Our First Conversation - Nora Edition

I remember how excited I was when Joseph had his first "conversation" with me - and I was equally tickled by Nora!  She's really been talking a lot lately, and tonight when we were getting ready for bed she told me all about her day (I was gone for a while).  Unlike with Jospeh, I didn't have to coax her much for information.  Ha!

For the record:

She shoveled snow
Daddy pulled her in the sled
She danced
She watched dancers
She was on her back in the bathtub and got her hair wet
She was on her belly in the bathtub swimming

Sounds like a full day!

Because You Like to Wash Dishes

Today Joseph was playing airplane with us.  Whenever he flies us places, he always has snacks and ipads for us to use (once we are in the air, of course!)  Today, he put new games on our "ipads" based on our interests.  T.J. got a Magic Schoolbus Dinosaur App (if you only knew the irony of this) because he likes to draw Joseph dinosaurs.  Nora got a "flying horse" app because she likes them (?), and I got a dish washing app.  That's right.  I apparently have conveyed to my child that I like to wash dishes.  Perhaps it's because I spend my days doing it.  Sad sad sad.

Santa 2013

"You and Joseph are going to take a picture with Santa today.  Santa is SO NICE!  Santa brings us presents"

This mantra was spoken over and over in the 3 hours leading up to our Santa visit.  I really didn't think she'd even get near him, I figured she'd cling to me and not let go.  But not only did she sit, she didn't even cry!  What a brave girl!  What a brave girl motivated by presents.  LOL.  Joseph, on the other hand, LOVED it.  He chatted and had a grand old time!  Now, to find a palm tree so his herbivore dinosaurs have something new to eat.  Darn those last minute add-ons!

O Christmas Tree!

We've gone to the same tree farm every year since we moved to Pittsburgh, and this year we got another beauty.  Sure, it's cold, stressful, and irritating.  Isn't that why we love to do it?  It gives you a sense of accomplishment at the end!  Plus, who wouldn't want to continue with traditions like stopping at the same restaurant every year because it sounds like the tree is ripping the roof off of our car?  (One of these years we'll remember to bring a blanket instead of a tarp).  Really though, it has its bright spots, too.  Joseph and Nora had a great time looking for the right tree, and isn't that what it's all about? :)  We can buy one at Costco when they are teens and don't care anymore - even if it will make me cry myself to sleep that night.  Hahaha!

We rounded out the day with our annual viewing of Christmas Vacation.  Joseph thought it was SOOOO funny!  His favorite part was the sledding scene

Eddie the Elf arrived tonight, too!

November Fun

November isn't boring around here!

fun at lunch

Occupational Therapy Graduation Day!

First snow (in our pj's!)

And leaf raking, of course!

Keeping cool in the car

Potty Learning!

getting fancy

Halloween Fun

We had so much fun at Halloween this year!  Joseph had a halloween party at his Creative Movement class, we went to pick out two GIANT pumpkins (in the FREEZING weather), and Nora and Joseph both had a great time trick or treating, even though it rained.  You can't keep us down!  Joseph stayed warm in his orca whale costume, and Nora kept her coat on and her hood up as the bumble bee (smart girl).

Happy Birthday Nora!

Nora is 2!  Can you believe it?

Mama's cake making skills are improving.  Thank goodness.

I can't believe I took so few photos, and none of the food/decor.  It was really nice! :)

The Duck

Oh, the famous duck.  We parked at the incline and walked over the bridge to the point to see the duck up close.  Upon our return, of course we had to take a ride on the incline before heading home!  Nora is officially an incline enthusiast now, too.  Every time we get on the parkway she asks for the incline. :)

Early Birthday Present

Nora *LOVES* to do violin with Joseph.  She always wants a turn on his violin, but she can be... less than gentle.  So we decided to get her one for her birthday!  It's soooo tiny (1/32) and cute!  It can't hold a tune, but details, details. ;)

Destined for greatness. :)

The livin' is easy

We're enjoying our new outdoor space!  The deck is wonderful for visiting with friends, relaxing, and playing!  Joseph and Nora's favorite thing to do though is probably riding bikes out front - especially when our neighbor friends join in!  And swimming in the pool.  Who doesn't love the hard sided pool with slide!  We'll be sad when that one is a goner.