Last Friday, I got to go play in LTs big school class for the morning. We played some board games together, practiced songs for his holiday performance and enjoyed the fresh snow in semi warm air.
LT, Adler and I made our annual trip to the Hammonds Candy Factory earlier this week. This was the first year Adler really understood why we were there. He embraced the candy idea fully.
December is a busy month for the candy factory and often the tours are booked. This was the case when we arrived Tuesday, the 10 AM tour was full and we were going to have to wait an extra half hour. However, soon after our arrival, we were informed that the school group scheduled had cancelled and we would get an almost private tour! They usually give out broken pieces of candy that they can't sell to the tours, but because our group was so small, a factory worker came out with full sized candy canes for each of us! 
Adler can just barely reach this year!
LT has been reading a lot of Curious George books. Recently he got one called "Curious George and the Chocolate Factory". It was fun to hear him compare the book to the candy factory tour.
My love bugs.
My astronaut and fireman.
LT eyeing the yummy food with his bud, Tino.
Such cute kids all dressed up.
This is his play plan from about a month ago. I had no idea he could or would write anything. On my snack day I went in and was blown away when he sat down and wrote this by himself and then read it to his teacher to help fill in the blanks. A few days later I observed the Kindergarten teacher. The kids were doing their papers titled "Over the weekend I...". They were to draw a picture and write the words. She modeled and the kids helped her. Hers went something like this, "over the weekend, I rd m bk" "over the weekend I rode my bike". She wrote down (and left the copy on the board) exactly what the kids had heard and told her to write. In my head I thought writing had to be perfect spelling from the beginning, but I am now realizing that just hearing and writing the consonant sounds is an important first step. I was ready to tackle this the next time LT wanted to write. Instead, he beat me to it, alone. Below is what I found him doing one morning. 
"LT, wow, can you read me what you are writing?" He said, "sure, Elephants name is Kite, he flies a kite". After he read it, he realized that he had forgotten the "is" and asked me to add it. Later that afternoon, I was upstairs putting Adler to sleep and came down to him with a pencil and little notebook. I asked what he was doing. He said, "just practicing my letters". He had basically made a pattern with several letters and was copying it over and over again. I am in no hurry for him to learn to read or write, but I am happy that he is enjoying it rather than struggling with it at such a young age.
Brian and I decided this was a good year (for no good reason) to teach the boys to ski. We all have passes, to three mountains, we got the boys skis, boots, helmets, goggles, snowpants, mittens. I am really glad we waited to take LT because there's no way he would have enjoyed it last year, but this year he is really excited! We tried everything on one night and I couldn't get him to take them off. He's still cautious, but at least curious and interested. At Colorado Ski and Golf (where we got the boys skis), Adler took it upon himself to (in ski boots) jump off a bench. I think he's ready too. I am crossing my fingers for no injuries, lots of hot chocolate and at least a few runs down the magic carpet.
Adler and I have Thursday mornings together. We do lots of fun things, but sometimes we have to just run errands. Last week, we stopped at Whole Foods to get some food. Adler was hungry and so we sat down at their tables and had a snack. Brian was traveling. After a few minutes and several yogurts, Adler looked at me and said, "mommy, call daddy!" I said, "why Adler, do you have something to tell him?" He said, "YES! Tell daddy Adler really loves hot dogs!" The funniest part about this whole thing is that Adler has never had a hot dog. Brian and I don't eat hot dogs, but we have tried on several occasions at birthday parties to get the boys to try them, neither kid will touch them. I have no idea where this came from, but it was one of funniest moments.
After eating their ice cream, the kids played in this patio area for a few hours, happily. 
LT, Bella and Nora chatting and eating ice cream.
And Adler... oh Adler. It was a warm afternoon, but not that warm. Adler nearly dunked himself in the fountain and then insisted on stripping down to only his green shoes and diaper. Such a goof. We have been back several times with various friends. Its such a wonderful place to have so close by!
