We had our cable disconnected last spring, which means that when you turn our television on you see nothing but fuzz. This has been one of the best decisions we've ever made, especially for our kids! They were creative before, but it's been fun to see how much time they spend pretending, reading, and creating instead of vegging out on the couch. Don't get me wrong, tv has it's purpose, and our girls still watch their fair share of videos. But, they spend most of their time doing better stuff. Stuff like...
....Nutcracker Wars!!! Bennett and I have been battling each other. I am the short general and she is the tall general. Our individual soldiers face off for one on one combat, but they usually strike up interesting conversations with one another and walk off the battlefield as buddies. Needless to say, most of our battles end in a tie or non-war, declared by Judge Abe Lincoln Nutcracker. This has been really fun, both for Bennett and me!
Nutcracker Wars take place in the very private room of Bennett. This is a typical doorway confrontation that is seen frequently at our house, war or not. Ainsley and Cousin M. were trying to smooth talk their way in for a peek at the battle, as if the look on Bennett's face, the "Do Not Disturb" doorknob pillow and the "Stay Out" sign weren't clear enough cues. They were not admitted access. But to Bennett's defense, there are many occasions when she is not allowed to play in Ainsley's room with Ainsley and Cousin M. It works both ways, and all parties seem to have accepted it. Two is company, three's a crowd.
The girls wanted really simple costumes this year and I was more lazy than usual. This combination worked well! They still looked cute!
Bennett and Ainsley got to hang with Cousin S., Mr. Giraffe, for a bit. The poor boy doesn't know what to think of Mother Mary and Cat. Even when the girls are in normal, everyday dress, he isn't sure what to think about their company though. Bennett and Ainsley, however, love him to pieces!
Cousin M. did some trick-or-treating with them as well. She, like Bennett, was a cat...the preschool version. Once again, it appears my girls are thrilled and the little cousin is not so sure. I sense a theme developing. It's a good thing Cousins A. and L. weren't around. Bennett and Ainsley might have had an ill effect on them as well. We better work on our peer relations, Girls!
