Winter Wonderland!

I love our camera, and while I am not an able photographer, I do like to practice. Here are some winter shots from our home.

The snow is beautiful, and quiet, and peaceful!

See what happens when you wear your snow socks!

The girls had their ballet party Monday afternoon, where they got to show the parents what they've been working on since September. They are both really enjoying dancing, and I think they're so cute I just have to post some pictures!

White Christmas?

The kids were disappointed when they woke up this morning and the snow had not yet arrived. However, throughout the morning, it got colder and windier and now we have lots of windy flurries. The snow seems to be dry, and I don't know that it will stick, but they had to get all their gear on and go outside.

Seth was having such a good time, and got so far away, that one of our neighbors had to drive around and direct him back home. He's just too brave for a three-year-old!

We don't get a lot of snow here, so it's very exciting when we do! And, unlike most years, the temperatures are supposed to stay below freezing all week, so the snow (such as it is) should stay around a while.

Merry Christmas!

Conversation with Hannah

Me: "Let me do your hair."
Hannah: "Here's the brush and the pony."
Me: "Thanks for brushing the snarls out so I don't have to."
Hannah: "Hey, I did brush my hair!"
Me: "I know, that's why I said 'thank you.'"
Hannah: "Well, sometimes you say thank you for things I didn't do."

I guess it's time to curb the sarcasm around here!

I apologize to anyone who has gross-out issues with feet, but you have GOT to see the bruising!

Oh, My Aching Feet

If you know me well, or sadly, run with me, then you know I ALWAYS have feet issues. Blisters, arthritis, old running shoes, whatever. Maybe it's just excuses to stop and walk. I'm also a klutz. Really. Yesterday I stubbed my little piggy and about ripped it off my foot. After icing it and wearing socks all day, I looked at it last night. The whole thing is swollen and black and blue. Lovely! The moral of the story is don't walk around walls when you are in the middle of a power struggle with your youngest child--the focus required just isn't there.

"O Christmas Tree"

So we did our almost annual "go to the woods and cut down a tree" event. It was drizzly, muddy, and the pot holes almost ate our big truck! We had a good time with friends trying to find a tree that wasn't too "Charlie Brown"-like. We brought home a lovely, fairly full noble. It smells fabulous. It would be decorated, too, if Hannah hadn't knocked it over and spilled about nine gallons of water out of the stand. While we wait for the carpet to completely dry, my living room is a little out of place.

Seth kept getting caught in the blackberry brambles and we had to rescue him. He loved tromping around after his dad. They are great buddies!

The Christmas season has begun!

Review of "The Polar Express"

No, not the movie, which I would rate as fabulous! We rode the Mount Hood Railway Polar Express train the night before Thanksgiving with the kids. They loved it. Is it worth the money? I guess it depends on whether making memories with your kids is valuable to you.

I gave them their Christmas jammies early, which they were almost more excited about than the train! Aren't they cute?

We got on the train and listened to music from the Polar Express until they set off. The conductor came around and punched the tickets, like in the movie. It was cute. Then we were served hot chocolate and cookies to the tune of "Hot, Hot Chocolate" which the kids thought was great. But then, my kids always like food. The ride itself would probably be more interesting for adults if it were daylight and you could see the sights that make the train popular.

We took our copy of the book, and it was read on the train ride. When we arrived at the "North Pole," Santa got on the train and then talked to each of the kids and gave them a Christmas bell. We sang carols and rode back to the station.

My review would be that for adults, it's a little cheesy. But as I said, my kids thoroughly enjoyed every minute. If you talk it up and make it a real adventure, riding the Polar Express is a great family activity.