I'm struggling to get back into the swing of things after a wonderful winter break. We had weeks filled with family visits and also quiet time with just our little family.  As my kids get older, I am enjoying this time more and more because they play together better, and also entertain themselves better, so it isn't quite so necessary for me to keep them occupied every minute.

The pictures in this post are of my kids' winter program, which is always such a sweet way to say goodbye to our school friends for a few weeks and greet the holidays.  Lucie's class did a few poems and sang "Over the River and Through the Woods."  I was pretty much bursting with pride to see her on stage the first time because she is such a little character and hammed it up, complete with bows.  She had been practicing her curtsies the week before, which I'm assuming she learned in preschool.  She nearly falls over when she curtsys because it requires more coordination than she currently has, which is pretty adorable.

Elliot's class performed the African folktale, Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock, which was equally cute.  I had the chance to help with the costumes for this one, sewing a basic felt hood for each animal and providing a bit of direction to the other parents.  We have a pretty crafty crew of parents, though I doubt they'd admit that, and I am always impressed with what they come up with.  Elliot is the waving elephant below.

I have a few things to share with you this week.  I was pretty successful with my holiday making, and hope to get some photos of that stuff up in the next few days.  I also have a birthday party to share, and a book review.

I'm hoping to figure out a way to simplify my blog so that making a post isn't as tedious.  When I place the borders around my photos it requires some Photoshop work, and I have to use my desktop for that.  There are times when I would like to post, but can't spend that amount of time in our office working on the desktop.  I'm hoping to figure out how to post more quickly, so that I can share here more often. 

I'll be back soon!