Visiting the big guy.

 

3 1/2 years into this parenting bit, I've learned a thing or two.

One of those things is...Santa visits happen on a week day.

Monday this year. A day off from work, no crowds, 10 minute wait time, lunch with Nicholas, coffee with a girlfriend, naps in the afternoon...

A think Santa Monday's might have to become an official tradition.

 

It was still bitter cold in Seattle the week we went and I just love this pic of my girl snuggled on her daddy under the heat lamps while we waited.

 



Charlotte was all about Santa this year it seemed. Not nervous, ready to tell him all her hopes for surprises on Christmas morning. When we got in the little hut to see him though she froze.

Didn't want to get anywhere near him.

So we all just continued chattin' it up with Santa while we inched closer and closer to the big guy...and like any good parent would do, when we got close enough we just tossed them both on his lap and ran.

This years picture is hilarious to me because while Charlotte looks incredibly happy...I think it was one split second of nervous laughter that the photographer was able to capture. Immediately after the click of the camera was done, the screaming started.

And Miss Madeleine of course wanted nothing to do with him from the get go. She much prefers her mama these days.

 

Lunching after regaining our composure.

 

Oh to be three!









And the magic begins...

The fa la la la la'ing has started and the Christmas bucket lists created...and we are pretty darn happy about it all.
With Thanksgiving being so late this year, it feels like this month is already flying by. I'm trying to be really conscious this year of filling our time with festive activities and outings, but pairing those up with cozy, relaxed days at home.

Here's to the most wonderful time of the year!

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Swanson's Tree Hunting

We decided to take the easy route again this year and head to Swanson's for our Christmas tree instead of cutting it down. The nursery is so festive this time of year, complete with reindeer and a camel!, that we couldn't resist the ease of heading there.

Plus, we planned to go with the Kocher's which makes any adventure better!

 



Photo bomb by Mr. Reindeer

 

 These little goofy buddies look angelic...

 

But these faces are more accurate to their true colors!

 

Christmas Ships

The weekend after Thanksgiving we were lucky enough to be invited out on the fanciest yaht ever for a dinner cruise around Lake Union following the Seattle Christmas ships. Seriously lucky us. So much fun to be out on the water with all the festive boats, listening to the Dicken's Carolers perform, and enjoying the season. Minus a stressful 45 minutes of two girls melting down together...on a boat...in the middle of a lake...the trip was a success. Thankfully we were able to escape to calm the girls down during that time to one of the 4 bedrooms on the boat. I know, right? It was pretty out of this world.

 

Happy again with Poppie and some candy. Come to think of it, those two kind of go hand in hand.

 

A virtual visit from Santa.

Thanks to my girl Brookie Brooke, we learned how Santa can visit our house virtually as well! Technology can be so cool! (Kris, aren't you proud of me?!)

Truly though- it was magical to witness the wonder and imagination of our girl when Santa was talking to her. And while I know Christmas isn't only about the whole Santa-bit...it sure is fun!

 

Trimming our tree

and enjoying the coziness of our house this time of year.

 

 

...and the merry merry continues!

 

Life lately.

Friends, listen. It's December.
IT'S DECEMBER!!!!
Arguably my most favorite month of the year. Oh how I love this month...

But before I get all holiday-craziness-obsessed-sugarysweet-sentimental-sappy on you, a quick look at our November days.
Because I love November almost nearly as much as I love December.

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Disney on Ice.

Her first live performance. She was mesmerized.

And the funniest thing about these Disney princesses?...she's only seen about 1 1/2 movies total, yet somehow she knows ALL the princesses. How is this possible? Those 3 years olds have some serious princess gossip going on.

Such fun to experience the wonder through these little friends' eyes.

 

 

 

The return of family Flying Squirrel pizza night.

We love our neighborhood spot. Pizza, beer and my babes. A perfect Friday night ritual.

 

A permanent fixture.

The other week Madeleine was just not herself and as it turns out had a little ear infection. Girlfriend was a permanent fixture on my hip. If I wasn't at work, she was there. And while it can certainly make daily household chores challenging doing things one handed...I love the weight of her body in my arms.

It's like my body was made to have her fit right there.

 

Thanksgiving.

We celebrated this year in beautiful Oak Harbor with Nick's family. The weather was amazing, and we enjoyed numerous walks around the neighborhood and by the water (okay...some of those walks were to try and get Madeleine to nap in the Ergo, but the lovely weather made it all that much better.) I've said it before, but I just adore the liveliness that a large family brings with it.  Siblings everywhere, (not to mention the extra hands), a mix of personalities, laughter, coziness...I love everything about gathering together. Especially during the holidays.

We have so very much to be thankful for.

 

 





 Rick pouring up his signature drink...the Kir Royale.

Sisters.

Starting the day off right with crepes and hot cocoa.  

 

The night always ends with a pile of aunties and uncles on couches and the floor, blankets, pillows and a viewing of Christmas Vacation. This year, Rick wanted to recreate the lighting ceremony. And yes, I was instructed to lead us in singing Joy to the World.

And yes...I loved it.

 

The aftermath.

Food comas. Sleepy. Happy.

 

 

 

We are ready for you December...here we come!