James is developing at an alarming rate lately! Yesterday he took off walking all the way across the room. His balance is getting better and better right before my eyes. And today he made the sign for milk! It's only been a couple weeks that I've once in a while made the sign for him. He picked up on that fast! Now we're going to try incorporating "more" and maybe "all done" and "eat" or "drink." If he picks those up maybe we'll add more, but first we'll have to learn them ourselves! Either way, it's great. Tonight we were eating dinner and James signed for milk so Kris picked up his cup and gave him some. Much better than the shrieking he did before when he wanted something!

Annika can write her name! I was so impressed just last week (or was it two weeks ago?) when Annika wrote her first letter for me. Well, tonight she wrote her whole name! Her k is a little off but otherwise you could definitely read it even. I am so proud of her! And if you ask her to spell her name, she can do it. My kids - they are just so smart. I wonder where they get that from... :)

Last Friday Annika had a big night. Gramme came over after work and played with Annika and James for a few hours and then Annika went home with her. From what I hear, they both had a great time. They played in a bubble bath and watched a Shirley Temple movie. And when Gramme dropped Annika off Saturday afternoon, Annika was so sad to see Gramme leave. Almost 24 hours later and Annika still hadn't had enough. Someone must really love her Gramme! Sunday Annika asked again to see Gramme. Good thing we're seeing her on Thanksgiving or I think a special trip might have been made!

I have this whole week off and it has been great! There has been lots of time with the kids and Kris. I just love being at home. I've had to check in with work a couple times and there have been other errands to run, but I love the laid back pace. Work is so super busy (with no end in sight!) that this is just so relaxing. I can't wait for Christmas. I'm off the 21st through the 1st. That is also going to be a nice long break.

Annika is pretty excited for Christmas too. She watched The Polar Express today. And I think we'll go visit Santa in the next week or so. She was telling me today how nice he is and how much she likes him. I asked Annika today what she wanted Santa to bring her and she said "Little Einsteins." I hope Santa was listening!