Wag a Tail

Nana (my mom) gave this book to Nicholas for Christmas with a cool new pair of zigzag scissors. Despite his normal aversion to art projects, he decided to create his own creatures today.

This is a pink dog named Nicholas

This is a Tyrannosaurus-Rex named Buttons.

The Year of the Ox

Nicholas celebrated Chinese New Year at school. His class joined up with the two other 4 year-old classes for a party. Everyone wore red (Nicholas chose his favorite red sweater vest) and had a grand time.

Here's what Nicholas told us about Chinese New Year:

"You can sweep up the old and get a new haircut."

"You have a special snack. Chinese New Year rice. It was yummy, but I didn't really like it"

I asked Nicholas to look at me so I could take a picture of him in his red sweater vest. He ran right over to Charlotte, who coincidentally was also wearing red. What a sweet brother!

1, 2, 3...Wheee!

PJ Day At School

Nicholas couldn't leave Nicholas Bear home alone on PJ Day

Sibling Love

I'm realizing now what a complete joy it is to see the two kids just being together. Charlotte is getting to the age where she can play along side Nicholas, and she copies every single thing that he does. I love it! Almost all the time!

He's really NOT pulling her hair...

She really IS sticking out her tongue at him! (and yes...I have cleaned that mirror. Yikes!)

Wow-oooh

This is Charlotte's newest word. It's a combination of Wow and Whoa. She started this on the way to the zoo as I was pointing out things to look at out the car window. She won't do it on command, so it will probably disappear before I can get video, but it's the cutest thing ever!

A Break from Winter

The forecast was for a high of 60 degrees today, so we couldn't pass up some outside time. We ventured to the Zoo and tried to do as many outdoor activities as we could in our 90 minutes before closing.

Still sick...but getting some fresh air has got to be good for her!

Adoringly looking at her big brother

Who wouldn't adore that face?

"I know. You're looking at my cool outfit." I'm not sure when striped pants and polka dot sweater and socks stop being OK, but I'm glad that Charlotte is still at the age where it's cute!

Although it was 60 degrees, the ice on the pond is still there. Always a treat for Nicholas to see the geese "walking on the water"!

OK they moved as I was taking this picture, so this isn't the cuteness I was going for... But I still had to include it so you could see the CRAZY snakes. The snakes were raising themselves up several feet in the air near the glass. See the totally vertical one on the left? It was my favorite thing in the snake house.

Charlotte was fascinated by the sea lions and their noises. I think Nicholas (who has seen them a million times) became more fascinated watching his sister be so excited.

What a handsome guy. Nicholas always requests I take his picture at this spot outside Penguin & Puffin Cove. He does it, I'm sure, because it involves climbing up on a rock!

On the way home, Nicholas (completely unprompted) taught Charlotte how to blow her nose into a tissue. He spoke so sweetly to her, demonstrating technique and then complimenting her on all her tries. It was a proud mama moment for sure!