Paul and Elise are now 5 (!!!!!), we welcomed Oma and Opa back to Portland, and have been well underway with holiday festivities. Bring it on Christmas - we are ready for your joy and promises of peace on earth.
Paul and Elise sleep side by side in their toddler beds pushed next to each other these days of their own accord. During some bickering over who got which books in bed last night, I said "you know, it's especially nice to say something nice to each other at bedtime." Elise said "I love you Paul" and Paul replied "I love you too Elise." I asked Elise to do her chore of sweeping the front porch the other day and Elise grumbled about it. Paul said "Mom, after she's done, can I sweep the front porch because I know she'll do a bad job." Both examples are quite telling of their personalities.
Elise continues to be my independent, strong yet sweet cuddler, stubborn, silly, imaginary play extraordinaire, and lover of drawing and books. She loves open gymnastics showing her feats of strength. If she feels like she achieved something, she gets so proud and excited. She is now a confident swimmer and loves the water more than ever. Paul can also swim but he is much more tentative about it. He'll do a fist pump and call it a day. Elise continues to be my wild card with what comes out of her mouth to what she'd like to do for the day. It's fun to witness except when it's not - "no no no, I don't want to go".
Paul loves to know what's going on at all times. He loves being active from riding his bike, playing Tennis, to throwing a football. He is my little helper. He'll go outside to sweep the sidewalk and driveway without being asked, always wants to take in the empty trash cans, and don't get me started on his preference to use the ball cleaner upper machine over actually hitting tennis balls. He's just a good kid that at times gets into his own head too much with I don't know what to call it yet - anxiety, over thinking, lack of control, and can have an epic meltdown.
Oma and Opa are back and there was no transition needed. Jumping on Opa and cuddling with Oma came back easily after them being gone for 3 months. We are all thrilled to have them back. We are well underway celebrating the Holidays. We are hosting my whole family this year. The fun begins today.
Our Thanksgiving with friends new and old.
Newly minted 5 year olds enjoying their song.
Portland's first snow this year was just enough for a 1-foot high snowman. And two days of no school. The second snow was even less snow but two more days of no school.
The twins just being cute. Definitely lots of cute moments these days.
Decorating the tree after Oma & Opa returned from Chicago. Picked just the right tree with a few inches to spare to the ceiling.
Lily's choir concert. She's in the front row just left of center. She did great but the high school aged choirs were really impressive. Almost as impressive as those bald spots in front of the camera.
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