The Best Present Ever!

I always tell people that the best present they can get their kids for Christmas is a nice big cardboard box--doesn't matter the age of the kids.

Today, we got a large package with some gifts in it, and the first thing Isaac did was ask for the box. I let him have it, and 10 minutes later this is what I found in the hall. Isaac somehow managed to get the folding lids under the his body--he was stuck in the box.

Sing Along

We went to the Austin Symphony Christmas Sing Along on Tuesday. It is one of our semi-traditions (meaning that we do it some years, but not others - depends on our schedule and if we can actually get the tickets. The tickets are free but you have to have one and they are limited). Anyway, we went to sing carols with the symphony and a whole bunch of strangers. Frosty, Rudolf, Santa and Elvis all made appearances. Every kid in the auditorium rushed to the stage to say hi (except Elvis - I guess little kids don't know who he is). What's Christmas without Elvis right?

The kids went to say hi to their band teacher who plays the french horn, and one of the violinists is an assistant principal. It was fun for them to actually know some of the performers. When it was over, I asked everyone if they had a good time. Nate said he actually enjoyed it. I guess he didn't want to go in the first place. Glad he went anyway and it was fun.

The other extreme

At the beginning of the week, it was in the 20's. Today I turned the air conditioner back on. Even though it's only in the 70's, it is pretty humid, which makes it feel hotter. So I can't even open my windows. My power bill is going to think it's summer year round. Tomorrow will be even warmer! Then it will cool down to the 30's by Monday, only to get warmer again for Christmas. This weather roller coaster drives me nuts.

Hazel says...

Nate was trying to make conversation with Hazel while waiting in the car. He asked her how old she was, when her birthday is, etc.

Hazel: I will be 4. I am three. Jackson (a boy in her preschool class) will be 4 too. He is a nice boy and we love each other. The other kids are nice, except two: Isaac and Walker (pronounce Rocko). They are always angry and fighting each other.

**pause**

Hazel continues: You don't kiss with boys, that's disgusting.

I hope that sentiment sticks until she's 22.

I'm constantly amazed at what comes out of her brain.

Christmas Countdown Day 8, 9, and 10

There aren't pictures to go with most of these activities. Though I love to take pictures, sometimes I miss out on being in the moment with my kids because I'm too busy trying to save the moment for posterity. So sometimes, I don't do pictures.

Monday we watched a movie (Santa Claus 2) and made finger puppets.

Tuesday was split. We had bought tickets for the Austin Symphony's performance of Handel's Messiah (which we have been going to see for 12 years!) Then, the day after, Aspen tells me that her band concert is that night. So Nate took the boys to the Messiah. I took the girls to Aspen's band concert.

I am really proud of Aspen. She practices her flute without being reminded most days. She really enjoys it and is quite good, especially considering she's only been playing since September.

Tonight we went to Chuy's for dinner (we were all craving some Tex-Mex)

and then to Best Buy. Isaac said he could live there and be happy. We looked at everything. Used the video camera to look inside Isaac's ears (gross) and played Rock Band for awhile.

(I think I want this game. But it would also require a new gaming system. And I swore I'd never buy another. But Rock Band is really fun. )

Hazel's Christmas List

Nate: What do you want for Christmas?
Hazel: Candy necklaces. (She's been requesting these for 3 months; she really wants them.)
Nate: What else?
Hazel: My own fingernail polish.
Nate: What color?
Hazel: Pink.

A couple minutes pass and the conversation moves on.

Hazel: Oh, besides those other things, I want my own car.

Bi-polar weather

Even after living in Texas for more than 11 years, I still can't get used to how fast the weather can change.

We woke up to warm and humid today: 80 degrees.

I took the kids to lunch and we decided to eat outside. About 5 minutes after we sat down, the wind came up and instantly it turned cold. The wind had changed from a warm, balmy southerly breeze to a cold, stiff northerly wind. We ate fast and high-tailed it to the warm car.

Tonight it is supposed to snow.

It is true what they say: "If you don't like the weather here in Texas, just was a bit. Something will change."

We're supposed to get flurries, sleet/snow mix, and wind (wind chill will make it feel like 24 degrees F.)

24??!!

SNOW??!!
HUH??!!

I haven't bought coats for 3 years. My baby girl doesn't even own one. I was hoping to get through the season on jackets. But this weather is supposed to last all week. I might have to break down and buy one...if I can even find a decent one. They don't sell real coats here. Thank heavens for internet shopping and UPS. I won't have to even go outside to get it!