Beating Christmas Break

I blogged just a few short months ago about Heidi starting school. With the first year of school comes your first Christmas break. Heidi really didn't know what to do about this. You go to school a while and just when you have the routine really down, you stop going. Then just when you get use to sleeping in (yes a 5 year old has to learn how to do this) you go back to school. That is a lot for a little body to do! I tried to keep somewhat of a routine, but that was hard as the holidays include a lot of really late nights. I have to say the girl is a trouper and went back into the routine of school really well.

Here is how Heidi decided to spend her first day of official Christmas break:How can your day be bad when you wear PJs all day with a birthday hat and you are allowed to check the mail all by yourself?

As I have established, I am not a photographer and don't even come close to classifying myself as camera happy. I have to confess most of time I forget the camera at home or forget that it is in my purse. In fact I didn't even bring it to Christmas, I know- pathetic. I do love capturing a few quick shots of my kids doing something new though. Here are a few things we did to beat the weather and the holiday excitement.

Who doesn't love to have their nails painted festive green and red? (BTW the outfits they are wearing they picked out for themselves and Heidi had them both dressed before I even got out of bed - she even took care of Clara's diaper, good thing it was a clean morning!)

Making gak is great! Heidi has figured it out enough she was able to mix it all herself.
Clara didn't really like the texture at the beginning but loves the end product. She has played with here a few times now and each time I hear her telling herself, "Don't eat it, it is icky and will make you sick." She has done really well listening to herself and I don't think she has even tried to lick it.

Here is the recipe:

Bright Gak!

1 C (2 4oz bottles) white Elmers glue (don't use generic, it usually doesn't work)
1 C warm water divided
1/2 tea borax
tempera paint

Pour glue into large mixing bowl. Add 3/4 cup water and paint until desired color is achieved (I wouldn't recommend more than 2 Tb worth), mix. In another bowl dissolve borax in 1/4 cup water. Pour borax mixture into glue mixture and knead for about 10 min until mixture stops sticking to hands. Enjoy with cookie cutters, plastic toys and a craft apron!

We also put up a Christmas tree, made tons of gingerbread, and lots of other holiday things. It was great fun, but I am glad school is back in session.

And I must leave you with a parting HQ. Heidi had cut out several shapes that I had drawn for her and wanted to label them. I had been slowing spelling their names for her to write herself. I became busy and Jeff stepped into help. This is roughly the conversation I heard.
H: "Daddy how do you spell rectangle?"
J: "R-E" pause "C-T-A-N-G-L-E" (said quickly)
H: "Daddy slow down, I am only 5 years old!"