Fairytales and Make-Believe

Kenzie, you enjoy what you call "ballerina dancing" and telling Mommy and Daddy that you can fly through the air with your magical wings. We love to watch you and listen to your little sing-song voice as your imagination takes you on your adventures. And, we can't forget the special tea time with your teddy bears, dolls and sometimes Mommy or Daddy joining you. Such happy times!

ABC's

Remembering...

This morning the sun was shining bright when we woke up and you said, "Mommy, Daddy it's a beautiful day outside!" I smiled, and I thought about the day when you were just a little over two year's old: You and I were running late to get to your art class one Saturday morning and we were pulling out of the driveway. You said, "Mommy!?", I replied, "yes, honey?" and you said, "you look so beautiful today, Mommy." I stopped the car and turned back to reach for you with a big smile on my face and squeezed your little hands to tell you how sweet it was to say that, and to thank you for making Mommy so very happy. I remember having tears of joy in the corner's of my eyes... Such wonderful memories. I will continue to treasure moments like this always, Sweetie.

Letting go

Kenzie, this used to be your little chair when you were a baby. Now, your little sister uses it and I guess you think you can still fit into it. One day when I didn't hear you playing or chattering away with your dolls/bears I had to check to see what you were up to. Most times, your Daddy or I will call out, "Kenzie, what are you doing?" and when you hesitate to respond and say, "nothing" we know you are up to something! This time I didn't call out to you and I found you having a treat in the baby chair. Luckily the camera was close by and I was able to get this shot of you. You silly girl, I can't believe how much you have grown.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This morning you helped Mommy get Daddy's gift bags ready and then we made him some breakfast, little one. After we let Daddy sleep in a bit, we went upstairs with his breakfast tray and surprised him. You decided you wanted your breakfast in bed as well, so a tray was brought up too. Thanks for being a good little helper, sweetie.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful father and husband, we love you so!

Getting ready for Santa

This was the first year that we would be celebrating Christmas at home. Santa was coming to visit and you were so excited for him to come. You kept looking out the window thinking he would be there any minute, it was so sweet. Here you are with Daddy getting ready:

A Visit To Santa

Kenzie, you were quite exited to go and see Santa this year. You wanted to tell Santa to come to your house for Christmas and to bring you the toys on your list. When the time finally came, you were super shy... you could barely even look at Santa. Your little, Sister, Bella didn't know quite what was going on but you did seem to enjoy him conversing with you. If you listen closely he tells you what kind of cookies he likes and mentions that his reindeer like carrots!

Jingle Bells

Kenzie, this is your abbreviated version, Sweetie. Thank goodness for the new unbreakable ornaments Daddy bought...

Thanksgiving

Kenzie, you and your sister enjoying a little peace and quiet before the guests arrive. Below is a picture of the pine cone turkey you made at school during arts and crafts- so cute!

Crash!

Kenzie, we decided to bring your trike indoors so you could still enjoy it despite the cold weather outside. You've gotten pretty bold and like to ride it really, really fast. Even with one of us watching over you, you sometimes tip over from the speed and onto the wooden floor or into the house plants you go. These little accidents usually end up with you giggling and saying, "oh, oh, I boinked my touchie, Mommy/Daddy!"

Your Special Day

Halloween 2008

This Halloween was filled with many events, Sweetie. On this day, we celebrate your Grandma Becky's Birthday- Happy Birthday Grandma!
Your Halloween events began the previous weekend wehre you joined your cousins for a party at the Air and Space Museum. On Halloween, you had a school costume parade, and then a harvest party. That evening, we went to your friend, Xander's, where we had dinner and then on to the highlight of your day- trick-or-treating. You also had a special guest join you at most of your events: Auntie, Kristi. Your auntie had fun spending the holiday with you. She even helped your teacher during the school events- thank you Auntie!

Fall Festivals

Kenzie, can you guess what you enjoyed most about the Harvest festivals this Fall? It wasn't the apple picking, pumpkin carving, hay rides, arts & crafts, fresh apple cider or the animals...

Helping Daddy

Whether it's helping Daddy in the yard or with small tasks around the house, your favorite is definitely to help him make chocolate cake!

The little things you say...

• Mommy, "I'm Mackenzie (last name), do they call you Mommy (last name)??"



• Every Morning: "Wake up, Daddy, it's 2-5!!"



• "I brushed my teeth, Mommy, I'm a big girl"



• We ask if you went in your pants, and you respond: "... ummm, jus a lil bit..."



• You look out the window or stand outside and say, "Mommy/Daddy, it's a beautiful day!"



• Grandma went to the potty and you said to her: "Yay, Grandma, you get a jelly bean!"



