The three-year-old Philanthropist

It was an exciting morning: Ellie’s daycare sponsored a March of Dimes Wonderwalk. All of the children collected pledges, and are going to walk around the play area, do a variety of activities at different stations and then end with a snack.

As someone who makes a living fundraising for important causes, this was an exciting milestone in my young life as a mother. I really enjoyed explaining to Ellie that she was helping little babies, and she seemed to understand the concept in her three-year-old way…

I will talk more on my thoughts of getting children involved with fundraising at some other point (I have my own fundraising to go do), but for now, enjoy some pictures from her morning. :)

She raised $52!

Thanks for reading...

A Very Happy "Unbirthday"

Ellie has recently become obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. Driving into work this morning I thought of a fun activity related to the story. If you familiar with the story, you know that Alice happens upon the Mad Hatter and friends celebrating their “Unbirthdays”- it is a zany celebration and Alice starts out having fun, but soon becomes exasperated by their non sense chatter and logic.

On the next rainy, nothing to do day, I think I will surprise Ellie with an “Unbirthday” Celebration. Really, it is just a glorified tea party- but throw in the zany song, and some reverse logic and I think it will produce a heap of giggles.

If you have the book or movie, try it with your kids. Read the book or watch the movie together and then the next day, surprise them with an “Unbirthday” party- a memory maker I’m sure!

If you need a copy of the movie, you are welcome to come and get it….. please… ;)

Summer time memories

On the way to school this morning Ellie peered out the window at the rain and asked when we could go back to the beach at night and look at the stars. This was something we did last summer, and I was surprised she remembered it. Her ability to remember things sometimes astonishes me. Her question sent me on a nostalgic journey back to a warm summer night last August when we did, on a whim, pile into the car and drive down to East Beach for a little star gazing.

When we got to the beach it was dark and we ran into some local folks heading back to their cars from some night fishing. The minute we decided where to put the blankets we saw fireworks in the distance! It was PERFECT. After they ended the three of us just sat there looking at the stars. It was a really nice way to relax and spend an evening. We headed down to the water to get our feet wet. Surprisingly the water seemed warm. Warmer than usual. When we decided to head back Elle was pretty wiped out. Playing all day, ocean air, fireworks... she fell asleep in the car. I think we all could have.

It's nice to have memories like that to help us get through the blustery winter months!

Snow Day

A few weeks ago, we had what I hope will be the last storm of the season (dare I dream?) but we really made the most of it. Mike and I both got out of work early. I picked Ellie up from school early and got to watch her nap for a few minutes while I talked to the teacher (I still can’t believe she naps at school!). When I woke her up she was so excited to see me!

Mike and I pulled into the driveway at the same time- and the snow was just so pretty we decided to have an outdoor fire in our little fire pit. I made hot chocolate while Mike made the fire. We sat out there for about an hour, it really wasn't cold and it was such a nice moment. It felt really good to be outside- and I felt happy knowing that we really made the most of the snow. Ellie had a great time "shoveling" the deck and making snow angels. She is my little angel!