Grey's New Bed

Grey was struggling with getting up in the middle of the night to get us to lay with him. He was scared of the dark, wanted water, was scared of noises outside or in the house, etc, etc etc. Finally, something had to happen and we decided to give a sticker chart a try. I didn't really think it would motivate him to stay in bed but I was willing to try anything. Basically, he needed to get 20 stickers and when he filled up the chart, he could have a new big boy bed. Every night that he stayed in his bed, he got one sticker. I assumed it would take a couple months. BUT...it took 21 days. Little stinker!!

We were considering getting a bunk bed so when Zoe gets a little bigger, they could share a room. Unfortunately, the layout of their rooms plus the ceiling fan wouldn't fit a bunk bed so we got him a loft bed and he is in LOVE.

The kids love reading books in the "fort"

Grey's PB&J

I was getting ready to make lunch for the kids...and of course they requested PB&J. Grey asked if he could make his own and with trepidation, I decided to let him help. To my surprise, he could do it without any help! I was a proud momma and a little sad-this was a major step to being self sufficient. Luckily my mom put it in perspective when I called her to tell him how much is he growing up and didn't need me anymore. She asked if he could wipe his own butt yet....well, I guess he does still need me after all!!

Pockets

Zoe has discovered pockets. I went to pick her up the other day from Grammie and Grandpa's house and she had her hands in her pockets. She kept saying "pockets" and "grandpa" over and over again. A minute later, Grandpa walked out with his hands in his pockets! She was mimicking him! So cute :) Since then, she has to have an outfit with pockets. Either her coat or sweatshirt or pants...which is hard because most jeans don't fit her, they fall off her little booty!

She gets creative when she has an outfit without pockets. 

 She loves this sweater with pockets. Makes me laugh every time she wears it!

Academy of Sciences

Michelle and Andrew invited us to join the Macway's to explore the Academy of Sciences over the holiday break. Since daddy had to work, we decided Zoe would have much more fun spending some one on one quality time with Grammie (she really is the best!!) The butterflies, aquarium, penguins and touch pool are all so much fun.  The boys had so much fun exploring the museum and running around. 

Pretending to be fish!

It was the first time I had ever been and the first time that I had taken Grey to anything like this. He thought the exhibits were cool but was very interested in the map. He would pause for a second or two to check out the birds, fish, bugs, or whatever we were looking at but was soon looking back at his map, telling me we had to follow it to the next thing! He must be a son of two geography majors. A boy after our own hearts!

A few of our favorite things...

Each year, the holidays get better and better! The kids really get into the spirit and it is so much fun to see it all through their eyes. These are just a few of our favorite things this season:

1. Friends:

2. Family (we miss our Missouri family and wish they were closer!):

3. Silliness:

4. Christmas Lights (Zoe screams "Tismas Lighs" at each house we drive by!):

5. Frosting!:

6. Santa:

Zoe was not a big fan of Santa!

7. Siblings (this is personally one of my favorites!):

Uncle Ben & Auntie Quinn Come to Visit (November)

Quinn was in California for a work trip and Uncle Ben decided to tag along back in November. We lucked out and got a room on the 30th floor at the St. Francis over looking Union Square all decorated for the holidays. The rain didn't hold us back and we trekked all over the city looking for good times. We went to the Tonga Room for a quick drink before meeting up with Stephanie and heading out to the marina district for dinner before heading out for more drinks on Union Street.

The next day, we headed back up to Sonoma County. Grammie watched the kids for us while we showed Ben and Quinn all that Sonoma County had to offer (really, they should just move out here!!) 

Enjoying some beer tasting at Bear Republic

Then we headed off to a few wineries (really, they should just move here, don't they look like naturals??!)

The kids adore their Uncle Ben. He was a great horse!

Uncle Ben was showing the kids, Rucca, his doggie!

Grey loves his pretty girls :)

Uncle Ben is magic and can always find money behind the kids ears. The kids kept looking for coins even after they left and they still couldn't find any! We need them to come back!!