Advent, Pax and Peace

At church this morning, we noticed that Father Len's vestment had PAX embroidered on it. After Mass, Penny and I stopped to say hi to Father and asked him about his vestment. He told Penny that Pax is Latin for "peace" and that he thought it was very fitting for Advent. We talked about how Paxton is living up to his peaceful name (he was so good during church this morning- drank his bottle and then fell asleep). It was a nice little after-church moment. I appreciate that Father took the time to talk to Penny and hope this is just one more good memory she'll have as she grows older. 

This weekend, we shared some amazing moments with Paxton, my peacemaker, Porter, my gate keeper, and Penny, my weaver. We're starting off Advent recharged, ready to celebrate Jesus' birth and everything that means to us. We celebrated the many things we are thankful for and will continue to do so throughout Advent. 

Today, we picked our tags for the giving tree. We picked tags selectively, for girls like Penny who wanted gifts like Penny. We sat down and ordered those gifts together. We talked about how much we have and about what these gifts will mean to these little girls. One girl asked for a Barbie car. Penny was very specific in the car requirements. After she picked the perfect car, she admitted she wanted one too. We talked more about wants and needs and in the end, I think she understood why we weren't shopping for her. And then she said that the girl should have a new Barbie for the car, even if it wasn't on the list, so we picked one out. We're excited for this girl and her new Barbie car. I hope they have many happy hours together! I hope Penny will continue to participate in the giving tree throughout her life. I hope that she'll learn the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that she'll find joy in thinking of others. I hope that she'll do this not just at Christmas! As the boys understanding of Christmas continues to grow, I hope she teaches them about giving. That's the best gift she could possibly give me! 

Christmas at Sesame

Today, we attempted Christmas at Sesame. We haven't done many outings like these since becoming a family of five. But, we were overdue for some Carty time and we decided Sesame was a great meeting spot. I'm so glad we ventured out! 

These two miss each other almost as much as RC and I miss Jason and Lisa. I miss them most on summer nights, on our birthdays (someone needs to help eat cake) and around the holidays. And, while they're only a drive away, taking that drive is something we need to do more often. 

Sesame never disappoints in the magic department. Moments like these make the lines and pushy people all worth it! 

Pax spent most of the visit napping in the stroller. We found a cup of hot water in Cookie Monster's Cafe and warmed a bottle and the chugged it. He was awake for the parade and loved the music! Christmas at Sesame was a success. It definitely helped put us in the holiday spirit! 

Ballerina turkey and other tales from kindergarten

Penny's class has been learning about the first thanksgiving. The details she picks up are fascinating. She recounted the first thanksgiving for us last night with accurate details that I didn't learn that young- she feels bad that the Pilgrims stole the Native American's land. If she could bring one thing onto the Mayflower, it would be a bathroom. She really is learning so much in Kindergarten! 

Here she is with her ballerina turkey. I love that she takes charge and has a vision for these projects. They may not be perfectly put together or Pinterest worthy, but they are hers. She owns them! 

RC and I HS the opportunity to visit her classroom this week. It was great to see her in action. Her teacher is enthusiastic. Her class is diverse. She is learning to be responsibile for herself. Most importantly, she seems really happy. In science, she was learning about plants. In math, she's learning the numbers 8 & 9. In reading, she's been grouped with another child who is reading and while the other kids are learning the fundamentals, they are challenging each other at their own level. They're stretching out words to learn how to spell. I love when she comes home with worksheets that she's clearly spelled on her own! 

She's excited to learn. Not only in the classroom, but everywhere. She's becoming confident in her monkey bar tricks on the playground, making friends from other classes and loving each special (library, health, art, music and gym). Kindergarten looks good on you sweet girl! Keep up the good work sister! 

Trick or Treat?

Trick or Treat? They all agree on treats! We had a great night exploring the neighborhood with our neighbors!

Our little Frozen family really loves that we live in a neighborhood where we are able to safely enjoy the night.

Penny took joy in leading her crew. She proudly knocked on every door of the dog-free houses. She approached with caution at the houses where she knows dogs live, sometimes pushing Porter and Alex ahead of her so they could scout the dog situation. She gets her fears from me and they're genuine. 

Porter really got it this year! He said "Hi! I Olaf!" And "candy please". He pushed up his sleeves and dug into those candy bowls like no ones business. And, he went for the M&M's almost every time there was a choice! Thanks to everyone who helped them enjoy the night!

We love our little Frozen family!