Christmas, Already?

Our December weekends are filled with various holiday activities, so we decided to get our tree early- the last weekend in November.  It worked out great- the weather was milder and we have enjoyed decorating the tree slowly.  Last year we ended up having to decorate our plant at last minute because we did not have time to get a tree.  So this year we made sure we would not miss out.  Zoe was very determined to pick the tree that she wanted.  Zoe was in the upsee and kept walking back to a particular tree.  Which was fine, except it was too small to cut down.  Any time I tried to walk away from the tree, Zoe would lock her knees until I let her walk back to it.  At one point, she kept walking over to the tree and then over to the saw as if to say, "Come on or I will cut it down myself!"

After cutting the tree down and riding the wagon back to the old cabin, we warmed ourselves by the wood burning stove and enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows.  Even Zoe loved sipping the hot chocolate.  Considering Zoe was at the doctor's the day before and diagnosed with pneumonia and Ailsa ended up at the doctor's the day after with an ear infection, the girls were in a great mood and we all had a good time.  And since we have our van now, Grandad was able to ride with us and not have to take his own car AND the tree fit in the trunk so no need to tie it on!

 Zoe's idea of decorating seems to involve her throwing ornaments all over the floor and laughing about it!

 Ailsa and Gavin made a mini ice rink in the kiddie pool.  Gavin plans to make a bigger rink by flooding the driveway once the weather stays cold enough.  This was Ailsa's first time on skates and she kept saying, "When do I get my hockey stick?"  Perhaps she should learn to stand first!

 Zoe had her last class at Hippotherapy this week.  She will continue with the program again in January.  We have seen such an improvement with her core muscle tone.  Initially, Zoe mostly laid down on the horse but now she spends the entire 30 minute class sitting up.  And instead of four helpers (one at each leg and one at each arm) she only needs two now because she does not throw herself back like she used it.  We are so grateful that the Jennifer Ashley Foundation has helped us with this therapy cost.  It really is making a difference.

The Aquarium

We got a family pass from the hospital to go to the Aquarium.  The only catch- it was only valid Wednesday morning.  We decided Zoe missing school was worth it since we may not get another chance like this any time soon.  The Aquarium is so expensive, it makes it really difficult for us to go.  A great thing about this pass, was that we were allowed to get in to the Aquarium two hours before normal opening time.  So it was very peaceful and quiet.  The girls loved just watching the fish.  The other families rushed by and did not take time to stay and watch very long but both girls loved just sitting and watching the fish.  I love just being in the moment with my children.  

We ended up dangling Zoe over the horseshoe crab tank so she could pet them.  The staff looked a little nervous that we might drop her in but I was not worried- we know what we are doing :)

 There is a clear tube going right through one of the tanks- how cool is that?  Seriously, this Aquarium rocks!  Ailsa loved crawling through it so of course, we had to give Zoe a turn.  

The things we do for love!  I am not sure this is helping the chronic back and neck pain Gavin is having...