

I had these two pictures to post, and then I have lots of Christmas ones I'll post later! Philip gave me a new camera for Christmas that I am very excited about... and the reason for all the pictures I will soon be posting.
I sometimes forget to blog about the small milestones or funny things my kids say that I want to remember. So, I'm going to try and get better about that.
Avery does so much art work that it's impossible to keep it all. I'm going to try to save a few favorites each year. This one I loved that she drew of her and Drew. She uses so many details now in her pictures.
She has recently sparked an interest in reading and writing. As a teacher I remember the little light going off in my students brains when they finally got that letters make sounds and these sounds blended together make words. Avery has got it! She is sounding out simple 3 or 4 letter words, and also able to sound out these words to write. She was so excited one day when she wrote cat, so I had her spell the rest of these words too. I figured if she got cat she could do the rest of the "at" family as well... and she could. She was very proud of herself.
She's also very into making books these days. She will draw the pictures and then write a little story to go along with it. She still needs my help writing, but seems to have many of them memorized and can read them to us.
This is random that I've been meaning to jot down that Drew said. One night a few weeks ago we were heading out for a walk before a storm blew in. Drew heard thunder and he said, "I hear under and lightening mcqueen!" ha ha.
He's so funny. He is our strong willed, independent little boy. He always tells us, "No, I do it by myself." So we joke and say, "My names Drew, I do it by myself." He is about 3 1/2 months shy of turning 3, and I can really tell he's maturing. He started talking pretty well by 2, however, choosing to use his "big boy words" was not easy for him. He often whined or fussed when he wanted something. Now, he seems to have really turned a corner and remains much more calm. I am hoping and PRAYING that 3 for him will not be like 3 for Avery. I feel like it can't get worse than 2 was. (fingers crossed)
I am still really enjoying my mornings with just him. We enjoy our days when we get donuts, mommy works out/Drew goes to Kids Club, and then we run a few errands together. Taking 1 child shopping is much easier than 2... can't imagine 3! I love watching him pretend play with his cars and animals.