The Awesome Song

Improv night at the dinner table.

37th street

Last night we took the girls out for dinner and then to meander down 37th street on a Christmas lights stroll.

Cheeseburgers and curly fries at EZs.

Then, on to 37th. A 3 piece band was playing at the end of the street and we feared Roo would not budge. Because, drums! trombone! And, behind the house there was a stuffed animal petting zoo ringed in lights. She had to be carried away.

Moving on...

Sparkly lights everywhere they looked. Em said all the homes looked like gingerbread houses.

A sock monkey nativity scene? My absolute favorite!

(lost a little with the flash on this one)

Behold. Paul Frank monkey moped in red? Yes, please. Roo had to be carried to the car at this point. Fortunately, we were finished.

Then, we listened to Christmas music all the way home. By that I mean we listened to Alvin and the Chipmunks sing about hula hoops... on a loop... all the way home.

It was a fun night. I really mean that!

favorite things

Mine and theirs.

I love, with pink puffy hearts, their adorable collection of hair bows. (Most have been made by my talented friends.)

Em and Roo love those two fleecy bathrobes. Warm, snuggly and beyond cute.

Cuter still when they wrap up the Rowdy Girls.

body language

A Christmas Carol

Our favorite theater offered up a performance of A Christmas Carol. It was fabulous and just the right level for the house full of 3-8 year olds that sat wide eyed with wonder.

At the conclusion, the cast takes a seat on the stage and signs autographs. Usually the girls pass on this opportunity. But today, they wanted to meet the players!

Em waited patiently for a chance to talk to Tiny Tim. She didn't want to sit down and have her picture made, but she made sure to show off her blue fingernail polish and also to invite Tiny Tim to play at our home.

Roo wanted to meet Mr. Scrooge. She had a shy moment when it came time to get close, but still had a tiny conversation with him.

Next up, a walk to the Capital to attempt some Christmas card photos.

There's so much to explore on the way.

And this was all before noon! Hungry set in. We barely made it to our favorite diner before the grumps landed. Coloring always helps distract from growly tummies while the pancakes cooked.

A lovely day it was.

what tomorrow are we going

Em and Roo ask at least once a day "what tomorrow are we going?"

Because there's always something to look forward to...

...the Christmas stroll that included a parade and tons of neat kid-sized activities.

...errands with Daddy (and 5 Sesame Street dolls shoved into pockets)

...outings with Mama to get new shoes

...impromptu side trips to the Disney store for secret presents and a special Mrs. Potts ornament that just wear you out

... enough extra time before school to drive around the kitchen 3 or 4 times.

window shopping

We met some twin friends for a little window shopping on a lovely Friday morning.

After Starbucks treats and lots of pennies in the wishing fountains, we set off on a meandering walk.

The kids peered in every window. The only store they asked to go inside was the Apple store.

Smarties.

At the end of the long sidewalk was the biggest tree Em and Roo have ever seen.

They spent at least 45 minutes exploring every nook and cranny.

Next, a walk on the opposite side of the road. New windows to peer into and neat-o surprises on the ground. The last stop, Neiman Marcus. They have a magical installation piece above the escalators. Dancing butterflies that shimmered in the sun beams streaming through the skylight. We rode up and down 3 times and could have stayed a lot longer.

But, we had a lunch date.

butterflies in action