Merry Christmas to all!

Preschool Fun

Yesterday, Dillon, Lilly, and I were able to go with our little Preschool playgroup through the county schools to the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. I had a few little mini-scientists on my hands...We learned lots about winter animals in NC. Including a live dove, salamander, toad, and lots of animal furs including bears, skunks, and raccoons. The above picture is Dillon gently petting a live dove. We tried to explore the museum a little bit afterwards and checked out the dinosaurs and other animals, but I quickly realized that Lilly has entered a whole new dimension of life...she will NOT sit in the stroller and when she's out she runs VERY fast. So, we didn't stay long. Shopping is also an impossible task with her right now. At least I know from experience that this phase will pass.

The families gathered at the end of Joy School today to see the kids put on a live nativity play. Dillon was a wise man. So cute...I love this little group of kids and teaching them preschool has been a treat. Sorry for the lack of a good picture. There were too many 3 year olds walking around. At least Dillon's kind of looking in my direction. They're ringing their Christmas bells they made.

And while I'm catching up here's a picture of our Family Home Evening activity Monday night. There is a local Santa who has an unbelievably decorated house and sits in his garage visiting with children every night from Dec. 12-23rd. It's unbelievable. We discovered it by accident last year, but we'll be there every year no doubt about it. We saw 3 other families in our ward at the same time who had the same idea for FHE. Fun!!! (Note: last year it was freezing when we went. As you can see this year Dillon was wearing short sleeves!)

Still here...

So, I'm still here. Blogging has taken a back seat to much going on with my to-do list lately including making a gazillion stars, preparing sharing time, teaching Joy School for Dillon this week, piano rehearsals for a wonderful event (see http://www.apexnativity.org/ ), making dinner for a friend that just had her first baby, not to mention a million Christmas-related things to do. Blog posts will be back eventually. For your viewing pleasure here is a picture to show you what Lilly has been "UP" to lately...
No children were injured in the recording of this event. I'm hoping one day she'll be a world-famous rock climber and all of this will be a happy memory. :)

Thoughts on Being a Mother...

Is this mess...worth it for these 2 imaginative kids who played happily all afternoon?

I think so. Although my cabinets will probably not be organized for many years to come. Oh well. And what happened to the cabinet door lock, Mr. Dillon?