A MOPS Family Christmas Mexican Fiesta

For the holidays, a very exclusive group of amazing families decided to get together for a Mexican Fiesta, which was held at our place. In total there were 10 adults and 10 kiddos

(unfortunately we were missing the 3 Boivins and they were VERY missed!) Everyone brought super yummy Mexican food- we had chicken fajitas/tacos, rice, chips, dip, guacamole, some amazing deserts (including fried ice cream), and Jen's delish sangria.

The kids all had a great time playing together (and he little ones put on quite the fashion show), but the highlight for them was the Pinata, which proved to be very difficult to break open, even for the older ones. There was an assortment of weapons for them to choose from to hit the pinata, including light sabers, hockey sticks, and hatchets (all toys, of course). Surprisingly, no one got hurt, and everyone got some fun stuff.

We had so much fun... hopefully this will turn into an annual event!

Ollie- he is NOT a happy boy when his heels won't stay on!




Rainah and Simon discussing who will strut the catwalk first

Leah

Rainah, Simon, and Leah

Genevieve (aka Fairy Princess)

The Pinata

Rainah chooses her weapon

Simon's attemp

Genevieve had quite the swing

Kalea has at it

Leah

Hailey

Courtland

Caleb

Ollie tries again




Rainah (can you tell she isn't very familiar with weapons?)

Anna

Courtland finally finished it off

MOPS Christmas Brunch

At the end of the first semester, MOPS (Mother Of Preschoolers) always puts on an amazing Christmas brunch. This year there was quite the spread, including a chocolate fondue table. At the end, the kids came down to sing some Christmas songs for us, and, as you would guess, it was adorable! They were very excited to have some bells to ring and an audience to play to.

The Miracle Just Keeps on Going

This morning we had MOPS... last time they moved Rainah up to the next age classroom, and they tell me she did great (they didn't come and get me, so I'll take their word for it).  Today when we arrived we started walking down the hall (usually at this point she realizes where she is and the little bottom lip starts coming out).  I took off her coat and she simply said, "bye, mom-mom", and walked through the door.  All the other moms looked at me with shock.  I kept expecting to hear her start to freak out, but it didn't happen.  I still half-expect them to come get me at every meeting, but we are doing great!  Maybe I won't have to attend kindergarten with her after all!!!

MOPS Children's Museum Outing

This morning our MOPS group had an outing to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and their winter exhibit, Penguin Play, had just started. There is a whole area where they can climb around, play with stuffed penguins, dress up, feed, read about, and build with "ice blocks". Don came with us and Rainah had a great time!










Shopping with the penguin




Bubbles








Simon and Jen


Feeding the penguins






Wearing the penguin hat playing in the ball pit


Jen and Simon