Christmas Eve

Let me narrate this one. "Mom! I want a hot dog!" "Marshall, you ate before we went to church." "I WANT A HOT DOG!" "Fine, it's Christmas Eve. You can have a hot dog. But first you have to sit in front of the Christmas tree with your sister and smile." Josie obliged. Marshall resigned himself.

I see the tree. Let me at the tree!




Opening One Present!


Shark and Sea Turtle Books from Uncle Chris, Aunt Carey, Bella, and Kellan!


Our Christmas Eve Tradition: Reading The Night Before Christmas by Robert Sabuda


Then we all went to bed and dreamed about sugarplums....

2 Days Until Christmas

Day 23 of Advent: Go on a Ferry Ride with Nana and Papa!

While the children are away, the mama will sew......

And then the Wacky Zackeys will come over to reap the benefits. :)

As will we! Check out the adorable owl pillow Erin made for Marshall and the cotton candy pink hat with removable bow she made for Josie (who had just woken up from a nap and was ultra-crank. No modeling.) The Zackeys also brought us a book, some Christmas stamps, a pinecone bird feeder, some yummy treats, and some homemade soap for the next time the foursome decides that bathtime HAS to happen while I am at work. What would our lives be without our beloved Zackeys? We love you guys!

3 Days Until Christmas

Day 22 of Advent: Go Visit Santa!
My friend Sue's dad knows Santa (really well...wink wink wink) at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park. And Nana and Papa love a good Santa visit. :) (However, Josie apparently does not.)

4 Days Until Christmas

Day 21 of Advent: Nana and Papa come to visit!!!
Lots of cleaning.....a library visit.....no pictures. :)

5 Days Until Christmas

Day 20 of Advent: Have Dinner with Auntie Sarah, Uncle Chris, and Katie

We are so lucky to have such great friends (with such an adorable daughter :)).

6 Days Until Christmas

It's time to pull a number!

What does it say?
Day 19 of Advent: Go Look for Christmas Lights

Yeah, what's up ladies? Check me out in my pimpin' SUV with two carseats in the back. That's right ladies.....get in line....


Mom, stop taking pictures in the car!

(You can tell we are in a recession. Even in the fancy pants neighborhoods, not that many lights. Or maybe those houses were just too classy. :)) But we had a great time anyway!

7 Days Until Christmas

Mommy's Night Off. I'm resting. Will just got back from Norway today. (Couldn't tell you that before. Wouldn't want some crazy person coming to the house.) So ALL of my children are asleep and I am taking a break!

Day 18 of Advent: Learn a New Christmas Song
Hey, at least it's not "Read a New Christmas Book" again.

8 Days Until Christmas

(I love to give granola!)

Day 17 of Advent: Read a new Christmas Book
(Before we pulled card number 17, Marshall actually said, "Does it say Read a New Christmas Book?" Okay, perhaps I've used that one a bit too much. :))

In other news, please click to Erin's blog to find out the cute things my children did in Christmas preparation today. (Thank goodness I have Erin.)

9 Days Until Christmas

Day 16 of Advent: Make a new Friend
Again, totally cheesed out on this one because the kids had a babysitter tonight. A new one....hence, make a new friend. I'm tired, People.........last day for school is today and then I can cross that commitment off my list.

But, luckily, this day was about celebrating with old friends too. Thank goodness Erin was able to get some festive activities for my kids in! Whew, I am so glad she has more energy than I do. (But who am I kidding? Erin has more energy than most people. :))

10 Days Until Christmas

(Pause for a moment....Ten Days!? Really? Does anyone else's mind have a disconnect between the calendar date and the actual countdown to Christmas? "It's only the 15th! It's still in the teens! I have PLENTY of time to make all those gifts I planned!")

Day 15 of Advent: Go on a Christmas Adventure
It's rainy, but not as cold, so I decided to go for it. We're Seattle-ites right? A little liquid sunshine isn't going to stop us!

First stop, Winterfest at the Seattle Center. There were model trains and a Christmas village. The kids definitely enjoyed it!

But after that came the BIG hit.....wait for it.....MONORAIL! (You are singing the song from the Simpson's episode, right? Because I am......)

Lunch at the Food Court at Westlake Center. Mmmm....pizza..... (That's for you, Kimberly)

And the piece d'resistance....the Carousel at Westlake Park.

And then a walk to see the Gingerbread Houses at the Sheraton. I suppose House would be a misnomer....more like extravaganzas. The theme was "Reel Christmas". My favorite was, of course, A Muppet's Christmas Carol. (Because deep in my heart, I AM a muppet.) (Marshall could have done without this part. He was getting a bit tired.)

Mmmm....think they would mind if I took a little nibble?

But that's okay, because we got to ride back on the......wait for it.....MONORAIL!

A Fabulous Seattle Christmas Adventure!