Ice Skating Lessons

Gina really enjoyed her ice skating last season so she decided that she wanted to continue them.  Today was her first season at Elyria Parks & Recreation.  She said it was a little weird to be back on ice skates but she had a great time.  She didn't even care that she fell down a few times.

And what a surprise.  Our friends from moms' group joined us.  Will, Isa, and Evan are in Gina's class.

She was all smiles and didn't want to get off the ice tonight.

Little Learners Halloween Parade

Natalie finally got to celebrate Halloween at her school today and it's officially our last Halloween event of 2012.  They were off of school for 3 days last week due to Hurricane Sandy wrecking havec on everyone.  Bay Village, where the school is located, didn't have power for almost 3 days.  Luckily, we didn't loose power at home, so it was just like having an extra weekend home playing with her sister and Mom.

As always, Little Learners does such a nice job.  The kids got to wear their Halloween Costumes to school.  Had some fun activities and then got to have mom/dad/grandparents come to their Halloween Parade.  It was a little cold so they did it in the gym.  The kids then sung songs for us.

A Tumbling We Will Go!

A Tumbling We Will Go!  A Tumbling We Will Go!  Natalie had her first tumbling class at the French Creek YMCA today.  It was fun and Natalie was really excited to do this.  She wore her dance outfit!  There are 8 little kids in her class (7 little girls and 1 little boy).  They worked on the spring board, backwards somersaults, balance beam, and rolling.  She can't wait until next week for class.  However, I think she is hoping that next week is cartwheels!

Halloween 2012 (Finally!)

So, it's November!  Wait, it's Halloween though!  Due to Hurricane Sandy, trick or treat was moved from October 31 to Sunday November 4 from 5:00-6:30.  It was a good thing.  The weather on October 31 was awful and there were still many residents who did not have power.  November 4 was actually a little cold but it wasn't raining. 

So, our morning started out with cleaning out the pumpkins that we have had now for over a month.  Dad was at a Romney Rally so he wasn't here to do the elabrate pumpkin carvings that we have had in the past, so the girls actually got to draw their own faces on the pumpkins and mom got to cut them out.  They drew circles, rectangles, hearts, U, and other shapes.  Gina even wrote her name on the side in bubble letters.  Gina decided that she needed to name her pumpkins so they were Miss. Claire and Miss Fiona. 

Finally, Dad got home and it was just about time to go Trick or Treating.  Natalie lasted about 10 houses before deciding to sit with Mom and pass out candy.  She might have been a little tired since she got up at 5:15AM (due to the time change).  Gina lasted the entire hour and 1/2 trick or treating.  Our friend from up the street, Caroline, came down and treated with her.  Gina had a homework assignment to count her candy.  She got 188 pieces of candy.  Oh my!

Did you notice that Ernie is voting for Mitt Romney?   

Gina's Halloween Parade and Class Party

Yep, another Halloween Activity for us.  After three days of being home from school, due to the school not having power due to Hurricane Sandy, Gina finally went back to have her Halloween School-wide Costume Parade and Class Party.

The morning was crazy. We were out of our normal routine (who would have thought that 3 days would have messed up our routine) and it was Halloween celebrations so it made it even more crazier.  Gina had to wear her costume to school (and thus Natalie had to wear her costume too).  Dad was out of town (so no help).  Mom was in-charge of the class party so she still had many things to do before they could leave.

The School-wide parade was outside (and boy was it cold).  The Kindergartens were first in line behind Mr. Matthews, the principal.  They had to stand and wait until the rest of the school came out and the last people out got to be the first people in.  So, guess what?  That makes the first people out (the Kindergarteners), the last people in.

However, once back in side, the class party started.  We started off tooking a class photo and then the crafts and games began.  Bean Bag Toss, Bino, candy, goodies, snacks, friends, crafts, and more candy.  And did I get to mention that Grandma and Natalie both were able to come and participate (we had a few parents who signed up to help who weren't able to due to various other reasons, so I had Grandma stay and help out with the class party).  Oh what fun! 


So here comes Mrs. Peepers Kindergarten class!

Mr. Matthews, the Principal of Eastview Elementary School, or should I say Superman.

Trying to stay warm.

 Grandma can help keep Gina warm.

 

 The entire class of Mrs. Peepers Kindergarten

Playing one of Gina's favorite games, Halloween Bingo with smarties being the markers.

Making our Lists

So, the girls found the Toys R Us catalog and were sitting at the table circling their choices.  Oh what fun it is to make a list.  They even noticed that there were TWO catalogs so they said, how about we circle them in both and Mom can send one to Santa for us.  Boy, they are getting smart.

Mom's Group Halloween Party

Another Halloween Party for the girls.  This time, it's with our long time friends through Mom's Group. 

Our group is 16 kids strong with the addition of Jacob, who is about one month old, to the Buchino family and also Evan.  Evan is in Kindergarten (so basically the same age as the "big" kids) and is neighbors to Will, Isa and Gabi.  Welcome to the group Evan & Jacob.  However, this year, Sam and Alex are in Germany and weren't able to come to the party.  We were suppose to Skype with them however they were sleeping by the time we got connected.  We did get to catch up with Julie though.

Again, fun was had by all.  Great friends, fine foods & wine, and lots of playing makes for a great time.  Plus the weather was nice, so we even got some outside time.