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Austen shows off her painting skills using a new easel, which Grandma Mindy gave as a Christmas gift. Austen regularly paints in her weekly art glass at Gymboree so she’s already a pro at handling paintbrushes, smocks and clean up.

Austen, Mama and Dada went to a nearby painting place where you pick the precast item and get to paint it. Austen chose Elmo and decided to not follow his conventional red color scheme.

Austen and Mama sometimes get into debates over whose blankie this is.

One of the rare occasions that Austen’s wearing any hair accessories. She usually takes off any clips but in the spirit of the fairy, she went all out (for a few minutes, at least).

This is what Austen says to Mama when she tries to steal Mama’s blankie, which she’s been using since infancy.

Hanging out in Westfield with Dada, Austen wanted to climb on top of a big snow mound. She enjoyed the view but didn’t like not having full control.

The hills were alive with the sound of toddlers. Local friends and MOMS club members came for singing, instrument playing and snacking on strawberries, butterfly crackers, hummus and spinach and feta phyllo triangles. Mama and Austen had the best time, enjoying the lively conversation and all the noise (from running and toys mostly, but some singing.) Even Dada joined the fun … at the very end of the evening.

Everyone gathered together the day after Christmas to celebrate, participate in some art/craft activities, exchange gifts, enjoy some good food and drink, and start playing with their new toys. As usual, it was a very active day with no shortage of energy for the kids, unlike the adults, who were pooping out towards the end of the day.

Austen even got to try out her new jumpy castle, a gift from Chacha, in Mama and Dada’s bedroom!

More pics.

Morgan, Austen, Zack and Mama spent some time doing an art project. Using garbage bags with cutouts as smocks and for a table covering, everyone painted their wooden tree ornaments. Some were a mashup of colors, others carefully decorated with a few select colors but in the end, everyone came away clean and with some ornaments to use.

All the girls decorated a Gingerbread house, which Mama and Dada quickly assembled during the activity. Not having enough time to dry, the roof became too heavy with decorations and started sliding off.

The fix? Duct tape, of course! But wait, it’s still coming apart. Staples over the duct tape…yeah, that’ll stabilize it!

We wouldn’t call it edible but it sure was fun.