Merry Christmas, Aunt Meg!

 Mackenzie couldn't get the box from Northville Michigan open fast enough. Not because she knew there would likely be presents in there. No, this girl remembered Aunt Megs pistachio treats! She and Mike dove right in and even Ellie tried to snatch a taste.  Mackenzie was delighted with her science book ( it's actually a cousin book of one we got in her Kansas so the two will be a fun way to fill the holiday break). She has already used up the bug stickers and she wore that apron up until the very last second before bed.

Mason was asleep when the package came and so he got an exciting surprise when he woke up! This dump truck has been driven ALL over the house and has carried many loads, including a load of Mason, who figured out he can sit in the truck and push himself around.

Aunt Meg also send us a fun chocolate ( cocao ) coffee to try with a french press!  We are saving it to try on Christmas morning. We sure do love and miss Aunt Meg!

Little scholar

Mackenzie's teacher is stumped again! Despite Mackenzie's time with the gifted and talented teacher, Mrs. Solliday notices that Mackenzie still isn't being challenged enough in class, especially during reading. The kids will be doing their mid-year assessments and, after those are complete, Mrs. Solliday would like to work out a routine for Mackenzie to spend reading hour with the 1st graders. Truth be told, Mackenzie's reading level is well beyond first grade, too, but I fear the age gap between she and the second graders might be a bit much for her at this point. Both Mike and I love to read. Mike was always advanced in school and I myself was always sent to reading with the kids a few grades ahead.

As if we couldn't be any more proud of her, we got this note home from her art teacher and the assistant prinicipal: ( click to enlarge )

The note proclaims that Mackenzie is always a model student, always respectful and her teacher is blessed to have her in her class. The assistant principal added that Mackenzie is a diamond in the school's treasure box! She was so proud of herself and we of her! 

Art is one of Mackenzie's favorite things. She spends much of her time at her desk drawing and creating things. This is one of my recent favorites:

Does this look like the work of a five year old?

This and that...and then some!

Every time I upload pictures from my phone, I remember all the things I wanted to blog but forgot about! So here are a few pictures to bridge the gap from the last post:

Gunner, looking festive.

Mack and Brooklyn had fun playing dress up at a family Christmas part.

Mason invented his own toy! It's called marble in a bowl.

This sleeping buddy comes with her own night lights.

"What's for lunch, Ma? "

What else would be in a little boys potty chair? Mason loves the idea of the potty chair and he even tells us when he needs a new diaper, but potty training is a long way off for this household.

Sports Ware day at school! Mack shorted her Maize and Blue proudly!

Snuggling with " Sazzy"

Mackenzie created a wild bubble boy!

Early morning cartoons

My boys

An Early Gift

 One of my very favorite March Mamas has recently moved from Nevada to Colorado!!! I could hardly contain my excitement when I got the news. So , of course, a meet up was in order! Tammi ( another March Mama who lives in Brighton, about ten minutes away- small world, right?) had us all over for lunch and lots of chatting and playing. Mike had to work but I know he and Sarah will get along very well together so it's only a matter of time before we have everyone over for dinner.

When we are with Tammi, we refer to my Mason as Baby Mason. Her five year old Marchie's name is also Mason. He makes himself scarce when the girls invade. Baby Mason just makes himself heard...Tammi also has Emmersyn who is just a few months younger than Mason. Emmersyn slept through our party. Maybe baby Mason should have.

Grace and Mackenzie are peas in a pod. Both love science and nature and have a similar sense of humor. Sarah and I couldn't wait to get them together.

Charlie ( Charlotte ) and Mack in the ball pit

Next time, we vow to get better pictures. At least one of the Marchies ( Mason, Grace and Mackenzie) together  and one of Baby Mason and Emmersyn as well as the mamas.

Playing Photographer

 I've been using close friends and family members as practice for sharpening my photography skills. Each shoot has shown me areas that I have improved on or things I need to work out. My parents got me a photography class through an arts school in California and I'm looking forward to that.

I really enjoying being able to do this for the people I care about . I has been a lot of fun!  I have agreed to take a few more friends family photos in January and one wedding in October( for candid shots only, not as the main photographer) . One set I plan to do in January is 22 month old twins! I will wear my running shoes that day.

Logan is growing up!

Malachi has been my trickiest subject so far but when I can make hims stand still, he sure is handsome!

Brock is an expert at taking pictures.

Brothers

Sweet Sunshine

Sweet stuff

 We decorated our gingerbread houses ! Fitting with the Charlie Brown theme, we found four little dog houses, equipped with gummy " Noopies" as Mason calls them. 

Just a tiny taste. Not much actually made it onto Mason's house.

Sad when she found out she'd have to wait to eat her house

but ok with eating a few jelly beans after dinner

Busy little elf

mmmmmm