A Birthday Party

Katie was invited to a birthday party from one of her school friends. His family was so inviting and kind to Katie. It was after this party that Katie walked into our decorated house for Christmas.

We got to watch a magic show at the party. For some reason, I thought I needed to sit on a pillow to watch it. 

Afterward, the magician did some face painting and made balloon animals. I didn't want my face painted, but I did wait for an animal. 

I chose a giraffe! 

I didn't realize how hard Bingle was working at home at the same time to help decorate the house! 

When I ate the cake, I kept feeling like there was something on my mouth. 

I had fun watching the gifts being opened! 

Afterward, I played with cars with all of the boys. We had fun!

A Mirror + Music = A Happy Dance

We were out shopping, and of course, when Katie passed a mirror, she stopped to look at herself. At the same time, there was a song playing that she liked. This is the result!

Mirrors and music make me happy!

Dress-Up

At Christmas, Katie got some more outfits to add to her dress-up collection!

Now I can be Aurora from Sleeping Beauty! 

Santa Claus got me the Anna nightgown with the cape that I asked for too!

A Christmas Party

We went to my friend's house for her annual Christmas party, and Katie was in seventh heaven. Her friend, Kyla, lives there and they always have a fun time together!

I got to color a reindeer when I got to the party. 

While the big kids did a different activity, Kyla and I played with the dry spaghetti and gum drops. 

I love spending time with her! 

I was most excited when Kyla's dad blew up the jump house! 

It's my favorite thing to do! 

Who wouldn't love this?

Before I left, we got to decorate cookies. I decided to be a minimalist and put one marshmallow on my cookie. Kyla was nice to share her chocolate chips though, so I ate those separately! Thanks for having me over!

Christmas Dance Performance

Katie had her Christmas dance performance the weekend before Christmas. This performance was an invitation to observe a regular dance class, but the students got to wear their Christmas outfits.

The last time Katie was in a performance, she was a little distracted by the audience, so I talked to her ahead of time and told her to try to ignore the extra people who were there and concentrate on watching and listening to her teacher. She listened a little too well. Whenever she saw anyone in the audience, she turned her head sideways to avoid looking at them, and when people tried to talk to her, she didn't answer because she was ignoring those other people - just like she interpreted my directions. It was a little funny when I realized what she was doing, but I don't think I'll give that same advice anymore!

As I got ready to begin, I practiced holding out my dress in different ways. 

When we went in the room, I stood at the barre with my friend as she talked to the crowd. I didn't talk. I ignored everyone just like my mom told me to! 

When everyone got there, we sat on the floor for our warm-up exercises. 

While I did my warm-ups, I separated my dress from it's liner just because it was fun! 

We got to walk to the barre one at a time to show our visitors how we practice with it. 

All of us were ready to go! 

I love to stand on my toes! 

Sometimes it's hard though to stand on my toes and hold my hands above my head without leaning on the barre. 

We practiced tapping. 

This is our hardest move…putting one foot up on my knee, holding my arms above my head, and trying to balance. We try, try again! 

I tried to smile for pictures, but... 

…the barre runs right across my face! 

Did you see my dress though? 

We each got to jump through the hoops and practice our tiptoe walk. 

When my turn was done, I had a big smile and a bow ready! 

It was time for our Christmas dance. 

I was a little nervous because we hadn't practiced this dance very much! 

I would try my hardest though. 

When something is new, it's hard to smile and focus - especially when you're trying to ignore everyone! 

I was very careful to make sure I was standing on my marked spot. 

When our dance was done, our performance was officially over. 

Before I left the studio, I practiced twirling in my dress. 

Is it time for treats? 

Of course, I chose to have the cupcake that reminded me of Elsa!

This was our new dance. I was a little nervous, but I got through it!

Other Uses for a Nativity Set

As part of our Christmas decorations, Katie has a Little People nativity set. She has always had fun playing with it, but she also likes to re-use different parts with other toys.

I like to use the tent and well from my nativity set as extensions of my castles. 

The well becomes my dishwasher. 

Sven also likes to pull Mary and Joseph on the sled.

Happy New Year, 2015!

Starting a brand new year always feels like an opportunity handed over to fill with new adventures. As we begin 2015, it's a perfect chance to reminisce on the past year, so we can celebrate and enjoy the experiences that became our treasured memories and wonder about the accomplishments and smiles that will come next!

January 2014 - I discovered the joy of cooking in my very own kitchen!

February 2014 - I got to experience the fun and curiosity of playing in the middle of a snow storm!

March 2014 - I learned how to help my mom clean up the kitchen. I taught her to take the time to play with the bubbles in the sink!

April 2014 - Someone gave me my first make-up kit! I was so excited to apply it by myself!

May 2014 - I was transported into a magical land, where I became a fairy!

June 2014 - I got to explore a beautiful Canadian park!

July 2014 - I got to experience blueberry picking for the first time (in the middle of a heat wave)!

August 2014 - My first tomato plants started to give me delicious tomatoes!

September 2014 - I went to my very first day of school!

October 2014 - I helped build my first sand castle!

November 2014 - I got to discover Disneyland fantasy and magic!

December 2014 - I decided not to let small things like no graham crackers stop me from building a house. I loved my Saltine Cracker house!

My mom told me about New Year's Resolutions and asked me what resolution I wanted to make this year. After several ideas, I decided on this one: I want to hug Grandma every day!