Prairie Days

Friday, December 11th was Prairie Days - the culmination of so much learning for the 4th Grade.  Mrs. Jorcke is famous for an amazing day called Prairie Days.  Most parents participated in the day as well, and it was so rewarding for all of us.  Rosie & Megan (& Carrie & I) made bread (with a breadmaker due to time constraints!)  We were in the St. MM gym and the kids were divided by station for Activity One - Get the Food Going so we can eat at 2pm!

The kids dressed up as well (and some parents - I'm a dud as usual with no costume).

Measuring the ingredients for the bread!

Full length shot of Rosie & Megan - everyone looked so awesome - amazing outfits!

Activity Two - Tin Smithing - how the frontier folks decorated - pretty cool!

Activity Three - after lunch & Spanish class, the kids put on four plays & they were so cute.  Rosie was Laura Ingalls in her play - she spoke very clearly & loudly for all to hear!

Activity Four - the feast which consisted of apple butter, regular butter, bread, gingerbread cake, ice cream & lemonade.  All made by the 4th graders, and it was delicious!  We even have the recipes to make them again.  Amazing what few ingredients can make!  That's Jo in her pajamas (PJ day at her school) eating away.  I had to pick her up after bread making so she could watch Rosie in her play.

Jo & Anna both watched Rosie "perform."  Everyone loves Jo Jo at her school - she always has a million kids around her.  It is so darn cute.

The Real Truth to our Christmas Picture

Take One of our Christmas card photo was over Thanksgiving, as usual.  Unfortunately, our family ones did not turn out on Pete's camera which bummed us out.  Typical Carollo good times!  Anyway, we quickly took more pics the following weekend which put me a bit behind on my cards this year.  As my sister Mary put it "isn't Christmas all about running around?"  So true.

Take Two - if you notice, Jo has two different shirts on because she got a few spots on the green one.  Typical Jo Jo! 

Using our tripod - we finally had Jo stand behind us because she thought waiting 10 seconds was hilarious & kept jumping around!

These pictures make me laugh because it was FREEZING!  We took them in 10 minutes, and then hustled to dinner!  Brrrr....  Anything for a picture....

Home for the Holidays

Every other day it starts snowing, but it is never enough to go sledding!  I took off work this week to stay home with the kids, and we are doing one activity each day plus enjoying time at home for once (before the new year begins).  My computer is not behaving & is very sick, so I am afraid to download some pictures.  I have much to catch up on my blog, so I must do it before 12/31.  We are waiting to have Caty, their cousin, visit today!!  The kids are so excited to hang with her.  So far this week, we saw the Chipmunk movie, played in the snow, saw the Wild Lights at the Zoo, played on our new Wii (yes, we are probably the last family to get one), and enjoyed our time together at home.  We may venture out to go ice skating at Forest Park after Jo's nap. 

Pete & I each came down with a lovely illness over the weekend, but the kids were pretty good about just being home while we nursed ourselves (Pete with bronchitis & me with yucky flu).  Luckily, no one else got it YET!  Looking forward to the party at the Jones' on New Year's Eve.  Always a good time!

That's Adorable!

Sisters forever!

The Big One - Oh!

Rosie turned 10 years old on Saturday, December 5th. She was very excited for her birthday, and I was in shock that she will be 10 years old.  We had a packed day full of activities to celebrate the big day!  We started out with bagels from St. Louis Bread Co & drove to my parents in Florissant.  My mom had a big surprise for her - a scrapbook with all the cool paper & items to decorate pictures & add her creative touches.  They spent about 2 hours together, and Anna & I headed to Target to Christmas shop.  Jo happily played with Grandpa in the basement "play house." 

We then headed to lunch at the barn deli to meet up with Grandma Carollo.  She gave Rosie lots of new clothes which she really needed.  I didn't get a pic with Grandma Carollo, but I posted an adorable one with my mom, Grandma Wilson.

We came back to my mom's house for dessert - Angel food cake with yummy icing & cherries - Rosie's favorite!  My brother Skip even joined us for a big slice of cake.  Thanks Mom for making the cake - we loved it!

Our final fun outing was a movie date - just Rosie & me!!  We saw New Moon in the Twilight series. I thought it was too old for her, but she begged & I caved in.  My sister, Mary, told me not to worry - that she has seen PG movies with worse stuff.  It was really good though and we both enjoyed the movie! 

Happy Birthday Rosie!  Your dad and I love you so much!

The Infamous Covered Wagon

If Rosie looks tired, it's for a good reason - Pete & Rosie were up late every night last week working on this wagon!!!  They did an amazing job.  Rosie was very proud, and she got an A+ (well deserved too!)

The creative "inside" of the covered wagon.  All homemade (painted) or stained except for the chair - that came from an old dollhouse! 

Little House on the Prairie - the Musical!

We went for our annual outing to see Little House on the Prairie at the Fox Theatre over Thanksgiving weekend.  Melissa Gilbert played Ma Ingalls, and she was great!  The kids loved it, and it fit perfectly with Rosie's 4th grade class.  They are discussing Prairie Days, read Little House & made covered wagons.  In fact, this Friday is "Prairie Days" & Ma Carollo will be making bread for the 4th grade class.  Can't wait - it is a super fun day for the 4th graders & I'm looking forward to time with Rosie!

Cutest kids ever!

Their mommies & grandmother!  What a great afternoon for all of us!

Grease is next at the Fox in January!!