• You drop some food on the floor while you're eating. Mommy bends down right away to clean it up and you gently pat her back and whisper: "it's ok, Mommy, it's ok..."



• You see a bruise on Daddy and you say: "Daddy, you have an owie...?" and bend down to kiss it to make it better.



• We pretend play with your trains and you accidently roll over our foot or leg and you say, "I'm sorry, Mommy, I'm sorry, it an accident" and you gently give Mommy a kiss on the foot/leg.



• After accomplishing something, we say, "did you do that, big girl?", you proudly tell us, "yes, I do it ALL by myself!"



• We go to the grocery store and you ask, "do you have money, Mommy/Daddy?" one of us says, "yes", and you say, "YAY, Mommy/Daddy, can I have a cookie!?"



• Getting ready for school, you ask, "you have to go to work Mommy... you make monies for us?"

School Life - Fall 2008

Kenzie, your school encourages parents to drop in at anytime but they also set aside open house dates so we can participate in class activities and see how you are doing. On this day we all sang songs including the morning welcome song which we recorded for you here. You enjoy singing this song at home with your own tamborine and include Mommy, Daddy or Bella's name. We counted, and recited the ABC's, participated in story time and helped you make a spider. Well, your Daddy helped you make a spider. Although it took you a while to warm up (go figure), you really enjoyed having your Mommy and Daddy in class. We were also able to appreciate your classroom's Halloween decorations up close. You all did a good job decorating!

You seem to really have fun at school, Sweetie. The happiness in your face when you interact with your friends or the proud little smile when you give the right answer to the teacher's question(s) warms our hearts.

Hello Friend

Kenzie, it had been a while since you had a play date with your buddy, Xander. You were very happy to have him join you at this Fall festival where you enjoyed arts and crafts, a hay ride, carnival rides, slides, and (your favorite) the moon bounce!

Fall Art Festival

The family enjoyed an evening performance by the The Washington Philharmonic and a fireworks display for the grand opening of a local Art Center and Gallery. Kenzie had a good time until 8:00pm, then it was downhill from there as she requested if we could go home. Kenzie, you were so tired, you were really happy to have Daddy give you a ride on the wagon.

Enjoying Art

On Saturday mornings, Mommy takes Kenzie to a local art workshop. Kenzie enjoys the art projects, and so far this season she has made an art portfolio, a photo frame and a chef's hat (as shown). After art class it's time for a girl's lunch at a local restaurant, and then it's off to the house to join Bella for a nap, and time for Daddy's Hawkeye game.

Helping in the Kitchen

Kenzie, you really enjoy your role as little helper around the house. You especially like to help Mommy and Daddy with the cooking while wearing your little smock/apron that you received from your Great Aunt Diane. On this evening Daddy was grilling marinated pork loin and you helped Mommy with the veggies and the corn bread. You did a great job Sweetie!

First Day of School

The end of Summer Camp and the start of a new semester for the "Toddler Room."




















Kenzie, you usually arrive at school about 9:00am and leave after your last circle time session (4:10pm). Your class schedule this semester is below:

• 9:00 - 9:15 Snack Time
• 9:15 - 9:40 Educational Circle Time
• 9:40 - 10:00 Class Group Activity (Music, Singing, Dancing, Yoga, or Arts & Crafts)
• 10:00 - 10:40 Outside Play
• 10:40 - 11:00 Story Time and Potty Training Time
• 11:00 - 11:30 Lunch
  
• 11:30 - 2:00 Nap
• 2:00 - 2:15 Snack Time
• 2:15 - 2:50 Educational Circle Time/Class Activity
  
• 2:50 - 3:30 Outside Play
• 3:30 - 4:10 Spanish Circle Time

Goodbye Pool

The 2008 pool season in our subdivision is now closed for the Summer and Kenzie is really going to miss going to the pool... Kenzie, you progressed really nicely with your basic swimming skills thanks to Daddy. You started out with Mommy or Daddy holding you in the water as you tightly wrapped your little arms around our necks and we swam and twirled you about. By the end of the season you became comfortable jumping into the pool, floating on your back, and swimming by your Daddy's side!

I'm a Big Sister!

Festival

We spent a nice morning in Olde Town Alexandria at the Fireman's Festival.
Kenzie, you love firetrucks, so we decided to take you to see them up close. You got to sit in the firetruck but you got a little shy so you jumped right back into your Daddy's arms. The fireman tried to coax you back up but you only sat for a bit. You did enjoy getting into the boots and receiving your very own fire hat! We also visited the various vendors, one of which was doing some face painting. You decided you wanted a yellow flower on your arm and you were very proud to show it off once it was done. We ended our morning with a nice Brunch and then with our tummies full we headed right home for your afternoon nap- Mommy snuck in a nap as well!