Miriam: Three to Four

Here is Miriam's Birthday Slideshow:

Miriam three to four from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Miriam

My beautiful four year old girl!

A night out

A week ago Michael had his work Christmas party. When we tried to take a picture of us all dressed up, the kids wanted in on the picture. After we got a picture we were off to the party. Last year I posted a whole story about our experience last year. Let's just say we had high hopes for this year that were not met. It was really great to get out together though.

When we got home the kids were fast asleep. It is nice to have a Grandma so close that can come take care of them while we go out.

Christmas Parade and Christmas List

Last Saturday we went to a small Christmas parade in our town. Miriam and Simon loved seeing all the Christmas decorations on the cars, fire truck, and trains. Miriam waved almost the whole parade. We ended up with more candy then we needed, that's for sure.

Miriam has been kind of funny with her Christmas list this year. She told me what she wanted about a month ago, but ever since then she keeps telling me it is a secret and she can't tell me. Anyone that asks will get the same answer. This week I told her about writing a letter to send to Santa. She let me help her write her list. We are all so excited that Christmas is right around the corner.

Our Visit with Santa

Michael's parents kindly passed along the word that Santa would be visiting the clubhouse in their neighborhood. Since we loved seeing him last year, we decided to take the kids again. This year we had to wait about two hours until it was our turn to sit on Santa's lap. If we go next year we are getting there much earlier.

Miriam and Simon were so good and patient while we waited. I overheard the family in line behind us talking about bringing their children to see (the same) Santa for the past twelve years. He takes the time to talk and listen to each child. Each family is also given the chance to take as many pictures as they would like. This is why it takes so long to get through the line. I feel like it was worth it because it is the only time we will take Miriam and Simon to visit Santa.

It was so fun to see Miriam and Simon's excitement. Seeing Santa is sure a special thing. The association also emailed us a few pictures they took of Santa with our kids.

Almost Four

Miriam will be four in 2 weeks... Did you read that? TWO WEEKS! We have been counting down the days since the 23rd of November, which means this chain started out with 30 links. (I kept forgetting to take a picture.)

Miriam is so excited for her birthday and Christmas. It is hard to believe how fast she is growing up.

Here is a little game I call "Miriam Says" (collected from the past couple of months)...

Mom: Miriam can you please pick up that cracker off the floor?
Miriam: I can't
Mom: Why not?
Miriam: My legs won't bend
Mom: Why won't your legs bend?
Miriam: I already used my power. I am out of power.

Driving back from a RS activity that was at someone's house way out in the country... "Mom what is this place I can't see anything?"
I guess I am raising a city girl, well at least a girl from the burbs.

Grandma: Miriam, do you want to do something on Wednesday?
Miriam: No, I'm busy.
Grandma: Oh, okay.
Miriam: Just kidding. I can do something.

Miriam: Mom, today was a hard day. I am tired, but I was funny today.

I was talking to Miriam about Michael and I giving talks at church on Sunday. I was reassuring her that she wouldn't have to sit alone. She seemed to think about that and looked okay about everything when she said, "but what shoes are you going to wear?".

Miriam: How old is Simon again?
Mom: 18 months old
Miriam: Wow, that is amazing.

Simon was doing the arch-the-back-and-scream-because-I-don't-want-to-sit-in-the-cart act at Costco. Miriam says "this is exasperating".

Why do pears have seeds?
Why are people at Wal-mart on Sunday?
Why were we not there when Dad got home from his mission?
Why are you wearing that shirt mom? (EVERYDAY)
Why was I wearing that shirt in that picture?

Why, Why, Why?

Mom, I want to watch the Grinch. I think he lives in Mexico.

Miriam is yelling at the TV...
Mom: Who are you yelling at?
Miriam: Can Cinderella hear me?
Mom: No, she is just on a movie.
Miriam: She probably can't hear me because she is in Mexico.

Mom, can you be busy cooking so you don't see what I am taking to my room?

Forgotten Videos

These are from one of our visits to the farm in October (proof that once Miriam gets going she can talk non-stop):

This one is from a trip to the park in November:

Simon climbing UP the slide

from Vanessa Bishop on Vimeo.