More holiday fun!

We have been soaking up the Christmas season in this house lately!  On Saturday we spent a nice and relaxing day at home that included gingerbread house decorating.

We drank hot cocoa and listened to Christmas music as we decorated.

I had originally bought the house for Derek and I to decorate together after the kids went to bed one night, but last minute decided to include them.  With all the extra candy from the cookie decorating party, this house was decked out!

Of course, less than 5 minutes after we were done, Braedon asked when we could eat it.  I told him I wanted to at least wait until the next day so we could enjoy it.  They also had already consumed way too much candy for the day anyway.

And then this took place bright and early the next morning...

It wasn't even completely light out yet.

Why is sugar like crack to little kids?

Saturday night Derek and I attended his work Christmas party, which was themed 1920's.  It just so happened that our neighbors across the street had a work party the night before that was also 1920's!  This worked out so well because we split the cost and shared our costumes as well as the babysitting.

This was the first time in a long time that Derek and I got to spend a night out alone and we had a great time!  We need to do this more often....hint, hint, Derek.

As I was getting ready, the kids were in awe over my tights and high heels.  I obviously never wear them and they had no idea what they even were.  It was pretty funny to see and listen to their reactions.  Don't worry kids, the sweatpants are back on.

Gingerbread man party!

I'm going to say it again, I love this time of year!  This morning I hosted a Gingerbread man decorating party for Braedon's preschool class!  We read a gingerbread story, went on a little hunt, and then got busy decorating!

I baked bigger cookies and put them in tins and let the kids go to town with the frosting and toppings.

It was so much fun!

Braedon's final product.

On a side note, Braedon wrote his first letter to Santa a few nights ago and received a letter back from the big guy last night.  He was very excited to see what he had to say!

Braedon with his letter he wrote and getting ready to mail it.

Let the festivities begin!

We have had a very fun Thanksgiving weekend that started off with a great Thanksgiving dinner with the Wilson's and my cousin and his girlfriend.  Unfortunately I hardly took any pictures.  We were too busy visiting and having fun!  It was just a very relaxing day spent with family.

Saturday marked the first day of our Christmas fun!  We went and cut down our tree in the morning and went on the Santa train in the afternoon.  The kids had a blast, which means the parents had fun too.  These ages are just so fun for this time of year with all the excitement going on.  Our realtors that helped us find our house take their clients out every year and pay for their trees.  So nice of them and a nice way to stay in touch!

The kids hunted for the perfect tree.  If it were up to Adi, we would have gone home with a baby tree.

We finally found one, so Derek got to work on sawing it down, with extra help of course.

And it's down!

Miss Adi is very independent and always wants to help.

One shot in front of the gingerbread house before we left.  Adi was mad that she couldn't get inside.

After we got our tree, we came home for lunch and a nap before we ventured out for the Santa train that runs from North Bend to downtown Snoqualmie and back.

The kids loved the train ride expect Adi thought it was a bit noisy, which is shocking since she has one volume herself and it is LOUD.

Once we got off the train, we headed right to see Santa!

Both kids were so excited to see him!  Adi couldn't stop staring and they both made sure to tell him what they wanted.  They both want a trampoline and Adi wants a vacuum and Baeo wants a lawn mower.  Awesome.  We are training them well:)

This morning we decorated our tree, which the kids also had a blast doing!

Let the Christmas season begin!!!

Halloween 2013

We had lots of fun this Halloween!  Especially because we got to spend it with Grandma Wilson and Aunt Jenny.  They were here helping us out for the last two weeks, and it was sad to see them go home today.

After Braedon got home from preschool, we turned on some spooky Halloween music, hung out, and made our own pizzas.  After that it was time to get dressed up and head out for trick or treating!

This year we had a cute little strawberry and a feisty pirate in the house.

They were pretty excited to get going and I must say, Adi caught on real fast:)

Yup, more pictures.  I couldn't take enough.

Okay, I guess that's enough.  And they're off!

I remember how hilarious it was taking Braedon trick or treating his first time a couple of years ago when he was about Adi's age, and it was just as fun watching Adi this year.  It's like they have no idea why they are dressed up in some silly costume and what this whole door to door thing is, but once they figure out they get candy, they seem to catch on fast;)

Who knew a strawberry's back side could be so cute:)  The kids loved all the decorations and got easily distracted.  However, not too distracted to start digging into their candy while walking to only the 5th house....Adi.

Braedon was such a sweet big brother and took the lead, making sure Adi always got her candy and Adi was a little stud refusing any help carrying her treats.  Even when her bucket got so heavy towards the end and she could barely walk, she wanted to do it herself.  Maybe she was afraid me or grandma would sneak a piece or two.

By the time we were done, the neighborhood was just swarming with kids.  I sure do love where we live!

Nothing says fall...

like a good ol pile of crunchy, colorful leaves!

There should be a law that states every kid must play in a pile of leaves at least once every year.

They should observe all the wonderful colors that fall brings out of them.

They should hear them crunch under their little feet.

They should feel the crispness between their soft, tiny fingers.

We have had some beautiful fall weather here in the Pacific Northwest!  This is my favorite time of year, which goes until January 1.  I love everything fall/winter related and I am making sure my kids grow up doing so as well.

There is nothing else better than fall walks on a crisp sunny day, hearing the leaves crunch beneath your feet, looking at all the changing colors, and watching your little ones get excited as they hunt for the prettiest leaf they can find.

There is nothing better than sitting at the table sipping your coffee while enjoying one of the half dozen fall treats made out of pumpkin and smelling the sent of cinnamon while you help your kids make one of the many fall crafts that you have planned.

There is nothing better than seeing your little family all decked out in their Husky gear watching the game, with the aroma of chili on the stove, while you decorate your house with all things fall.

Those are just a few of my cherished memories from this year already, and I can't wait to make even more!  So much to be thankful for!!!

Fall is here!!!

Que teenage girl screams.  I love this time of year!!!  Yesterday we took the kids to Remlinger Farm, which is an awesome farm that is open all year round, but is the most fun during the month of October. They have rides, a petting zoo, a hay maze and place to jump and play, and so much more for our little ones.  The kids had a blast!  Adilyn was actually big enough to ride the roller coaster and she obviously loved it.  It was so fun to watch how excited she was.

It was a beautiful day and we even got to have Aunt Jen come along and join us for all the fall fun!  Her and Braedon are fair ride buddies every year, and it was fun seeing them back on the rides together again.

When I was younger, my favorite part was obviously partaking in all the rides and fun.  Now my favorite part, as I have said many times before, is watching the joy and excitement on my kids' faces and through their happy squeals as they partake in these experiences.  Priceless I tell you, priceless.

After the rides, we moved on to the hay and had a blast.  Adi left with hay everywhere, and I mean everywhere.

This was a huge hit!

 Adi photo bombed this one:)

After all the fun, it was time to hit up the pumpkins for our obligatory pumpkin pictures, which never turn out.

It was a perfect day!!