Hag Purim and More Steps!

We celebrated Purim this week, first at our synagogue's Purim carnival on Sunday, then at the Megilla reading on Monday night and finally at Ari and Alex's nursery school's Purim parade on Wednesday. Monday night all three kids dressed up, including Kira (as a princess!) Wednesday Ari and Alex were excited to wear their costumes to school and parade in to see Mommy, Kira and the other waiting family members!

Dressed up for the Purim Service

Alex at the Nursery School Purim Parade with pals Jessica and Rian and teacher Morah Kseniya
Ari with Morah Pat

Shayla and Ari

This week was also a big week for Kira. Monday she had her first gym class. All of the teachers, who remember Ari and Alex, remarked at how much Kira looks like Ari. Mommy likes having the one-on-one time with her and Kira is practicing her confidence in walking, which seems to be paying off as she has taken more and more steps unassisted this week. Ari and Alex are sweet big siblings, helping her learn to walk.

Kira tries out the gym equipment

Kira is very adept at climbing UP the slides!

Ari helps Kira with her walking

Thursday we had a fun playdate with one of Mommy's friends from law school (who also worked at the same law firm out of law school) and another friend from high school. Ari, Alex and Kira had fun playing with all of Mommy's friends kids, although Alex, who seems to have given up his naps for the most part, was pretty cranky towards the end of the playdate.

Friday was picture day at school so Mommy dressed all three kids up and had a picture of everyone taken before Ari and Alex had their individual and class pictures taken later in the day. Mommy was shocked when the photographer got all three kids to look at the picture AND smile, all within two frames. Mommy also managed to get a few decent pictures of everyone looking pretty:

Tonight we had our monthly neighborhood get-together and Mommy and Daddy realized how much easier it's getting now that Ari and Alex run off to play with their friends. It's actually possible to relax (relatively speaking!) and have adult conversation while the little ones keep occupied amongst themselves. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed hanging out with their friends while the little ones were content (mostly) playing with all of the toys.

Just two weeks from tomorrow Ari and Alex will be three years old!!