You might have noticed from our blog that we are a huge Parks & Rec fan. One of their many great programs is their summer and after-school camps. They have crafts, sports, field trips, homework helpers, education activities and playtime. The benefits to Jasmine from these programs are numerous from developing her social interaction skills to having caring positive adult role models. Here are two photos from their christmas party.
We went to Destiny’s birthday party today at you guessed it, Chucky Cheese. We had lots of fun. Jasmine got to high five Chucky Cheese three times. Destiny had fun dancing on the blue screen. The kids emitted enough energy to power a small city. What more can I say, it was Chucky Cheeses… games, pizza and controlled chaos.
Jasmine met her foster sister Jaiden and sister Destiny for a night of fun. Jaiden’s family was visiting Portland and graciously arranged a get together for the girls. We met at a pizza place with in indoor playground. It was surprisingly crowded for a school night.
The girls had a blast playing tag, hide-and-go-seek and just running around. The adults complained about the frigid weather and compared notes on our kids most interesting public displays of affection (a.k.a. tantrums).
Beaverton had a grand holiday festival Friday evening. We bundled up and headed over to join the milling crowds. First we headed into the library to say hi to Mr. and Mrs. Santa from whom Jasmine received a couple candy canes. Then we squeezed into the main room to pick up a couple snacks and see if the children’s craft table would be worth waiting in the long line. We decided against it and went back into the lobby to listen to the carolers.
Upon exiting the library we met Jasmine’s friend Ella and her family. The girls started playing tag to burn off some those candy calories while the adults hung out. We then all walked down the beautifully lighted candy cane lane to the main stage next to the soon to be christmas tree. It was too crowded to see much of the entertainment, we did much jostling to find a vantage point including lifting the girls on our shoulders but with no luck.
Eventually we gave up and just found a bench on the outskirts. The girls resumed playing tag and also tried out the swing set. And the moment came when the tree was lit up with a big oooh awww from the crowd. Ella’s mom Beth invited us over for hot chocolate and cookies. We of course said yes because who can say no to that. After a short walk we arrived to their house where the evening turned into a playdate for Jasmine and Ella.
We visited Destiny’s family for a play date. Destiny started off the visit by giving Jasmine an early Christmas present – the elf on the shelf. Then the girls went upstairs to play Polly Pocket in Destiny’s bedroom while her big sister supervised. The adults stayed downstairs to compare notes on the wonderful evolving personalities of the sisters. One of many things they have in common is a love for shoes. After a brownie snack, we walked to the local playground. The weather was very pleasant so there were lots of kids and adults out in the fresh air. Even the birds seemed in chipper spirits – chirp chirp. Soon it was time for us to depart and the girls were understandably sad. We look forward to seeing each other real soon.
