Skiing On a Very Snowy Day

If you can't beat the weather, join the weather.  I don't think there are many sports that the whole family can do together besides skiing!  Anyone young and old can ski! This winter, Dawson decided she wanted to ski.  Now, as you know, I have been skiing for years but, one can never teach their own children anything....they just won't listen.  So after two lessons....(by someone else) she is off and skiing both the green and blue hills.  It was a very snowy, cold and windy day so I did my best with the pictures!

 Here she is off with her instructor.  I love the patience and dedication of her instructor...and she's super petite.  She's only 4'10" so she makes a great team with Dawson.   They are adorable together!

 She can ski completely on her own after two lessons but, prefers to hold the hand of her instructor all the time.  I have no idea why!  The instructor told me today that she is completely controlling the both of them as they ski down the hill.  

  Look at the great form!

Next week, I'm digging out my skis and joining in the fun.  Dawson and I will be skiing together.  I have to ski without poles so I can lift her up onto the ski lift....she's still too small to get on by herself!

Sledding

Three of my favorite things....a new camera, snow and Dawson!  With a perfect snowy day, we went to my brother's house to get in some snow fun.  There's always a boy around that house willing to play outside with Dawson!

First comes a snow angel.

 Next, comes the work to build a snowman.

 Some final touches.

 And the final project.

 When the snowman work was done, they headed to the backyard hill for some sledding.  This sled went crooked a lot so she shared her cousins sled instead!

 A neighbor friend came over to join in the fun!

 Dawson and her cousin Alex...keep in mind, he is 18 and still having a great time with his little cousin!

All three of them headed down the hill and boy did they go fast!  It was a great day filled with so much laughter and a ton of smiles!!!

SANTA WAS HERE!!!

Santa came and left a special sack for Dawson.  Was she ever surprised when she saw a big red sack filled with presents for her!!!  She really has been a good girl this year!

 It didn't take long to dig in and find out what all the presents were in the bag!

One of her favorite gifts....Chubby Bunny!

(named by Dawson)

An Ariel doll for Dawson and Alice in Wonderland doll for Bella.  

I wasn't sure which one Dawson liked better?

 After Santa presents, breakfast and some play time, we headed over to my mom and dad's house for more XMAS.  Here are all of the grandchildren together!

 Presents, presents and more presents!

Finally, another favorite...Butterscotch.  Santa forgot to bring it but, Grammy and Papa came through!

Merry Christmas 2012.

Santa's Visit to School

Santa made a visit to Dawson's kindergarten class this year right before the holiday party.  Did you notice there are no tears this year?  This was as close as we got to Santa this year!

 After his visit, the holiday party began.  I volunteered to be a room parent this year which was super fun but, I found it impossible to catch many pictures.  

I found a great game that every student loved...which is hard to do in kindergarten!  I wrapped a package of candy canes 22 times.  Like musical chairs, I played the music and when it stopped, that person opened one layer of wrapping paper.  Instead of being sad when the music stopped, the kids were so excited to tear off the wrapping paper!  In fact, they were looking for a pattern in the wrapping paper!

 I have to admit, it did take forever to wrap the same present 22 times but, the excitement and happiness of the kids paid off!  The loved it!  The last child tore off the paper and in the box was.....a candy cane for each child!

And lastly, there was a small, school singing program downtown in conjunction with a banner unveiling.  Unfortunately it was windy and rainy so they kids sang inside a large warehouse.  There voices still sounded wonderful!

Gingerbread Houses

This weekend we were off to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy some beautiful trees, plants, flowers and gingerbread houses.  

Usually a green place, the gardens were filled with red, white, green pink and gingerbread houses.  It was really turned into a Christmas spectacular!  

Recognize this place in Cleveland....the Westside Market!

I only caught a few pictures of Dawson and when I transferred them to my computer, only one appeared.  Something strange is happening with my camera lately!  This was a moving window display behind her.  Very cute display.  Makes me remember the windows in NYC and downtown Cleveland.

 

A few more gingerbread houses.  Aren't they amazing????  I did get a few good ideas for our little one we make every year! 

Mother Daughter Luncheon

Last Sunday was Dawson's school Mother Daughter Luncheon.  It was much more than I ever expected.  The theme this year was "The Nine Muses."   Everything was based on all different artistic areas.  There were orchestra instruments to try, pottery to make, poetry to write and stories to be told.

A few girls from her class!

The DJ had all the girls dancing the day away!

Look at her go!

This story teller was FABULOUS!  She will be a must at a birthday party some day soon!  Every child was listening attentively!  She was telling a child version of Harry Potter!

Our favorite art studio was at the luncheon helping the children make fall hangings.  So cute!

We both had a great day exploring the arts and spending time together!