Picture catch up

It's time for picture catch-up. I've been so busy with Thanksgiving, recovering from Thanksgiving and the Christmas events that I haven't uploaded my pictures lately. Courtney and Gracie have been very uncooperative for pictures lately. They only want to see themselves on the back of the camera and won't let me take their pictures. Sorry!

Alex at work at his desk. Alex's birthmother gave this desk to Alex for his birthday. He is really enjoying it. He loves to write and draw. He can now spell simple words. The other day we were practicing Kirill's spelling words and I told him "skill". He complained that it was too hard and Alex said, "It starts with an "S"." A few days later I said, "Spell cat." He did it, but apologized, "I have to keep saying it over and over in my head so I know which letter is next." Sounding it out! What a smart boy I have! He'll take kindergarten by storm. He loves his pre-school and riding the bus home. He can't wait for his pj party at school next Thursday (Polar Express Party). He would wear pajamas all day and night if I let him.

Caroline is now 7 1/2 months! She's sitting very well by herself and getting around by rolling and scooting a bit. Her progess is impeded by her sisters who may hurt her and her brothers who pick her up if she cries at all. Good crawling usually happens at first when you are a little mad I've found.

Kirill and Alex love to wrestle. They "made" these shirts with a little help from me(permanent marker was involved) for their wrestling. One day I hope to have a padded room in my house (maybe for the kids, maybe for me:) )

The wishbone from the Thanksgiving turkey. The boys pulled so hard and jerked it so hard that it shattered into about 5 pieces so we called it a tie. It was their first time with a wishbone so they were a little excited.

The New Gondola

On Nov 21, our local ski resort opened a new gondola. To showcase the new gondola, they had a big party complete with free gondola rides, hot chocolate and cookies. Although we had to wait in line for about 30 minutes, the ride to the top was amazing! We made some new friends waiting in line (I had the kids by myself because Matt was at work) that helped me get 5 kids on and off the moving gondola. Luckily, it was warm that day. The past week has been so, so cold! As Kirill left for school a few minutes ago, it was -2. High today will be 11!

The gondola roundhouse at the bottom. The cars slide into a track at the bottom and move slowly and you have to get on them while they are moving. It would be a lot warmer to ski this way than the chairlift, but isn't freezing on the lift half the fun:)

Kids waiting for the gondola

View on the way up

Gracie and Courtney (looking a bit worried) enjoyed the ride with our new friends that we made in line. Their son Owen is adopted, is the same age as the girls and so, so handsome!

Pure joy! He can't climb much higher than the gondola took us up. I waited in line for THIS! It was tempting to not attempt the trip with the 5 kids by myself, but it was so worth it to see how excited Kirill got riding up and back down. He's my boy who always wants to go higher.

A view of the gondola going up the mountain.