The Midway Museum is a huge ship.

We were there all day but did not get to see everything.

The  detailed displays were impressive.

 Uncle Paul was in town for a visit.

 I like this picture because the interior workings of a floating city are intricate.

 A jet engine.  

The displays were done really well.

 I love this picture of Coronado and the air port Daddy would fly out of.

 

You have no idea how long Paul begged me to take this picture of him.

Right, Paul?

 Learn to tie knots.

 Another very detailed display.

Emily was concerned about the naked man on the ship.

 They needed a little work done, 

so Emily wanted to help them out.

 Both girls got ample time in the cockpit of a fighter jet.

 

More throttle.

 And time in a helicopter.

 Don't do it!!!!

 Time to refuel the jets.

 Once the jets were refueled, we headed below to help direct the pilots.

And work on the radio communications.

It was a great day.  So much more that I could have added.

If in San Diego, visiting the Midway is a great day trip.

Bella and Duma, friends forever.

This cat is goofy. 

The cat eats the dog food and the dog just waits her turn.

The dog loves cat food.

The cat eats Bella's treats in front of her and doesn't share.

The dog won't eat most food dropped on the floor.

The cat carries toys around like a dog.

The dog plays with the catnip toys.

The cat will eat anything including donuts and pizza.

The dog is picky picky.

They may have role reversal issues but these girls are friends.

Preschool is back in session.

I am really excited about this next semester.

Focusing on habitats the first part of the semester is really exciting.

So many animals and cool plants.

The girls are really interested in this partial because we watch Planet Earth.

Such a good film.

Emily is so close to knowing all of the letters and is working on the sounds.

Reading is right around the corner.

So soon, she will be five!

Hot Chocolate that stares back at you.

Drink me if you dare!

Guaranteed giggles.

Oh look, a camera.

 Katie wanted to pose.

We are heading back to ballet this month.

 I love this smile.

 A little impromptu dance is better when you tongue hangs out.

Big sis likes to pose too.

Christmas

 We embraced every tradition we could to squeeze the fun out of the Christmas season.

 We made salt dough ornaments.

So easy.

So fun.

Bought adorable ornaments.

 A quick Christmas Eve nap.

She is so sweet.

Christmas day was great.

I laughed a lot.  It was good to eat German breakfast and peppermint treats.

 Katie picked up the whole stocking thing really well.

 Bella was a good girl so she got a bone.

 Apparently I have been a good girl 

because I got a gorgeous bouquet.

 Emily was really into Santa this year.

She was extremely concerned that we did not light a fire the night before

so Santa would be safe.

I asked her what she would like Santa to bring her.

"Anything he wants to bring me, I'll take."

This girl has a heart of gold.

Katie trying to open presents while everyone is distracted.

 Katie loved balancing a wreath on her head.

 

There is a new kitten in the family.

Welcome Duma.

Duma mean chettah in Swahili.

But you probably already knew that.

 

 The door bell rang.

Look who arrived.

 

All 5 feet!

 Don't mistake excitement for terror.

Emily ran.

Away.

Refused to go near it.

Screamed.

We all sat silently processing how Emily's terror would scar her.

5 minutes later she realized it wasn't real.

 So they put a leash and a necklace on.

 Combed the entire giraffe like she does at the stables.

 And gave it a good riding.

 It was a lot of work so they stopped to eat a gingerbread house.

 

Don't leave Nana and Poppa!

(Heidi and Laurie too).

And we ended the day dancing on the tables.

A very Merry Christmas indeed.