Cake!

Cuddlebugs

We might have a problem

This morning Kaden asked for something else with his breakfast.  When I asked what he'd like, he replied, "umm... brownies?"  Nice try pal, nice try.  So as I was helping Mackinna pack her bag for school, this little man helped himself to a stool and got into the cupboard where the the chocolate chips are kept.  Next thing I know Kaden is eating oatmeal with chocolate chips- A LOT of chocolate chips (and syrup).  We may have a chocoholic on our hands.

Kaden's first friend birthday party

Kaden was invited to his first friend's birthday.  There was one excited boy about this invite. First of all it was his little girlfriend Carolee and second it was at Maine Academy of Gymnastics!  Two good reasons to be very exicted.  He kept revisiting the invitation and staring at it and every day, asking me if it was the party day.  He was so cute! Finally today was the day! We made her card this morning and for the first time ever Kaden wrote his entire name by himself. I was so proud and so disapponted to have to give it away, so it took a picture to post here so I'll always have it!

A better mom

I'm currently reading, "Parenting you anxious child with mindfulness and acceptance" in an effort to ease some of the troubles we've been having with Mackinna.  Today she picked up the book and asked me what it was about.  Not wanting to get too into it with her, I just said it was a book about how to be a good Mom.  My sweet girl replied, "But you are a good Mom." So I said,"Well it'll help me be an even better one."  She then tells me, "You already are a better one.  You don't need this book!" Then she tossed it aside.

Just the two of us

Kaden and I made a trip the children's museum while Mackinna was at school on Tuesday. At first it seemed he didn't know what to do without her, but eventually he figured it out and we had a blast.  Check out my fire fighter and boat captain.

Snowy night

Art work by Kaden James

2010 photo book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Vacation

 Its gone by too quickly that is for sure, but its been filled with lots of good stuff.  We went to the movies to see Tangled with Grandma and Grandpa Campbell, spent lots of time at home playing with new toys, went sledding and ice skating,  took a trip to the children's museum and had a New Years Eve ice cream sundae party with lots of good friends.  I can't believe its almost over!

Photo with Santa

Of course, Mackinna was having no part of this unless the whole family was in the picture, and even then she was reluctant.

Christmas Day

 First look at the tree and presents Christmas morning

 Checking out presents from Santa

 One last present under a big sheet...

 Ta da- a big beautiful kitchen made with love by Daddy!

 They immediately began to play

 Pop up Pirate!

 Grandma making messes (with a little help from her babies)

 Dylan performed for us

 The kids table for Christmas dinner

It was a long couple of days and Kaden played hard, he (and Jordie & Lucy) were tired

Tis the season

Here is a little recap of Christmastime...

 The kids helped carry the Christmas tree with their big muscles

 This is an example of our failed attempt at Christmas card picture.  I gave up and made a collage of pictures from the year.

 We had our 2nd annual cookie decorating party.  The kids had a blast.

 Some of Kaden's handy work

 

Mackinna hard at work- eating sprinkles

 Kaden had his preschool Christmas singalong.  His sister went into school late so she could watch.  She was so proud!

 Twinkle twinkle Christmas star

 We met Pa at The Christmas Dove and Kaden made sure Pa saw all the trains

 Our first accumulation of snow.  We went out to wait for the bus early so the kids could play before Mackinna went to school.  Kaden's sock fell down inside his boot so he took is boot off, luckily his sister was willing to help him put it and the sock back on.

 We finished our first snowman of the year after Mackinna got on the bus.

 Cousins on Christmas Eve

 Mommy & the handsome Nuggie

 The boys got welding sets from Bampy & Dolly.  They were a big hit. 

 Mackinna got a school set from Bampy & Dolly and everyone immediately put it to use

 Two handsome boys

Mommy read Twas the Night Before Christmas to Hen, Nug and Grandma and Grandpa before bedtime.

Its been a while

I just sat down to do a Christmas post and noticed I never published my Philadelphia marathon post from the beginning of Dec, so its been even longer than I thought since I had a real post.  Oops!  Its posted now, and hopefully there will be a few more to come today.