Another Year, Another Santa

Our favorite place to visit Santa is at the Ohio Statehouse, during the annual holiday festival. This year was no exception. The result was much the same as last year -- both kids happy to see St. Nick, but Atticus not venturing too close. Close enough to tell him what he wanted, though!

Gov. Mike DeWine was there for the tree lighting.

The Holiday Season Begins

The long holiday weekend was so full but relaxing that I nearly forgot that it was blog day!

It's been a busy week -- last Tuesday Edith had some eight girls over after school to celebrate her birthday. Wednesday we purchased a new dishwasher. Thursday was Thanksgiving, of course, although it ended up being very relaxing since it was just our family and Paul's mom (although that didn't stop us -- ok, mostly her -- from cooking up a full spread). Friday we decorated for Christmas, inside and out. Saturday was the Ohio State-Michigan football game, followed by another trip to visit with Paul's family to celebrate his mom's birthday. And Sunday I didn't leave the house -- although I did read nearly 200 pages of a book that's been sitting on my bookshelf for longer than I care to admit.

Most Christmas presents are purchased. Decorations are hung. The weather is cold but not bitingly so. Just less than three weeks of school before break. The holidays are in full swing, and I think I'm ready for them.

Edith Turns 7

 
Edith's birthday was last Thursday, but it's not over yet! She had a birthday party with family on Sunday, but after school today a number of friends are coming to our house for games, crafts and pizza. I think she has been more excited about that than actually getting older!

7-year old Edith's favorite ...
In her own words / [what I guessed]

• Food: Macaroni / [macaroni and cheese, spaghetti]

• Toy:  Chelsea trailer [basically a Barbie accessory] / [Barbies]

• Book: Betsy-Tacy / [anything Henry and Mudge]

• TV Show: Pinkalicious / [Molly of Denali]

• Movie: Cinderella and Frozen / [Frozen]

• Recess activity: Play with friends / [playing games with friends]

• Color: Pink, gold and purple / [pink and purple]

• Animal: Elephant / [cheetah]

• Song: All songs by Laurie Berkner, and Let It Go [from Frozen] / [Honky Cat]

• Game: Dominoes / [dominoes]

• Fruit: Strawberries / [strawberries]

• Vegetable:  Tomatoes / [carrots with ranch dressing]

• Breakfast: Froot Loops [generic kind!] and milk / [Oatmeal with sugar and cinnamon]

• Restaurant: Graeter's [for ice cream] / [Spaghetti Warehouse]

• Thing about school:  Art / [Art class, playing with friends]

• Anything else she wants to add: "I still love unicorns. I love art still, and I love drawing unicorns."

I was pretty proud of the unicorn cake I made, and Edith loved it!