Our Trip to the Zoo

Mike decided to take the last two weeks of the year off so we could all enjoy the holidays together. We thought it would be a great opportunity to take Kelsie out to the zoo. It turned out to be perfect weather for it and it wasn't all that busy. She loved looking at all the animals. We caught the sea lion show, which none of us have done before. Her favorite part though was petting the goats and riding the carousel. She even rode one of the carousel animals that went up and down the second time she rode the carousel. She has never done that before and we were so proud of her for deciding on her own to try something new. Right before we left we rode the train. She wasn't so sure about it at first, because she thought it would be too noisy. Once we were on it she finally decided it was OK and that the whistle wasn't as loud as she thought. Overall it was a wonderful family day and I hope we get to go back again soon!

Kelsie's School Christmas Program

For weeks Kelsie would come home practicing various Christmas songs that they were practicing for her Christmas Program at her school. She was very excited about it and kept asking when they were going to have the actual program, so when the day finally came she couldn't wait to go to school! Me, Mike, my parents, and my MIL all came to see her perform. I could see that she was looking for us as soon as she walked into the auditorium. Once she saw us she started telling the little girl next to her that there was her mommy, daddy, grandma, grandpa, and grammy. It was so cute to see her so excited!

They made some adorable reindeer shirts at school for the kids to wear and I was a little worried that Kelsie wouldn't want to wear it, but she had it on and didn't seem to mind in the least. She did wonderfully during the program. She sang and did all the hand motions along with everyone else. Just like at the Noah's Ark Program earlier this year when there was a pause between songs she would giggle a little. I guess she gets a kick out of the audience clapping and waving to them. She had a blast and we were all very proud of her and the rest of the kids performing that day. I hope they have another program soon, because Kelsie loves them!

After the program everyone except grammy (she had an event at her church) came back to our house to visit and play. I took the opportunity to get some pictures of everyone with Kelsie. I tried to take care of that at the church, but Kelsie was not being very cooperative about taking pictures. We all had a wonderful time and Kelsie enjoyed her day.

The Christmas Carnival

We went to the Christmas Carnival they had at Nick's school and it was so much fun! They had pony rides, a train, and all sorts of booths and games setup for the kids. Kelsie's favorite part was the pony rides. In fact she rode them 3 times! She was so excited to be at Nick's school and was even more excited when we found him. It turned out to be perfect timing, because he was about to ride the train and she wanted to ride with him. We spent 2 hours there and Kelsie enjoyed every minute of it!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

The weekend after Thanksgiving we started putting up our Christmas decorations on the inside. I wanted to get it done early this year, so we could have some time to enjoy them. Kelsie was very excited to help with the tree. In fact she hasn't stopped redecorating the tree ever since. Every day, sometimes several times a day, she will move the ornaments she can reach around and even use them as toys sometimes. We don't mind and I love the she gets so much enjoyment out of it!

Thanksgiving

Unfortunately Mike had to work on Thanksgiving this year, but he was on the day shift so we all got to have Thanksgiving dinner together that evening. My dad decided to come pick Kelsie and me up that morning and we spent the day with my parents, my brother, and my SIL. Kelsie had lots of fun playing with everyone and helping grandma make a couple of pumpkin pies.

Mike came over after his shift and we all had a yummy Thanksgiving dinner together. Although we missed him being there during the day it still turned out to be a really nice Thanksgiving. Kelsie and I decided to stay the night that night, since Mike had to work again the next day and we helped grandma put up her tree and some of the other Christmas decorations she has. It was fun and it is something we usually don't have the opportunity to do together.

Christmas Pictures

Funnies

The other day Kelsie was watching football with Grandpa. Apparently the referee came on the screen and Kelsie said "Look Grandpa that man is dressed up like a Zebra!" She probably thought it was just like Halloween!

Today I asked her to do me a favor and go feed the dogs (which she usually loves to do)and of course she said no thank you since it wasn't her idea. Well a couple of minutes later she came to me and said "Mommy, after you feed the dogs will you do me a favor and give me some candy?". I couldn't believe she decided to use my words against me! :)