Tucson Children's Museum

When we were in Tucson, we visited the Children's Museum. We always try to go to every Children's Museum in every city we visit. This one did not disappoint.

We went on a day that had a special Toddler event. This day they read the story, Rumble in the Jungle and did some fun activities around the jungle theme.

First up, animal dominoes.

Then, some bubbles and dancing to animal songs.

Next up---making a jungle scene with colors and stickers.

There was a fabulous soft play area with tunnels and this pit.

Off to the Fire Engine.

There was this giant Connect Four game. Bella is standing next to it as evidence of the game I just beat her daddy at. I was red, and as you see, Curtis quickly added his yellow on top of mine AFTER I won so he could claim that he won.

Coolest Policewoman ever!

There was a little aquarium part....

With underwater sea creature puppets.

There was an art area, too. I helped her do some stencils.

Then, it was time to say goodbye! Another fun day in Tucson!

When we got home, Nana got out an old elephant gift she got---a dog purse. Bella thought it was heavenly! Her other littel bag has her new Leapfrog Pad from Santa.

Big Changes

Things in the Briggs' household are changing. The first piece of big news is that our little blessing called Bella will become a big sister on July 31st. For those of you who are finding out via the blog, I apologize, but I had to wait until I was in the 2nd trimester (due to my history) to spread the news. Now that we have had 3 ultrasounds, and everything is progressing well, we are getting more excited. During our last ultrasound, our little darling was moving the entire time. Little hands and feet were waving as if to say, "Here I am!" He/she is going to be another active child. We finally told Bella the news and she is very excited. She tells everyone she is going to be a big sister. I don't think she truly comprehends it, but she is very careful around the "baby" (my tummy).

The second big change is that we finally decided to move Bella to British Nursery school. Although the Child Development Center on base has been a good match for her during her early years, it just hasn't been enough for her since she turned 3. So, we went and checked out our local Nursery school called Busy Bees and she absolutely fell in love with it. The school is on abig farm with tons of animals and a big garden. The kids help take care of the animals and garden. There is also a swimming pool so she will take swimming lessons twice a week. They also have ballet, but Ms. Bella informed me that she wasn't/isn't interested. On top of all of the "extras", overall, it is just way more academic. It is a perfect fit for her.

She went for the first time on Thursday and again loved it. She came home that night and fell asleep at 6:30pm and never woke up until 6 the next morning. Needless to say, I think she is finally being challenged.

Our little girl is growing up too fast right before our eyes.

Fun at Nana's

Bella always has the time of her life in Arizona. Nana always knows how to have a good time. Bella and Nana had sleepover parties and do anything and everything you can imagine. They are two peas in a pod.

Bella with her favorite little friend, Spot (the second). She actually left him in Kohl's one night. We went straight back when we figured it out but we couldn't find him. So, our next stop was the Hallmark store to pick her up the EXACT one. We got it and she was happy once again. A day later we went back to Kohl's and found Spot the first! Now, they keep each other company.

She went to the park almost every single day.

An Extra Special Christmas

As Christmas neared this year, I wasn't sure exactly how it would turn out. We continued our tradition of going to Arizona, but this year my sister wasn't going to be able to come. That, obviously, made me sad. We also decided that we wouldn't exchange gifts (me, Curt and mom) but rather adopt a family in need to shower with Christmas spirit.

Once in Arizona, I was pretty much sick with nausea the entire time. It made for a rather low-key vacation. My brother was there, too, but left abruptly, which was also dissappointing. To top it off, Ms. Bella didn't want ANYTHING for Christmas. She said, and I quote, "Mommy, you already got me a snoopy, I don't need anymore presents." No matter how many times we asked her, she said the same thing. Of course I am absolutely enthralled that my girl isn't greedy, but on the flip side, there wasn't any of that excitement and magic you feel when you see Christmas through the eyes of child.

Let me tell you, though, it was also those exact happenings that made this Christmas extra special---it was quiet and peaceful and real. It wasn't a bunch of commericalism. We sang Christmas songs, ate lots of yummy food, and just enjoyed each other. The most magical part was seeing the looks on the family's faces when we delivered all of their gifts. The joy was felt as the mother of the family cried tears of thankfulness. I was in awe at how happy Bella was as she gave them gifts. That was the highlight of our season.

We are blessed so richly everyday that it was incredible to have the opportunity to bless someone else. Yes, this Christmas was like no other and I hope to recapture the peace next year.

Bella geared up for decorating the tree.

Helping Nana unwrap ornaments.

Putting on the little angel.

Concentrating as she puts on the ornaments. This year we let her do almost all of it. It was very interesting. We had to teach her the concept of making sure that you spread them out. 5 ornaments on one branch is a little much.

Proud of her decorating skills.

The stockings we put together for the 3 girls of our "adopted" family. They were 9, 13, and 18.

Gifts for the family.

At Winterhaven.....the neighborhood that decorates with lights every year to raise money for the foodbank. It was super cold and Bella was over it in 15 minutes.

Angry Birds themed yard.

Christmas Eve...ready for church.

Doing a little twirl.

Opening a box from Aunty Sissy. It's tradition that Aunty Sissy gets Bella her Christmas Eve PJ's.

Aunty Sissy sent books, too....Bella's favorite!

Christmas morning.....the only thing Bella mentioned ONCE that she might like from Santa...a big red dog. Santa is always listening.

Opening her stocking.

The most excitement we got from Bella was when she gave us gifts. Nana took her to buy a present for us. Daddy got these cool shades and a fabulous Toy Story T-shirt. I got a new black shirt and a really awesome pair of sunglasses. (seriously). She was so excited for us to open them.

Bella is a game fanatic. So, she got some new games from us and Santa.

Nana got Bella these cool wooden puzzles. It holds the pieces inside and has a frame to make it easier to outline the puzzle. She had to do all three puzzles immediately.

Minnie and Daisy

Disney princesses