Parents weekend away...

Roxanne and Kevin were very very kind and they paid for us to still go on our planned weekend away to Seattle. They even watched our kids for us while we were gone (and did some home improvements!). We were celebrating Mike's upcoming birthday (he is turing 26...).

It was cold but beautiful!

Our hotel was right on the water (Marriott - Roxanne's discount) and within walking distance of the famous Pike Place Market. We walked over there and had the most fabulous crepes for lunch and then bought fresh little donuts to take back to the hotel. We had a great time and returned home to SNOW!!!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

It was time to decorate our Christmas tree. I asked the kids if they wanted a real one this year and they told me that they liked "putting together" their Christmas tree. (All the branches are labeled different letters...)

We have lots of fun ornaments collected throughout the years.

The youngest (Bella) always gets to put the angel on the top.

Our beautiful tree!

Sad times during Christmas

I guess a blog isn't just for the good things but to share everything that goes on in our lives. Mike was laid off yesterday from the best job he ever had (he loved the people and work he was doing). Needless to say this is going to be a sad Christmas for us - luckily I already gave Santa our lists and he won't take anything back...

There really is a Santa Claus!

I have been a bad mom for all these years and not taken my kids to see Santa Claus. I have made a new resolution for them to see him every year! (Even the ones who don't believe...)

Ami's Fantabulous Solo and the Duvall Tree Lighting

Every year Duvall has a tree lighting ceremony and the Cherry Valley Elementary choir sings. Nathaniel has participated since he was in 3rd grade (he is in 6th now) and Ami is a 4th grader and it is her second year in the choir. We love to freeze our tails off to hear our children sing! Sometimes we even stay to see Santa and to see them light the tree and other times we leave early because we are just too cold! This year we had Nathaniel stay home with Bella (she has a cold already) and we just took Alexa and Ami - it was so nice, we may have to to do it again the same way next year... Anyway, Ami auditioned for a solo and got it! She practiced for days before and even mouthed to me that she was nervous but she did a fantabulous job!

Playing dress-up

Mommy got a new toy from Santa... The new flip mino camcorder which I can take everywhere! Yeah Santa!

Thanksgiving

Grandma and Bella

Aunt Tiffie, Helena, Alexa and Davey

Give me food, give me food!