Beating to Her Own Drummer!

Today was "hat day" at Maya's preschool. So last night, we collected every kind of hat in the house...baseball caps, cowboy hats, African hats, princess crowns, you name it, we probably had it laying on the living room floor. Once all hats were laid on the floor, Maya then made her choice. After she chose, we asked her if she was sure she didn't want to wear her cool blue flowered cowgirl hat or her leather African hat, but her mind was made up. She had spoken and her decision was made.

At school today, every child in her class proudly wore his/her baseball cap. The girls wore cute pink ones and the boys wore the cute sports team caps. Even her two teachers wore baseball caps. Maya didn't even flinch when she saw everyone else. She instead proudly walked into her classroom sporting her ever- so -cool "gingerbread hat" as she calls it.

Oh how I hope her amazing independence and self-conviction perserveres into her teen years. For now, we are just so proud of our Maya who loves to beat to her own drummer.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today there was a pleasant surprise waiting for us on our front door step...a package from Nanny! The kids opened it immediately (after asking multiple times "Why did Nanny have to use so much tape?"). They proudly pulled out two matching "sock monkey" bathrobes, which were immediately donned over existing clothing.

Now I know what you're thinking...what do sock monkeys have to do with Chinese New Year? The answer is probably not much. Although it is customary to bring in the new year with new clothes, a hair cut, and a clean, organized house. At least we are two for three (Nanny hasn't hired a maid for us yet).

What I love about these pictures is the sheer joy on the kids faces and the amazing bond that has formed between them. Now that's something to celebrate! Thank you Nanny for the great package!

Happy New Year...the year of the Ox!

How Much Snow is Too Much!

Never Take a Phone Call During a Fingerpainting Activity!

A Sledding We Will Go!

Don't ge me wrong, I love a white winter. What I don't love is the combination of snow and below 20 degree days (even with the sunshine).

Today, we decided to take advantage of a short window of 27 degree weather. The skies were blue, the sun was shining, the snow was ripe, and there was no one at the sledding hill mid-afternoon on a Thursday. Perfection!

Maya's definately our dare devil. She picked her own sled (the fast slick one) and never looked back. At one point, I watched as she did a nose-dive on her way down the hill. As I headed down the hill just waiting for tears and a need for a hug, Maya instead emerged from her tumble with histericdal laughter and a face full of fresh snow.

Kai on the other hand is a bit more hesitant. He didn't want to go in the sled, but didn't not want to go either. I plopped him on the sled in front of me between my legs and down we went. I was relieved to hear laughter and "more Mommy" at the end of our ride. He went on many more rides, but always between Mommy's legs...not quite ready to venture down the hill alone. Perhaps that will happen on our next adventure.

What a fun afternoon!

Obama Mania!

Today we proudly welcomed our 44th president of the United States of America into office.

President Obama took the oath just minutes after I picked up Maya from pre-school, which we listened to on the radio.

Maya's teacher told me about today's circle time. Maya excitedly announced that, "Obama is the president today...you know, it's the day he comes out".

I will always remember this historical day as the one when Maya, Kai, and I loudly cheered and clapped in the car upon the completion of the presicential oath, as we drove along snow covered roads on our journey home from preschool.

What a life changing day for America!

Some Good Ole Florida Sunshine!

Since Dom's family couldnt' get together over the holidays, we decided to celebrate a belated Christmas in January (any excuse to leave Indiana winter and head to Miami). We were welcomed with beautiful sunny 70+ degree weather for the entire week. Maya and Kai swam daily in Nanny's pool, rode bikes through the neighborhood, and visited local parks. We stayed outside every waking moment, just soaking up every ounce of fresh air and sunshine possible.

The kids had a blast playing with Nanny and Auntie Debbie (but missed Uncle Rick who was stuck back in California working). We also got to spend time with Dom's cousin Stephen, Natalie, and their son Oliver.

Thanks to all of you for such a wonderful vacation. Not only was it tough saying goodbye, but it was brutal leaving a beautiful 70 degree day and returning to -7 in Chicago. We are now trying to figure out how to become Florida snow birds.

The Bird Park!

I decided to take the kids to a beautiful park just minutes from my mother-n-law's house. Besides, I thought Nanny and Auntie Debbie deserved just one lazy morning during their vacation (which means no kids jumping on their beds before 8:00 a.m.). The weather was perfect and the kids loved looking at the birds, playing on the playground, and just running around the amazing grounds of the park.

More Fun on Hollywood Beach!

Cruising Along Hollywood Beach!

What a perfect night to walk along Hollywood Beach and eat at a great Tai restaurant overlooking the ocean. Thanks to Stephen, Natalie, and Oliver for sharing a little piece of your winter heaven with us.

Swimming and Popsicles and Bikes Oh My!

1. Kai, Maya, and Oliver eating popsicles.

2. Maya and Kai swimming with Auntie Debbie.

3. Maya, Kai, and Oliver enjoying sidewalk chalk.

4. Oliver soaking his daddy Stephen

5. Maya looking ever so cool on her batman bike.

Kai was absolutely overjoyed to drink his first milkshake through a straw!

Christmas with Didi and Papa!

Didi and Papa spent Christmas in Arizona with Jil and Drew this year and were able to be a part of another baby shower for baby Ely (due March 2).

We decided to celebrate after they returned and had a great time playing guitars, eating a nice dinner, and of course opening presents.