Checking in

Kurt is always in charge of buckeyes, Annabelle likes to help him with that.

Mom & I made our favorite Sugar Plums.
(I promise I only wear overalls around the house)

It’s a long day but it sure is fun.

Note to self:
Self. Take pictures of all the cookies next year.

Once again a kind soul agreed to take our family picture at the entrance. Nate was a bit anxious to get in and not so much about the posing. I was too busy envying the woman’s coat, it was so super cool.

Nate was totally transfixed by the large train display.

Both kids *loved* the outdoor, fast running riding train.

And getting their pictures in the train cutout.

We went on a wagon ride which gave us another fabulous view of the millions of lights, plus allowing us to see some of the hidden things behind the buildings.

The bonfire was great; Annabelle was being silly and wouldn’t keep her tongue in her mouth.

She also had a big story to tell Nana about how the fire was built. It didn’t really make sense as it involved a princess, a jack-o-lantern and a flying elf.

When a strolling band went by, both kids broke out in dance.

They are both already asking when we can go back again.

First we went to the mall to ride the train. The look on Nate’s face looks so serious, almost sad, but it is neither of those things. When Nate is on a train he is in the zone. He goes beyond the smiley happy child of usual, he goes almost trancelike.

After the kids rode the train they were having fun trying to catch the popcorn that was projected on the floor. There was dancing, hopping and lots of giggling.

Annabelle ran into one of her friends from music class and they wanted to ride the train together, so they did. Nate at this point was over the mall, over the train and wanted to leave. Once Nate has had his lunch he goes into nap mode, so Nate & I sat this one out while the girls had their fun.
Neither child would talk to Santa. He was pretty cool too, but they wouldn’t do it.

We are still recovering from October.

October is our busy season. “We have so much time, and so little to do! Strike that. Reverse it.”

We spent the second weekend of the month on the go.

Saturday was Trick or Treating at HalloBoo! Our favorite Story Book Forest turned into a non-scary Halloween setting.

Aunt Karen went with Nana, Mom, Snow White and Prince Charming to spend a warmer than normal (or necessary) day at the park. We trick or treated with the Storybook characters. The kids and Karen did their favorite “pumpkin dancing” in Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater’s house. We made our own S’Mores. Of course Nate’s favorite activity, riding the train. Other than Nate wanting to and almost taking a dive into the purple fountain we all agreed it was just the best day. Fun, relaxed and guaranteed to wear everyone out.

Sunday dawned bright and warm again so we headed to the mountains. The annual Autumnfest celebration at a ski resort we enjoy so much. Beautiful leaves on the drive, wonderful food at the buffet and great company. We met Aunt Karen & Kurt, Jeremy & Josh with Mandy to spend a family day celebrating the latter 3’s birthday on the 13th.

The kid’s favorite activity was running the hay maze. Annabelle rode a horse and jumped in a bouncy house. I finally got all to sit still moment to capture a cousin picture.

Another fun fall day.

Their first interest was this wall in the Mr. Rogers area that had 26 doors, one for each letter of the alphabet. Behind each door was a shadow box filled with items represented by that letter. The B one had a Bunny, Barrette, Ball, etc. Well Mr. Nate can open and shut doors all day if we let him, but eventually other kids wanted to play so we moved on.

There was a peg board that when you touched it the pegs indented so you could put your handprint or whatever on it. The pegs came out the other side. There were little kids on the other side pushing them back, which seemed to freak both kids out. How were these pegs magically popping back up? Jenny picked up Nate so he could play at the top without others interfering. Then he really liked it.

Annabelle loved the grocery scale; I found a new job for her when we go shopping. Who knew?

Nate was so into the peg board area. He just kept taking them out of one and putting them into another. I kept hearing Annabelle’s Montessori teacher in my head saying “if they are engaged in an activity don’t interrupt”. So as much as I wanted to say “Come on, let’s go do something fun” I let him go for a long time putting pegs from one board to another.

They had a Smart Car on display. I was surprised at how Annabelle walked right up to it, opened up the gas cap, placed the gas nozzle in the tank and stood there with her hand on her hip. I had no idea she was so closely observing me the million times I have pumped gas with her in the car. I wondered if she will have to do this for real in her lifetime or if by the time she drives we will just be plugging cars in at night.

The line to meet Curious George was at least 30 minutes, so we opted to keep playing and just get a picture with the statue. Nate liked beating on his head.

Then we came upon the train table. Discussion over, Nate is done exploring anything else the rest of the day. For as much as I kept thinking we didn’t have the room I don’t think there is a way I can not get him one for Christmas.

It was a really great day. The kids are wild about spending time with Jenny and so am I.

This post started out because I wanted to remember the first picture, it makes me smile. I *thought* Nana & Nate were reading a book while I put Annabelle to bed. When I came to fetch him for his bedtime routine I found them cuddled on the couch watching TV. Mom looked at me ½ guilty and said “Nate wanted to watch the Simpsons”. Another special treat with Nana, Mom says no TV in the evening, Nana lets you watch a completely inappropriate cartoon if you happen upon it while turning to the weather channel. What else could I do but laugh?

The more I thought about what to write, the more I thought about the special role she has played in their lives.

Nate is completely a Nana’s boy. I mean Annabelle & Nana are like peas & carrots but Nate and Nana; well those two just have a special bond. Always have.

My Mom retired when Annabelle was born so she could keep her while we worked. 6 months later she moved in. Neither child remembers a time when Nana wasn’t there. Even with my occasional travel, Tom’s long work hours and varying shifts the kids are content & secure. There is a constant, there is Nana.

I often feel an overwhelming appreciation for the relationships my children have with my Mom. I know I am so very blessed. I know they are so very blessed.

These pictures are just a snapshot of their daily interactions. A great deal of time spent reading & playing, with an occasional interjection of something you only get away with when you have Nana.