Getting in the Spirit

So, we pledged to ourselves that this year we would find the time to do something festive each weekend before Christmas.  Simone is well old enough now to have strong opinions on and interest in different holiday activities, so the possibilities are very fun.  Tonight we took a drive westward on route 7 and found a county park with a walking winter wonderland tour.  We practically had the whole place to ourselves and the cold weather really made it start to feel like Christmas time. 

Yes, that is Tony under there.  He was bundled up for more of an alpine ski vacation than a stroll through a park.  His tolerance level for the cold gets lower and lower each year.

Santa AND Mrs. Claus.  Simone is happy to jump right on Santa's lap these days, but she curiously doesn't have very much in mind to ask him for.  You'd think she'd keep adding to her list, but it's actually pretty meager.

We had a very nice night and grabbed some hot drinks and turned on the Christmas music for the drive back home.  It was so adorable to listen to Simone singing along and making up the words she didn't know.  Hopefully we made for her another great holiday memory.

Thankful on Thanksgiving

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving with a visit from Grammy and Pop who brought Peyton, Ella, and Seleste.  It may have only been Thanksgiving, but it sure felt as good as Christmas to Simone. Before they even arrived, Simone asked me if they could stay at her house forever. lol!

While "the feast"--Simone's newest holiday reference-- was being prepared the girls went outside to bounce around the yard.  The weather has certainly cooperated all weekend -- a beautiful day.

of course,  another obligatory princess show

After a bit of black Friday shopping for the mommies, we headed over to Reston Town Center  for their holiday parade.  A very festive kick off to the holiday season!

And last but not least, the event the girls had been waiting for....  somehow, someway -- I'm claiming temporary insanity-- the girls convinced us to take a trip to the American Girl Store (a first for Simone's cousins) ON BLACK FRIDAY.  They all scored some new clothes for their bitty babies, and then went and piled on Santa's lap to relay to him the rest of their wish lists.  Oddly enough, there was no line for Santa pictures.  I guess no one else was brave/crazy enough to bring kids to Tysons Corner on black Friday.

I really don't know where kids get all their energy.  The adults can barely move and the girls are taking an after dinner swim as I type. Incredible.   But we had an amazing Thanksgiving packed full of fun for everyone.

now, BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!  (but first a nap)

Simone's Thanksgiving Pageant

Today was Simone's first, official, public pageant.  That's right, if she ever becomes a famous performer, she can trace her roots to right here... her kindergarten Thanksgiving pageant.   She was an Indian, which was her first choice, and did a great job with her songs and lines (though admittedly, was the most shy of all the performers).  She was also really excited because she got to be the line leader and lead the class onto the stage.

Mommy and daddy, of course, had backstage privileges!  

And when it was over, we all had pumpkin/apple pie.  Perfecto!

Celebrity Simone will owe a debt of gratitude to her first director/teacher...

and just think, we'll all be able to say, "we knew her when..."  LOL!

A Visit From Grandad

Simone had an extra special treat this weekend... a visit from her grandad, Auntie Lea, and cousin Nailah. It was awesome to get to spend time with them and, of course, Simone ensured maximum playtime-- at home, swimming, the gameroom at the club, the mall-- she had it all!  

 What would a visit be without an improptu play?  Actually, the girls had two plays--one starring a princess and one about a movie star-- but I only got pictures of one.

With Auntie Lea and Nailah.

After dinner on Sunday evening, we spent some time at the bookstore, where naturally Simone had Nailah reading to her every book she could find.

And best of all, Nailah and Grandad went along on Monday morning to drop Simone off at school.  She was so excited to get to show them her classroom and meet her teachers.  She will miss them terribly!