Santa Train

On Sunday we took Jack on his first train ride.  We rode the Santa Train with the Grays, Swanders, Sykes and other friends.  We caught the train in North Bend and rode it up to Snoqualmie where we got to have cookies and hot chocolate and then visit Santa before getting back on the train to head back to North Bend.  


The kids seemed to enjoy it.  They were excited to see Santa and Jack really liked the train.  It wasn't quite as fun for the parents.  Lots of waiting in line and the weather was horrible.  But since my parents were with us, we took the opportunity to try to get some family pictures.  And although it is nearly impossible to get Jack to smile for the camera, we did manage to get some halfway decent pictures (notice our cute coordinating outfits).   

Jack sporting his new train sweatshirt

People boarding the train

Grandma & Poppa on the train

Us on the train 

Daddy & Jack

Waiting in line to see Santa

Daddy & Jack watching the train pull in

Santa!

Jack telling Santa he wants "a present"

Kate telling Santa she wants a Barbie Townhouse

Hugs for Santa!

Santa handing out candy canes on the train

  

Kate Turns 5!

Yes, that's right, Kate is now 5 years old.  Or as Papa Mark put it, only 8 more years until she is a teenager!  Yikes!  Guess we better savor these years while we can!  

Since Kate's birthday fell on Black Friday this year, right in between Thanksgiving and the Apple Cup, we decided to have her party with all of her friends the weekend before.  We had it at My Gym in Kent and she chose a Barbie theme.  We had a great turnout and she had a ton of fun!

We opened her gifts when we got home that evening.  She got lots of wonderful things and tons of Barbie stuff!

On her actual birthday, we started out the festivities by Skyping with Uncle Josh in Colorado.  Kate opened her present from him while he watched.  She got a Princess guitar and a microphone with an amp!  She was so excited because now she can be a real rock star!  She has been using it non-stop ever since and I'm starting to think about shipping her off to Uncle Josh's house for a while!  

Later in the day, we had a party just for family.  Grandma Linda & Poppa Mark were in town for the Thanksgiving weekend.  And Grandma Cecile, Poppa Dave, Uncle Jeff and Uncle Kevin all came over to our house for cupcakes & presents.  For this party, Kate chose a Minnie Mouse theme.  So I made special cupcakes using Oreos and mini Oreos.  

Kate's main presents were the Barbie Jet from Mommy & Daddy and the Barbie Camper from Grandma Cecile, Poppa Dave & Uncle Jeff.  They are a big hit with both Kate and Jack!

  

 Now that Thanksgiving and her birthday have passed, I suppose that means the Christmas season is officially here.  Time to get out the decorations!

Thankful

In trying to list the things I am thankful for, I can't help but feel so very lucky for everything I have.  I am thankful for two healthy children who are full of personality and bring me great joy every day.  I am thankful for a wonderful husband who has put up with me for nearly 9 years of marriage and whom I never tire of spending time with.  I am thankful for my parents who will travel out here from Colorado at the drop of the hat and will do anything for us and the kids.  I am thankful for my brother who I got to Skype with today and is one of the coolest uncles around.  I am thankful for my in-laws that have welcomed me into their family and have helped make Seattle a home away from home.  I am thankful for all of my friends both near and far from Andrea in Denver to Stacy in San Francisco to Brooke, Megan & countless others here in Seattle.  I am thankful to REI for a job I absolutely love and coworkers I love even more.  I am thankful for the roof above our heads, the food upon our table and the furry dog & cat at my feet!  

This year, we spent Thanksgiving at my in-laws' house for a magnificent feast prepared by my mother-in-law, Cecile.  My parents flew in from Colorado to join us for the holiday weekend.  And Dave's cousin Jon, his wife Susan, and their kids, Abby, Ethan & Isabella also drove up from Kelso to spend the day.  This was an extra special treat as Kate & Jack have no first cousins and rarely get to see any of their second cousins.  They finally had some other kids to play with! 

Jack wearing his Indian headband he made at daycare

Cousins playing in the playroom

Abby & Kate

Jon, with Isabella, and Dave

Jon, Susan, Isabella & Grandma Cecile

Mommy & Jack

Uncle Kevin & Dave

Uncle Jeff, Poppa Dave, Uncle Kevin, Dave, Poppa Mark & Grandma Linda

The beautiful table

Kids Table!

The dessert spread

Jack, Kate, Isabella, Ethan & Abby

  Abby & Kate

Poppa Mark reading to all of the kids before bedtime

 I hope you all have just as much to be thankful for as I do and that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!