Did we miss winter?

We had such a gorgeous weekend here!  It was warm and sunny, which made me excited for spring and summer.  I know I'm jumping the gun a little, but I'm starting to think we aren't going to have much of a winter.  It's almost February and there is barely enough snow on the mountings for skiing, which is where we spent Saturday morning.  Braedon is taking ski lessons and he loves it.  Last weekend just him and Derek went up, and Derek was able to ski during Braedon's lesson.  However, because of the lack of snow, the conditions kind of suck, so this weekend we all went up to hang out during his lesson.  Adi got to play in the snow, we got to hang out by a fire, and Braedon got his ski on.

As you can see, Adi had quite a bit of fun playing in the snow.

Ski lessons are two hours long, and by the end, Baeo is wiped and starving.  He usually tells us he doesn't want to go again, but by the end of the week I think he forgets about being tired and is ready to go again.

Another big achievement this weekend!  Braedon completed his first hike.  Ever since he got to big for the hiking back pack, we have been limited to short 30-45 minute hikes, because that is usually when Braedon calls it quits and I end up having to carry him back.  This weekend he totally surprised Derek and I and not only hiked little Si, which is almost 4.5 miles up a mountain, but ran half of it.  He was very excited to carry his own camelback with water and snacks.

Okay, I just thought this was hilarious.  About 10 minutes into our walk, Baeo finds a nice rock to sit on and starts opening up his camel back.  I ask him what he's doing and he responds back with, "Just getting out my snack."  I was cracking up, but also thought this hike might take all day!

We made it to the top and sat up on a rock with a beautiful view, enjoying another snack of course:)

By the time we got back to the jeep, Braedon was spent.  He fell right asleep and even came home and took a nap.  This kid never naps!

I am loving the ages that my kids are right now.  We are almost completely done with the diaper stage, they are becoming more and more independent, and they are just funny little people that I love hanging with.  Parts of me still thinks they are growing way too fast and I wish they would stop for a bit.  On the other hand, I love watching them learn and do things.  Braedon surprises me with something every day and there are times where I look at him and see a grown little boy that I can have real conversations with.  Then there is Adilyn, who is definitely not a baby anymore.  She is out of her crib and in a bed, she puts on her shoes and is very helpful and motherly.  She talks up a storm and is very dramatic.  She is starting preschool in the fall and is so excited for it!  I just can't believe how fast the time has gone, with each day getting better and better.

Catch up!

And just like that, the holidays are over.  Like always, they flew by in a whirlwind of a couple weeks. The Thursday before Christmas, we headed to Kennewick to spend a few days with Derek's family.  The kids had a blast playing with their cousins and seeing Grandma and Grandpa Peterson.  We came home the day before Christmas Eve and then spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day at home.  On the day after Christmas we got in the car again and headed to Portland to spend a couple of days with my family.  Lots of driving, but lots of fun!

There is nothing more fun then seeing your kids' faces as they come down the stairs and see that Santa has come.

The kids tore through their stockings and presents and were very happy with what they got.

Here are some stand out memories from this year.

-Driving around looking at Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music.
-Having a gingerbread man decorating party with preschool friends.
-Sitting in front of our cozy fire with all the lights off except for our tree and watching a movie.
-Seeing both sets of grandparents.
-Braedon telling me that Santa is probably going to just drop the big trampoline in our back yard with a crane, all set up and ready to go.
-Spending lots of family time together at home just hanging out.

We had a great holiday season, but are ready to get back to our normal routines.  Baeo is very excited for preschool today!

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!!!