Flu season and holiday season

The one and half month before Thanksgiving was the flu season, where Renee was having one or other kind of cold all the time. We wipe her nose so often that she has learned to go to the table, reach for the tissue, wipe off the nose and throw it to the garbage under the sink. We just need to remind her from time to time. The only downside is that she enjoys picking her nose a lot and we have to try very hard to distract her with other activities.

During the period, everyone in the family got sick at least once, with Renee and Max had a fever once. I hope the worst is behind us (knock on wood) now, and we are all looking forward to the holiday season.

(update, Renee is having a fever today. I hope it will get better during the night)

We bought Renee some drum set. Still not sure if it is a good idea. She enjoys them on and off

Renee loves going to the park with us. She also has learned to pose for the camera. The only thing is that she does not know what makes a good picture. The upside is that sometimes you get funny pictures like this one.

Max has learned to roll! By the time this picture was taken, he could only roll and would get his hand stuck. Now he knows to shift his weight to free the hand after rolling over. Sometimes he still has trouble, and he will roll all the way back to try it again. Max also can grab things a lot better, and Renee is still his most favorite object to grab.

I stayed home during the week of Thanksgiving to be with Renee instead of sending her to the extended care. I went out with Renee for a walk after her nap. In the middle of a walk, she pulls out a piece of popcorn like a magician and starts eating it. It turns out that she pocketed half a dozen of them the previous day from the sampling station at the farmers' market.

This is my favorite picture of the month. She just looks so cute in the black.

We went to the shopping mall nearby to visit the Christmas tree and Santa's chair.

A cowgirl shopping on a black Friday.

With Max' neck being strong, and the whole family is feeling better, we came out to a nice park overseeing the highway. Renee does not pay attention to Max, and not interested in taking pictures together with him. I had to sneak in while she is playing to get a picture of them both.

Max has a great smile and he uses it all the time.

I am starting the tradition of setting up the Christmas tree on the weekend of Thanksgiving. For the first three days, Renee yelled "WOWWWW" every time she sees it after a night's sleep, a nap or playing outside.

When Renee is in a good mood, we can persuade her taking a picture with her little brother. Max is just happy whenever he is near Renee.