Allison's New Bike

Allison got a Radio Flyer trike one year for Christmas, but she has been quickly outgrowing it.  She still tried to ride it, but her knees would hit the handle bars.  Obviously it was time for something new.  We told Santa (grandma) that Allison might like a new bicycle for Christmas.  We opened some presents on Christmas Eve, and then Santa had one big present left for Allison.

She had to get all the paper off the box before she could completely look at it.  She was very excited to see a new bicycle and she gave hugs to grandma and grandpa.

Unfortunately it was in pieces, so we had to wait until after Christmas to get home and put it together.  Then she was finally able to get on her bicycle and ride it around our neighborhood.  Next, we need to find her some kind of helmet so she can be a safe driver.

Preschool Christmas Party

Allison's teacher wanted to plan a little party for all her kids outside of the classroom, so we had it at the house to keep costs down.  We told the parents to bring something to share with everyone else and made it into a pot luck.  I was stressing out about not having enough food, but we had more than enough and everything was delicious.

Ms. Rafay organized a craft for the kids to do.  They made Santa masks from paper plates and cotton balls.  Allison still has hers and insists that her daddy put it in front of his face and say "Ho ho ho!"

I put up the felt tree for the kids to play with too

But I think they were way more interested in Allison's room

The teacher asked that everyone bring a wrapped book for the kids to exchange.  They each drew a number for the book they would open.  She is really good about promoting reading to all the kids, and I think it has made a difference in their lives.

They were so excited to see which books they would get.  Ms. Rafay bought them each a book too. 

 Allison was ecstatic to receive a Pete the Cat book.  They have become her favorite thing lately, and I've had to hold back from buying them for her.  Her favorite song to sing is "My buttons, my buttons, my four groovy buttons."

She got a few other books that she loves as well.  I think she really enjoys Ms. Rafay reading to her.  We were very fortunate to be able to have a teacher for the past two years that loves her kids and actually wants to spend time with them outside of the classroom.  Weird, huh?

The kids enjoyed playing with the cat toward the end of the party.  They all wanted to pick her up and chase her around.  I think the cat was grateful to be out of quarantine for a bit.  She's not coming back out till the tree comes down.

The party was a great success and I think everyone had fun.  My house has been overrun by small children before, but these kids were better behaved than any others and their parents are some of the nicest people.  I would not hesitate to do this again.