I was driving Audrey to school this morning.

"Mommy, someday Ian will be in kindergarten, too. Will that make you sad?"

"Yes, it makes me sad you guys are getting so big."

"Well, mommy. You know someday I will move out but I will always come visit you. And someday I will have a baby and you can come see them."

Of course this didn't make me sad to think about at all!

Christmas

Audrey crafted her own letter to Santa this year, though she changed her mind on Christmas Eve as to what she wanted...that doesn't really work for Santa. But, she had been wanting a bell like the little boy on The Polar Express receives, and Santa was able to find one for her and one for Ian, much to the kids' excitement. We are very blessed to have Audrey help bring us some magic for now six Christmas holidays.

Turning 5

Sigh.

It's happened. Another year has flown by.

We started the day with Audrey being showered with love. And the first snow of the year (yes, the year). We had each chosen something special for her as a gift (even Ian). We headed out for breakfast, and Audrey gobbled down her breakfast of choice - oatmeal with brown sugar. Apparently 5 year olds have quite the appetite. We then headed to the Children's Museum and almost had the place to ourselves. Apparently 5 year olds are also big enough to go down the Ginormous Yule Slide by themselves, too. And to beat their daddy and brother in a race down the slide. We headed to school for her class Christmas party and then to Red Robin for dinner.

A special day for a special little girl. We can't wait to see what Year Five has in store for us.

Polar Express!

Though initially scared, Audrey eventually fell head over heels in love with the movie, The Polar Express. Last year, I lost out on scoring train tickets for this awesome ride from Fishers to The North Pole (aka Noblesville), but I had learned my lesson and was one of the first to buy tickets for this season. We kept it a surprise from the kids until last night, and they were, of course, over the moon. The train ride was awesome and included Santa and the Mrs., hot chocolate, cookies, and lots of carols. My favorite part? When we started our return train ride, Audrey asked, "Are we back in Indiana, yet?"

Sign us up for next year, too!

Halloween

Well, hello Gretel! Everyone thought she looked so cute! 

Lead role!

Audrey had the lead role in the play, "The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat". I'm shocked that she seemed to like taking center stage. :)

Our respective jobs

Audrey's job is to feed Isabella. Since Ian really wanted a job, too, his job is to open the door for Isabella to go outside. Audrey realized yesterday that she hadn't gotten her allowance yet, which meant we were a day late (probably will never let us forget that one). Eric had traditionally been the one giving her allowance since he's also working on helping her learn to count money.

Audrey: "Hey, can I get paid?"

Me: "Yes, but you can wait until daddy gets home since that's his job."

Audrey: "Well, my job is feeding Isabella. And Ian's job is to open the door for her. And daddy's job is to pay me. What's your job, mommy?"

Me: "I don't have a job. Just the way I like it."

Audrey: "No, mommy. I know what your job is. Your job is to tell everyone what their job is!"

Yes, she's got it! And she also announced to Eric when he got home from work: "Your job is to give me money!"