Growing Little Girl

Sierra, how big are you? SO BIG

That's one COOL Kid; right Grandpa?

Our for a walk on a beautiful February afternoon

Ice Skating

On the Ice at age 1 and loving it thoroughly.

We put Sierra in the smallest pair of skates Shenley Oval had to offer which were three sizes too big. Bundled up tight as the sun was setting and snow fall had cleared, we hit the ice with Sierra in tow. Unable to keep her feet straight and balanced we took a hold of her shoulders and showed her how to glide on the slick ice as others were whizzing around us effortlessly.

Unsure of her reaction to the experience we took a break to rest our backs, shoulders and legs only to find her wiggling her little legs as hard as she could to "get moving again". 

ABC's

Thanks to all our loved ones for helping to create this unique room decor that we love and treasure so much

The ALPHABET WALL is up in Sierra's room!

Winter Blues? What are those?

We love to visit and share time and stories with Auntie Lois and Uncle Bill. Sierra is usually always a burst of laughing, smiling, running energy who likes to point out treasures, dance to musical gadgets, run in circles and enjoy a cookie (or two) oh and the big yellow car - oh yes - how could we forget about the big yellow car. A treasure Auntie Lois and Uncle Bill were given at an auction from a fellow bidder who didn't have much interest in it but Lois had an eye for it knowing it would bring many smiles to their household (and their guests). A battery operated replica car with working lights and moving pistons. It has two buttons, one for music to play A-la-Bamba and the other to rev the engine, buhmbuhmbuhm and off it goes in the direction you choose. With a quick hug and hello when we first walk in Sierra immediately spots the car and bats her eyes and gives a little smile letting us know that is what she wants to play with. We engage her attention with a musical Elvis and a Santa who moves his hips and plays Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. A quick game of peek-a-boo around the hallway corners and she's finally patient enough to enjoy and play with the big yellow car.

And a 1 and a 2 and a 3, here we go!!!!

Bundled up again and ready to be outside, there is no winter flurry storm that will slow us down!

 

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas

Celebrating the Spirit of Giving and Goodwill is encouraged and exercised throughout the year with a little heightened excitement and attention during the month of December to celebrate Saint Nicholas' legacy through the Festival of Children and Christmas Eve and Day.

The Festival of Children is recognized as the 6th of December and is a time for great fun. This is a holiday for young children as they give and receive gifts from St. Nicholas.

Traditionally in my family we would line our shoes by the doorway the evening of the 5th and Santa's little elf would visit during the night and leave us treats and presents if we've been good. We knew that we might end up with a sock of coal and always tried to mind our behavior.

Santa's little elf would leave advent calendars hidden throughout the house with a personal note specifically to each one of us girls usually about our behavior or development. The note was always handwritten by Elfie himself in teeny tiny print. We would sometimes find remnants of Elfie's visit through our house, like the teeny tiny pencil he had to use to write which I always envisioned was still to big for his little hands to use.

To the next generation we carry forward this Sullivan / Martin tradition in celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas at the Festival of Children into the Sullivan / Ledwich household.

Pictured here is Sierra on the Eve of the Festival of Children (notice the one shoe on, one shoe off)

Pictured here is Sierra the morning of 12/06/2013 smiling as she discovers the treasures left for her by Elfie

Nursery Adornments

Nursery Alphabet Adornments are FINALLY READY to be put up in Sierra's room! Which is perfect timing for the beginning of letter and number spotting as we looks through books and see and work on point out the pictures, letters, words and numbers.

Say "Hi!" to all your cousins in Minnesota Sierra!