Way Behind...

So, I know I am way behind on the blog. I was hoping that it would be a way to keep everyone posted on how and what we are doing while we are in Sicily, but I have let it go for a long time. With Aidan going to school and ballet and me starting to work at the NEX, I haven't been able to find the time. But I am going to try to do a back dated post at least once every two weeks if I can. So here goes... I am going to try to start where we last left off...

And the last of all the wheeled presents...

Aidan also got her first pair of skates. Very excited, she went to the park to skate but instead she fell down several times. She sort of got the hang of it and picked the skates up off the ground in a walking motion. We try to keep her on the playground because it is that soft rubbery padding. That way it doesn't hurt so much if she falls.

She's got good balance, just not the foot work yet.

Ready to come inside.

This is her roller derby pose and expression. (Sorry, just watched "Whip It".)

Aidan's first ride on her new toys...

Aidan got geared up to go outside and play on her new toys after Christmas morning. She may not look too excited, but that is just because we made her put on all these pads before heading out.


Showing off her elbow pads.

Riding on her new Razor scooter. She was a pro right away.

She took the scooter around the playground and through the neighborhood several times before trading in for the bike.

The bike was a little tougher to get used to. She had a hard time figuring out that you can't peddle backwards because that is the break (unlike on tricycles).

She took it around the neighborhood a couple times too.

Jason following close behind.

She really enjoyed the bike. Recently, we are no longer able to follow behind her on foot. She is way too fast (and she knows it). Now we ride our bikes to keep up with her. She likes to ride away saying, "I am the fastest biker in the world! I go fast and beat you!" I predict that by the end of this year she will be off the training wheels and going faster than ever. Until next time, Ciao!

Christmas ballet recital 2009...

Aidan is still doing ballet classes and is getting better at going to her classes without me. I was excited to finally watch her without knowing all the choreography before hand. She was excited to see all her ballet friends in their Santa hats and was ready for the winter recital.

Accepting her flowers a little early.

Once in the presence of an audience, she lost all concentration.

She worked on joining the recital, but squished in between some other girls.

Doing open/close hops down the room.

And jumps...

With a little air time.

Tiptoeing down the room.

And the finale, one of Miss Maria's choreographed dances.

An evening at the park...

Before Christmas, we bundled up to take a walk and to play at the park. Aidan looked so cute in her new winter coat and gear that I had to take a few pictures to share.

Aidan in her wagon, ready to roll!

Excited to walk around and see the Christmas lights on all the houses.

Chilly but happy.

Swing time at the playground.

Posing for the camera.

Pushing the empty swing.

One last picture of the pretty in pink girl before heading in for the night.

Buona Notte.

Our first Christmas in Sicily...

Some of our Christmas pictures went out in the cards we sent, but here are some other shots.

Jason and Aidan in front of our tree. It was hard to get them smiling at the same time.

Reading a Curious George Christmas book.

Family photo.

Aidan and me.

Aidan getting ready to open a present on Christmas Eve.

Aidan and me opening books.

They were Disney princess picture search books.

Christmas morning... Baby Cabbage Patch doll.

More books... Dr. Seuss.

Aidan got puzzles and Princess dolls...

Hello Kitty wallet, backpack and umbrella...

And clothes.

Presents came to an end and then it was outside to play with the big stuff. Those pictures to follow.

Time to say good bye and Merry Christmas! Buon Natale! Ciao!