Creative

I don't consider myself an artist (at all!). I'm a good copier. I can look at something that someone else has already created and I can copy it really well. But, coming up with something entirely on my own is very difficult and unlikely. If the kids ask me to draw something, I usually think of a picture I've already seen of that particular thing and then draw what I remember.
I think Zachary might have more artistic skills than I've ever had. And I think it's primarily just in his ability to come up with something on his own and create it. He'll sit for an hour and work on something that he thought about drawing/creating without any prompting. The other day, he was apparently motivated by the Christmas season. This is what he made. I love it!! I love how simple it is and how unique it is. I love his little skills!

Christmas for the kids

We are heading to Arizona for Christmas this year and decided to do something special for the kids' Christmas instead of actual presents/toys. Last weekend, Zachary & I went to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Fox Theater while Allie & Todd went to see the Nutcracker ballet. It was a really special night for all of us. We also got the kids some fancy dress clothes to wear for the experience.

Both kids LOVED the shows. Allie was dancing around during the ballet and would look at Todd with her jaw dropped whenever a new scene started on stage. She was enamored. The director of the ballet came over to Todd at intermission and said, "She really is enjoying herself, isn't she?" They were sitting on the 3rd row, so it was really sweet. She & Todd got cookies & drinks at the intermission and sat outside to enjoy them.
Zachary was super excited to go "down town" (which he loves!) and once we started walking hand-in-hand (my favorite part of the evening!) from the parking garage to the theater, he could see the bright lights around the corner and got even more excited! He was on the edge of his seat with a HUGE smile for the first third of the Grinch show. He especially liked all the costumes and thought the Grinch was hilarious (which he was)! Both Todd & I LOVED watching the kids enjoy themselves and have decided we'll do something like this every year from now on.

Christmas Tree 2011

We visited our favorite Christmas tree farm and enjoyed some tree-hunting. The kids were super excited this year, which made it more fun!

Blogger is loading my pics out of order (whaaaaat?!). This one is super cute because the kids got themselves all bundled up and then put their antlers on over their hats. Love their cuteness!!

Super fun random Amish buggy!!

Carrying the little Christmas tree we got for Todd's office:

The kids really got into the decorating this year - SO fun!

Finished product: (I think it looks wonderful!)

Gotcha!!

Zachary got Grandpa good this past weekend while he was taking a nap out front!

Click HERE to watch the 20-second video.

The perks of OCD

Mommy: "Zachary, you get to clean out the car today as part of your punishment for coloring on your seatbelt."

Zachary: "OK. Is Allie gonna help?"

Mommy: "No, Allie didn't color on her seatbelt."

Zachary: "OK. I have an idea."

Mommy: "That's fine, as long as the car gets cleaned out."

Zachary: "I'm gonna need 3 buckets."

Mommy (confused, but very intrigued): "Alright, I'll bring them to ya. What are you gonna do with the 3 buckets?"

Zachary: "You'll see."

This is how he cleaned out the car: (toys, clothes, shoes)

I love his quirky genius little self!!