Gymnastics

Whitaker has been taking gymnastics since September and to say he LOVES it is an understatement. He actually asks to go to gymnastic everyday. It also helps that his coach, Coach Sarah, is awesome, patient, kind, and nurturing. This is also the first time Whitaker has taken a class where I haven't had to participate. I was a little worried about this since Whitaker is known not to always follow instructions or has a way of doing his own thing. However, with Coach Sarah things have been great and it has been a really good experience for all of us. Here are photos of Whitaker from his last day on Wednesday, where they have a little ceremony and they give the kids a ribbon. You also will notice that John, Whitaker's cousin took the class with him. 

And since it has been so much fun, I have signed up for the next session. 

The boys with Coach Sarah. 

Two Videos That Sum Up Our Holiday

As I mentioned in the last post we have sung quite a few Christmas songs in the Cummings household, mainly in part to this singing book that we have. And more importantly, Mae is finally understanding that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and not just about Santa. Here are two videos of the kids that says it all. This was one night when Mae had us act out the nativity and I got to be the donkey (funny yes!) Mae does mess up and says that Joseph is Mary's father but nothing to worry about she knows better. 

Santa

I realize I have quite a bit to catchup on it. If you have been wondering what we have been up to…. Rest assured, we have been in full holiday cheer around these parts. Even more important this year, we have been really focusing what this holiday season is truly all about - Baby Jesus. Thank you Catholic school! The kids have also learned various Christmas songs, which they sing all the time, we have decorated and trimmed the tree, and we have spread holiday cheer (or at least I think we have).

Today, we visited Santa. When Santa asked Mae and Whitaker what they wanted, Mae said a toy reindeer and her own calendar. Whitaker said a space rocket and a light saber. When Santa asked them if they wanted anything else, they each said, "nope."

I can only assume Santa is going to bring these two special kids what they want (and maybe a little more) because even though they can be "naughty" at times, they are pretty darn "nice."

Funny face photo with Santa. 

Great Day, Great Farm

Mae had no school on Monday or Tuesday of this week. So on Monday, with the forecast being beautiful, I racked my brain for something outdoors for us to do that (1) we haven't done before and (2) would entertain the kids for hours. I had heard of Great Country Farm from a few friends so even though the farm is an hour away I decided it was worth it. And was it ever!

When we showed up, the tractor was heading out to the fields to pick your own spinach, kale, broccoli, radishes, and cauliflower.  We came away with a bounty of fresh, healthy and delicious veggies. Then we hit the rest of the farm and all the "kid" attractions with slides, a giant bouncy pillow, animals, and play equipment. It was one of the days where I felt I had no where I needed to be, then be with my two smiling, happy kids. I feel that the days that Mae is not in school is a gift and I want to soak them up as much as possible since I know next year she will be in school even longer. 

However, on the drive home I remembered Mae had dance class. You might wonder how the heck I forgot since she does it every Monday but I blame it on all the fresh country air. We were 15 minutes late and she ended up wearing her outfit from the farm and didn't have her ballet and tap shoes. Even despite all that, we had a great day.