professional family pics

We decided to do a holiday mini session with a photographer recommended by another mom in our neighborhood.  I had high hopes but we weren't happy with the pictures.  Yes a few of the kid pics are nice but several of them could have been better.  We thought photographers come equipped with tricks to make toddlers smile but not this one and ZJ wasn't about to fake smile for a stranger.  I also thought she'd give more direction on our posture/positioning.









This is IJ's "I'm pretending to not like ZJ kissing me" face.  If we knew this is what had been captured we could have redone it and asked him to smile.













11.9.13

no more training wheels!

We took the training wheels off of IJ's bike a few days ago and he practiced a few times in the driveway that day. Today was the second time he's ridden without them and he did really well.

IJ sings Hanukkah songs

The 2 pre K classes at IJ's school sang Hanukkah songs they'd been learning for seniors at the JCC. ZJ was hanging out with me and eating pretzels I was handing her until she decided she wanted in on the action, which you'll see.

November 2013 Pics

ZJ went to the children's museum for the first time in over a year.  She loved it of course. 







IJ's best school friend had a birthday party at a bounce house and both kids loved it.  I was very surprised that ZJ liked this slide and that IJ very patiently helped her up the stairs each time and then waited at the bottom.




IJ demanded to wear this hair clip to school.


ZJ was hiding when it was time to brush her teeth.


She copies everything he does.  He stood on his pedals and she interpreted it this way.


I'm conquering my fear of yeast breads.  I made cinnamon rolls and this spelt flour loaf.




IJ's first soccer season ended.


IJ's been learning about and crafting for thanksgiving and Hanukkah simultaneously at school.


lol


We FINALLY let the kids ride in a car grocery cart and they were super excited.


NJ sold MY 10 year old car and bought a used truck.

IJ's art

IJ has improved his penmanship and drawing skills recently. Here are some examples from October.

He now signs in every morning at school by writing his first and last name.

I thought this was a cute little self portrait.


Here's another self portrait plus daddy and ZJ. He is holding daddy's hand and made sure to draw ZJ's hair in her face.  Daddy obviously isn't wearing pants.


Another school project (on a pillowcase for some reason).


This one is all his work but under the direction of daddy.  It was a birthday gift for grandma.

October 2013 Pics

Looking rough after a nap.


IJ lasted 4.25 years in a rear facing car seat but we needed to move ZJ into his seat so he is now forward facing in a new chair. He loves it.








IJ and I got to pet a giraffe at the zoo.










ZJ got a new ottoman for her room.


I finally introduced ZJ to play dough after IJ and I made a batch of pumpkin spice dough.  She likes it of course.


Both kids enjoyed the bounce houses at the neighborhood Halloween party.






I made mini (and full size) eyeball cupcakes for C & N's Halloween party.


IJ gave out Halloween goodies and went trick or treating for the first time.


Both kids in full costume at C & N's party.  IJ was "incredible IJ" and ZJ was a witch.