she'd forgotten to mention anything about the day. Nothing. Finally, we just decided it was bedtime even though it was only 6:00 p.m. It took both me and Mark to tear off her clothes and struggle to put on her PJs. She said she wanted to watch Barney (Imagination Island -- her FAVORITE). So, Peder retreated to another room (too much Barney for him) and Caroline watched the tape two times. This picture is her after watching Barney. She put her diaper changing pad in the kitchen with a pillow and her Nina quilt. I guess she thought she'd sleep in the kitchen. All is well and Barney is her hero. Maybe Barney is my hero, too.

Caroline, it's a good thing you're so darn cute. You've been quite a handful lately.

Lighting of the Square

Last night we went to the Georgetown, Texas Lighting of the Square. It was big fun for Peder. Not so much for Caroline until the end. She got nervous as it got darker outside. She's not much for crowded, noisy areas. But what's interesting is that she's a risk-taker and very outgoing in every other aspect of her little life. I had to hold her almost the entire time we listened to the Christmas singers and while waiting for the lights to come on. After the lights came on and the people dispersed, she came out of her shell and walked around. We went inside the courthouse where "country" Santa sat for pictures with the kids. The picture below is the closest she wanted to get to Santa. That was fine with me since I didn't want to stand in line.

When we drove home we looked for deer around Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood. We saw several and Caroline called them doggies or "goggies". Peder called them doggies with sticks for ears so Caroline started calling them "goggies with sticks on ears". We get live entertainment everyday living with these two kids.

Happy Thanksgiving!