Thomas the Tank Engine!

This month Entertrainment Junction has a Thomas theme, so of course we had to go check it out. Besides an amazing display of real trains there is a giant indoor play area and even a train that kids (and small adults) can ride. Nina was beyond excited to see Thomas and his friends everywhere she looked, and she was thrilled to ride on the train all by herself.

Zoo!

Over the long weekend I was determined to get to the zoo, and we finally made it... at 4:15 on Monday! The weather was perfect, the crowds were thinning and the carousel was open. It was a quick visit but so worth the trip.

Love in the Family

Now that Andrew requires much less constant attention Nina is getting to spend more quality time again with everyone. I took her to a new park after music class a couple weekends ago and we have nice lunch or breakfast dates too.

Of course if she is left with tue babysitter she still likes to have us close by... hence the photo on the dinner table. Nina is truly a great big sister and loves to entertain her little brother. They are a fine pair when they both get to giggling nonstop!

And finally, Nina and I got some major snuggle time when the furnace was shut off and Chris was out of town... sleepover in Mommy's bed! We were actually quite cozy and warm, and Nina is a very peaceful sleeper.

First Week of Preschool

Nina was so excited to see snow for several days... way more excited than Mommy was. Nobody is excited to drive to school in the dark and in the cold, as you can see in the carseat photo (snacks and stuffed animals make it more bearable).

Now that she is in preschool Nina gets to do so many new things, including swim lessons! Hard to see in the photos, but she was patiently waiting her turn on the deck and was bravely wandering off from the lifeguard during a game. Needless to say, she loves it!

Birthday!

As if Christmas wasn't exciting enough, the celebration continued for Nina's 3rd birthday. This year she got a fresh baked cookie cake with her favorite: lots of frosting! Again, more fun opening gifts and then two big surprises: a balance bike from Mommy and Daddy and a teepee from Ra-Ra and Poppi! Expect to see lots of photos and videos of the bike-riding learning curve all year. This poor girl literally could not get to sleep after so much partying, but it was all good fun. She's got another 363 days to get ready to do it all over again. (Photo credit to Miller for the candle and bike photos.)

Christmas!

Finally her patience paid off and Nina got to enjoy the magic of Christmas. The festivities kicked off with dinner at the club Christmas Eve, and were in full swing after Santa's delivery of Thomas the Tank Engine (and Gordon, James and Toby) on a train track. Once she finally took a break from playing we had a nice breakfast (yes, the trains joined us) and just kept playing and opening presents all day. (Photo credit goes to Nina for the portrait of the engines.)

Christmas night we were with all the Cincinnati family at Nanna and Papa's, with more presents including a familiar book that Nina decided to read to Andrew. Then she decided she needed to make a list... perhaps getting ready for Santa's next visit?? It was a late night with even more excitement coming her way the next day...

December Fun

Yes, there is a giant Minnie Mouse in our front yard, but we still don't know who installed it... some neighborhood elves?!

And there's Elcie from around the block, who actually looks a lot like Nina.

Finally, Nina just being so silly with the empty stockings. Crazy girl.