Jenna 5.5

Jenna is 5.5 today! She weighs 43.6 pounds and is 43 and 3/4 inches tall. She's grown an inch since the start of school. This is her fall kindergarten picture. Her favorite color is still green. And, she loves horses and unicorns. In fact, what she wants most for Christmas is this tiny little unicorn with a comb to brush the mane and tail - found in one of those dollar-type bins.

She has a budding sense of humor and is beginning to show signs of her Daddy's quick wit. Kellen will inevitably do something funny, then she'll look at me with this smirk and look that says, "We're going to laugh at this, right?" And, then we do! She is so fun to laugh with! A couple of my favorite funny things she's said lately: "You guys are great parents." Then I said, "Okay, what do you want?" Then she didn't miss a beat and said, "Chocolate!" And, while we were singing Christmas songs together she said, "Hit it Mama!" Every morning, we find her with her sheets kicked down, but she's still covered with her comforter. I'm not sure how she does this - funny girl!

Monday, Nov. 5th, Jenna, announced at breakfast that it was Scruffy's birthday. His 8th birthday to be exact.

We just happened to have three cupcakes, some leftover hats, and candles, so we celebrated after dinner!

She continues to love to sing and dramatize. If you watch a movie or play with her, be prepared to act it out as soon as it's over. We commonly hear, "Now, let's play . . ." It was a thrill for me to take her to a live performance of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, one of her favorites. I think I had more fun watching her!

Daddy took her to see Cinderella, this fall, and she was thrilled to meet the actress . . .

and to sit in the carriage!

She loves to decorate with me and has some really good suggestions. She was really excited to decorate for Christmas and to read the Polar Express again. She's been wearing a Santa hat as much as she can and even slept in it a few nights.

She brought home a little book yesterday with the assignment to read it to us 5 times within a week and then bring it back. It's so exciting to hear her read! And, she is excited about it, too - she read it to us 5 times within an hour!

I have been super proud of her on a couple occasions lately. At Casa Bonita recently, the cousins and Papa were going to go into the cave. I could tell that she didn't want to go, but she said that she would. I took her aside and told her that it was her decision. She ended up standing her ground and not going.

Then, earlier this week, she asked, "Mommy, is Daddy your boss and you have to obey him?" We talked together about what the Bible says about the husband being the leader and loving his wife, then the wife should follow/submit. The next day, I found her at quiet time with both of her Bibles laid out on her bed. She said, "I was interested in finding the husband and wife story in my Bible, but I couldn't find it." I helped her look through hers, but it wasn't there. She said, "I know my Bible isn't the real one (meaning not all the stories are in there)." Then we went and found it in mine. So proud of her for taking the initiative and looking for truth and answers that are from God's word!

Tonight, we ate at Chick Fil A and then went to a top-your-own yogurt place - two of her favorites. We love our 5.5 year old girl!

A little trip

Sunday, Nov.18, Papa, Mima, two cousins, and the four of us loaded up and headed to Estes Park for a little pre-Thanksgiving mountain time.

Ready to hike

Monday morning, we drove into Rocky Mountain National Park and hiked around Sprague Lake.

 Nice easy hike for kids

Two cute bundles!

Such a pretty hike

Kellen was ready to get out of the pack and do some hiking of his own. He loved it!

 Tuesday morning, we hiked around the Lawn Lake flood site.

These guys were best buddies (most of the trip). They all agreed that the best part of being in the mountains was the hot pool and hiking.

 After all that hiking, it's good to curl up and watch a movie!

This boy fell in love with his hat and gloves while we were there! I just couldn't resist taking this picture. He chose to be clothed this way!

Wednesday morning, we loaded up to come back home. Then, we stalled for time playing on a playground before we left town - it was freezing! But, what's a trip to the mountains without a stop for lunch at Casa Bonita on the way home?!

Happy Thanksgiving

Jenna's class had a Thanksgiving program on the last day of class before Thanksgiving. They performed about 12 different little songs, skits, and poems. Here's a taste (she's the first from the left, front row): (See video 0012 in Jenna Kinder 2012-13 pictures folder.)

These things are right up Jenna's alley and she had a great time practicing these at home for us. Kellen even caught on pretty quickly! (See video 0019 in Jenna and Kellen movies folder.)

After the school performance, Jenna's teacher announced that the original song didn't have the "pshew" sound of the arrow firing at the end of the song. But, that Jenna added it one day and all the kids loved it. So, they kept it in the song.

She made her place mat, turkey, and headdress. The characters on the band tell a story in Indian symbols. Each feather of her headdress has something she's thankful for: Family, friends, and toys. In addition to these, her teacher had them say something they were thankful for each day that week. Day One: "my whole family, brother, me." Day Two: "cousins." Day Three: "God and my family." Day Four: "fireworks."

After the dessert feast, they performed this dance that they had just learned that morning. Comedy! Enjoy! (See video 0016 in Jenna Kinder 2012-13 pictures folder.)

We are so very blessed and thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!