Merry Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful this year - probably one of the nicest ones we've had. It's really magical when kids are involved. It was Kai's first inkling of an understanding of Christmas: St. Nick, Christmas wreathes, presents and ho, ho, hos! We opened presents, made tamales, smoked two ducks, ate cookies from the H.F 's cookie baking party and stayed low key for the rest of the holidays, but did go into the city to see it decorated in the holiday spirit. It's the only time I enjoy navigating the crowds down 5th avenue. I love the window dressings, especially the windows at Bergdorfs. We also went to the Guggenheim to see the Maurizio Cattelan exhibit, which Kai got a really kick out of all of his sculptures hanging in the central space.

Kai was spoiled with toys and books from Grandma and friends. We got her a sled, but couldn't get the snow this year. Oh well - she thinks it's a chair.

Mark Morris Toddler's Dance

Kai started her first toddler movement class this winter at the Mark Morris Dance Center and she loves it! She runs into the studio as soon as it opens. She loves doing the butterfly and "open and shut" with her legs. Mom loves it for the beautifully lit studio and live piano accompaniment. More dance photos soon -it's hard to take a good photo when they're all moving about, but I promise more cute dance photos soon.

Underhill Playground - Where abandoned toys find a new life

This is the first time we went to this playground. I've heard about it since Kai was born from other moms. The most unique thing about this playground is that it's become the land of abandoned toys - tons of plastic push toys, toy houses, spring horses, bikes, scooters, exersaucers. Kai got so freaked out, she almost forgot about Emmett. This place kept them entertained for HOURS.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We weren't sure if we were going to host Thanksgiving this year. Most of our friends were out of town, one family down with the flu and another with an emergency basement flooding, Thanksgiving this year was small. We ended up with the biggest turkey we've ever had at 23 lbs split between four adults and a baby! It made for some great leftovers the following week: turkey potpies, turkey soup, turkey enchiladas, turkey butternut squash risotto....but now we are officially turkey'd out. Kai took a real shine to Heather and insisted on Heather read her books, upon books, upon books, upon books and more books. Poor Heather! Thanks for being a good sport!

Kai's November Social Agenda

Lots of arts and crafts this month, playdates and a visit to Angie's studio