Visit with Santa 2015

We visited Santa today at the downtown Macy's.  We were the only ones there thanks to the rain and maybe the Timbers parade.  So we were really in the Christmas spirit, we had a special holiday tea at the Heathman Hotel before seeing Santa.

Ready to go.  Lily practicing her curtsy.  

All ready to go, and we are excited.

The Children's tea had cupcakes, cookies, cheese, crackers, goldfish, veggies, pb&j sandwich.  And a homemade marshmellow. 

Children had the choice of hot cocoa or tea.  Cora choose both.  Not really on the menu, but how could the waitress say no.

  

Cora didn't want to sit on Santa's lap, but she decided to stand next to Santa if she held Lily's hand.   

Tell Santa what is on their list.  Lily wants a bed, pet, and sleeping bag for her American Girl doll that she is sure GG is getting her.  Cora told Santa a long story about wanting a small bunk bed for Layla (her Canadian Girl doll) and a big bunk bed for her and Lily.

Cora turns 3!!!

Since Lily's birthday in May, Cora has been telling us her birthday was coming up.  Well, it finally arrived.  It was great because she couldn't remember her 2nd birthday so she had no expectations and was excited by everything.  Thanks to everyone for making it so special.

Party #1:  With cousins down from Bellingham for the Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to start the celebration a little early.  On Sunday, we had 18 people over for brunch including Great Grandpa Darrel, his girlfriend Carol, and Great Grandma Lillybelle.  We did crafts, ate, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream.  Cora was thrilled with her present from Audrey and Kate.  Her very own Boo.

Cora woke up to 3 dozen balloons.  So exciting.  Even at 5am.  

Lily wanted to look fancy for the party so we went shopping and she picked out this outfit.  

All the cousins helping with the presents. 

Lily and Cora give the cake a thumbs up.

Some favorite presents were Layla (her Canadian girl doll), a new rocking chair, and new pjs.  All from GG.  

Grandpa Davey gave Cora some special sand and both Lily and Cora loved it.  

Party 2:  A happy birthday cinnamon roll with Mom and Lily

Party 3:  At Preschool, Teacher Jessica made Cora's day so special.  The whole class made kitty ears and got their faces painted.  They got to have oreos for snack and had a dance party with confetti.  Cora is wearing her new tutu dress from Aunt Sonya.  She loves that it twirls.  

Party 4:  The girls from the bus stop came over after school for cake and ice cream.  Olivia even knitted Cora a hat.  

Shh! Don't tell Lily

We try not to tell Lily about it, because we don't want her to feel like she is missing out, but Cora and I have been having a great time while Lily is in school.  On Tuesday, we went to Oaks Park for their Preschool hour.  There were no lines and we rode every ride, sometimes staying on for a second round.  After every ride, Cora would say "What's next?  What's next?"  She loved it.

This is Betsy.  See previous post from the Tulip field as to why.  

This is the hot air balloon ride that goes really high up.  

Motorcycle ride where Cora drives and I ride in the side car. 

Hood River Fruit Loop

Mark loves a road trip so we decided to take the girls to Hood River for some apple picking.  Our first stop was the Kiyokawa Family Orchard in Parkdale.  We played on the playground, took a hayride, picked apples, and then had a picnic.  Audrey and Kate and their parents then met us there.  Next we stopped at the Gorge White House where we had some drinks and picked flower bouquets.  It was a beautiful day.

I think the girls ate 4 apples that day.  Could be worse I guess.  

Cora's first day of Preschool

After celebrating with Lily, Audrey, and Kate, Cora was excited for her first day of preschool.  She will be going to Preschool for Little Ones through Portland Parks and Recreation.  Its located at the Peninsula Park Community Center where she will go Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30.  There are eight 2 1/2 year olds in the class with teacher Jessica.

Cora with Teacher Jessica

Cora was so excited to go and was great at drop off.  However after about 45 minutes, she decided she missed me.  She sat with Teacher Jessica to write me a note.  

Lily's starts Kindergarten

Lily started Kindergarten this week at Alameda Elementary School.  Her teacher is Mrs. Davidson, who was Audrey and Kate teacher.  On Friday, Lily got to go to school and see her classroom and meet Mrs. Davidson.  On Monday, Lily went in the afternoon.  On Tuesday, it was a full day and she got to ride the bus and bring her lunchbox (double decker, just like Kate and Audrey she will tell you.)  And for more firsts, Thursday she decided to eat hot lunch because its pizza day.  She says she plays with friends in her class, although she hasn't learned their names yet.  She has been bringing home lots of worksheets with letters, numbers, and coloring.  She is excited to go every day, but that might have more to do with the bus than school.  I feel like she has grown up 10 years in that last week.

The girls rode their bikes to Pip's Doughnuts in the morning, since it was only a half day for Lily.
Lily says its a new tradition.  

First full day

Waiting for the bus.  Zoom in on Lily's face, she is so excited. 

Lily, Audrey and Kate all shared a seat.  

Getting off the bus.
Neighbor Olivia (5th grader) grabbed Lily's jacket.
Thank goodness for neighbors looking out for you.  

Preschool Graduation

Yesterday, Lily graduated from Preschool.  She still has to go for two more weeks, but with the whole school attending, I think they needed to get in the Preschool Graduation early.  Lily was pretty excited.  They got to stay at school for lunch and then the ceremony was at 1pm.  It lasted about 10 minutes.  She immediately came home and took a nap.  It's exhausting being a graduate.

These were the invitations they sent home.

Lily led in the class.  They were told to walk in with their hands down to their sides.  

They made their own graduation caps.  

The class of 2028.  Ahh!