Jamison's first day in the Toddler Program

At the beginning of the new year, Jamison started the new toddler program at our preschool. It was quite an exciting morning as both girls got dropped off at the same school. I was lucky enough to spend the whole morning with Jamison her first day.

At first, she was very excited to find more puff balls and got interested in filling containers with them.





She also took a turn at playing with the play dough. She thought it was fun to stick things in it.



The mirror table had a lot of interesting trinkets like necklaces that sparked Jamison's interest.



She found the outside space the most exciting by far however. There was so much to see and explore -- wind chimes to touch, pinecones to sort into baskets, and pebbles to scoop, sort, and throw.







Additionally, there was a ball drop which Jamison fell in love with. She was so proud to see the ball go down the tube.





Then, it was snack time where Jamison got to drink out of a big girl cup!



After snack, Jamison explored more of the outdoor space with Miss Jesly. She was interested in learning how to get up and down the hill.



She spotted a little bird toy in the yard and was extremely interested in it. She tried to say Bird...."Brr,Brr".

horsing around

One of Jamison's favorite things right now is to ride the rocking horse in her bedroom. Both Jamison and Jessica got in on the fun the other day.

Jamison will be published

As many of you know, Jamison has started a new Toddler Preschool Program at Jessica's morning preschool. It is run by an early childhood educator that is known around the world. Before we went on break, Jamison visited her new school for a few hours to play, meet the teachers, and meet some new friends. During the play period, she was enthralled with puff balls that the teachers had set out to play with in a big fire pit. Over the break, I got a notice that the teachers wanted to include her puff ball experience as a Learning Story in a new book that is being developed. Here is Jamison's Learning Story.




Immersed in Puffy Balls

Jamison eagerly approached the table filled with soft, colorful puffy balls. All of her senses were engaged as she explored the balls. She picked up one of the balls and looked at it closely. She put it up to her nose as if to smell it and even put it on her tongue. Then she squished the fuzzy ball in her hand and immediately leaned in and put both hands into the pile. She immersed her arms and body into the abundant pile of balls and began swishing them around the tub, watching them move. Then she discovered she could throw the balls. She watched delightedly as the balls bounced and rolled all over the floor. At one point we showed her that she could use a spoon to scoop the balls into a container. She focused on filling the containers but quickly launched the balls into the air and all over the floor again.

Jesly, Childcare Teacher

The book will be out next fall and I am sure that Jamison will sign (I mean scribble) autographs for all her adoring fans.

Noon Year's Eve Party

On New Year's Eve, we took the girls to a Noon Year's Eve party at the aviation museum. Jessica had fun on the inflatable slide and Jamison tried out the bounce house.




Jessica, Jamison, and their friends Ben and Isabella had fun flying the helicopter.



Jessica had fun dancing at the party.




And, the big balloon drop was fun.

Jessica's Gymnastics Show

The week after Christmas, Jessica went to gymnastics camp. At the end of the week, there was a gymnastics show for the parents. Jessica was so excited to see both Jim and I there.



Here she is at the start of the show.



She jumped on the trampoline.



And, did forward rolls.



She did some beam work.



And some other tricks.



Here she is at the end of the show.

Christmas in the Park

Right after the gymnastics show, Jessica and Jamison visited Christmas in the park. Jamison enjoyed riding the carousel with her Nana.



Jessica had a blast on all the rides.

Jessica enjoys local Christmas decorations

Over the holiday break, Jessica found a street near our local library that had some holiday decorations that she loved. She wanted to take pictures with them.





Her favorite was the house that had Small World!

a morning at the Zoo andMuseum

Over the holiday break, Jessica and Jamison spent a morning at the local zoo and museum. Here is a picture of them hanging out together.

playing at home

All of a sudden, Jamison is obsessed with our cash register toy.



She likes to play with the coins and the paper money.

She also likes to play with puzzles.





And, she is becoming a block stacking master.

Jessica, on the other hand, likes to play video games on the couch while hanging out with the dogs.



And, big bubbles in the tub are a big hit.

Christmas morning

On Christmas morning, Santa left a large load of presents at our house for the girls.



Once they woke up, they were really excited to see what Santa had left them.



Jessica ran right over to her Barbie townhouse. She loved it.



Then, both girls dived into opening presents.



Jessica got a ton of Barbie stuff and opened gift after gift.




Jamison, however, liked to stop and play with her toys as she opened them. The puzzles and shape sorters were big hits.



She was also really excited to get books. Books are one of her favorites.



Here is the aftermath of our Christmas mania.

getting ready for Santa

Before bed on Christmas Eve, Jessica got ready for Santa's visit. She put together a plate of carrots for the reindeers.



And, a plate of Oreos for Santa.



She was happy to place the cookies, milk, and carrots up high so the dogs wouldn't eat them!