Binggeli chtistmas light adventure

On the Monday before Christmas, all of the Binggeli clan but Annie's family was able to meet in town to see the lights. We ate at the city Creek food Court and then walked around Temple square. It was super crowded but a fun night.

Molly and jack were good. They had plenty of people to help carry and chase after them.  Jack rode in the wheelchair Grandpa brought for a little while.  He ran sprints in front of the church office building and we nearly lost him a couple of times.  Molly made Colton carry her most of the night, but he was a good sport. Jack laughed hysterically every time he touched Jason's beard and a few swallows of my Coke gave him enough energy for his extreme animal sounds to entertain everyone. 

We also learned tonight that James' youngest sister Amber and her husband Colton are expecting a baby in May, so that was pretty exciting news.

Christmas program

On Wednesday, December 18th, Molly and Jack had their annual Christmas program at school.  Jack's part was to do the actions to "Once there was a snowman," but he was so distracted by Santa sitting in the corner watching the kids that all he could do was point and say, "ho, ho, ho" during his song.  It's ok.  It was still cute.

Molly did an excellent job singing all the songs and sitting still during the program.  She had her part down perfectly beforehand, but when it came her turn for the microphone, she could only manage a few words at a time and had to turn to Ms. Sarah for help.

Grandma & Grandpa Binggeli were able to come down.  My mom came as well as my sister's family.  All the kids got to sit on Santa's lap afterwards (and we got to enjoy the delicious Banbury Cross donuts for dessert).

Hermana Meranda

Meranda came home the night of Thursday, December 19th from her mission to Ascuncion Paraguay. The airport was absolutely insane after a day of closures due to snow and ice. Meranda boarded her first plane at 2:30 in the morning Paraguay time, and finally made it to us around midnight, Salt Lake time.  

She looked great! It was fun to see her!  We have since had a chance to see her on Christmas Eve and for a few minutes Christmas Day!  The kids immediately love her.  We missed her but are grateful for choosing to serve and are grateful for her safe return home.

1st Dance Recital

Molly's first dance recital was on Saturday. She was having emotional struggles all day. I was super nervous that she was going to have a melt down, run off the stage screaming, etc. But, she did great!  She was really nervous, but when the rest of the girls went out on stage, she went right out with them and did what she was supposed to do. 

Side note . . . Molly was super tired and did have a bit of a melt down before the finale, but she pulled it together, looked cute and waved with her class. Of course as soon as the finale was over, the meltdown continued until she feel asleep in the car.

Glad that is over. We know a little bit more what to expect for the next one. 

Jack - 18 months

Jack, Molly, and I went to Jack's 18-month appointment with Dr. Havlik on Friday afternoon.  Here are his stats:

Age: 18 months
Weight: 26.3 lbs (57%)
Height: 34.5 inches (96%)
Head: 48.5 cm (71%)

Overall measurements indicate that in the last 18 months Jack has gotten taller and thinner from his earlier measurements. He eats a lot and is still gaining weight, but I think he just moves around so much that the extra height isn't equating itself in weight.  He's healthy though!

He is constantly stuffy, but his lungs are good.  His heart, ears . . . everything else is good, too.  Oh, Dr. Havlik did say there was a canker in his mouth.  I don't know how long it has been there, but could explain why his fingers are always in his mouth.

As far as developmental things, he's right on target.  I worry that he doesn't talk as well as Molly did at that age, but the requirement is 5 words and I think Jack can do that.  He can say . . . Mama, Dad, Moll-me, hot, owie, uh-oh, up, bus, tanks (thanks), there, hi, bye . . . I think that's about it.  He also consistently does the signs for "more" and "please" and "all done" as well as doing an excellent job at pointing and grunting.

Other things worth noting . . .

Can he run?  Yes.
Can he walk backwards? Yes.
Can he walk up or down stairs holding your hand? Yes.
Can he grab something with a pincer grasp?  Yes.
Can he pass something from one hand to the other?  Yes.
Can he point to something he wants? Yes.
Is he autistic? No (according to a survey we took).

Jack is super active.  What he lacks in verbal skills, he makes up for in physical abilities.  In this way he is quite opposite his sister (at least at the same age).  He is super friendly.  He likes to say "
hi" and "bye" to everyone.  He is an excellent dancer.  He is superb at all things animal sounds.  He gets way excited when he sees a bus or big truck driving down the road.  He inherently knows the sound of all moving things - busses, planes, helicopters, etc.  He gives good hugs and kisses.  He blows kisses at girls.

He still has cute dimples.  He loves French fries.  He still drinks a bottle at night (which he probably shouldn't) because it's the only way I get to hold him for a minute while he is actually sitting still.  he has decent rhythm and pretty good throwing skills.  He is starting to sit still and look at books a little bit more, but he doesn't like to sit on your lap and have a book read to him.

That's enough for now.  I love you, Jack!