SNOW DAY!

Daddy got his Christmas wish today...FRESH SNOW!

We woke up this morning at Grandma and Grandpa's in Spokane (we arrived on Monday) to SNOW. It hasn't let up yet. Daddy LOVES it. We took an adventure out to the snow for sledding this afternoon. I wasn't such a fan of all the layers mommy kept insisting I put on. I may have whined a little. Mommy was right though, it was all worth it! Playing in the snow was so much fun. I just wish that Grandpa could have joined us, but he had to work. Here are some pictures my mommy took of our adventure in the snow...

I loved the feel of the snowflakes on my tongue.

I remember two years ago when it was ME in the box. Now it is my brother's turn. (He didn't stay contained long.)

Daddy took me for a FAST ride down the slope.

Seth gave Richie a push.

Then it was Seth's turn! Thor dog looked on.

I took a break in the fun, made a few snow angels, and then I was ready to tackle the hill again.

Henley had fun slip-sliding in the snow.

Daddy and Richie took a trip down the hill. The next time they went on their tummies. They looked like Superman! What a brave daddy and Richie.

Aunt Caspian took Henley for a ride. He had fun in his serious baby kind of way.

Caspian carried Henley back up to his perch in the box.

I had to stop and catch a few more snowflakes. Do you know that each snowflake is unique? Just like me.

My brother's nose and cheeks started turning red, just like his snowsuit.

Grandma enjoyed the silliness of our crew.

My snowy family and I. What a fun time in the snow. I love the snow...just like my daddy.

The cute NEWLY ENGAGED couple, Seth and Caspian.

CONGRATS!

Christmas @ Nana & Papa's House

Thursday afternoon, we loaded the family car (couldn't fit more in if Beau tried) and headed up north a few hours to Nana & Papa's house. It was nearly CHRISTMAS!

He kids have enjoyed the anticipation of the holiday, as have us grown ups! Hazel especially has been so funny. Such fun to see the holiday through her three year old eyes. Richie had been somewhat skeptical about Santa, but after his haul yesterday, he better BELIEVE! :)

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Each stocking had a small apple inside. Henley thought they were just perfectly sized for his six-toothed mouth. He had "claimed" three in no time. (No hiding the tiny tooth marks.) No complaints from me as I will never discourage a child who prefers an apple (or three) to of a sock full of candy!

Patrick normally is our Christmas morning "elf." This year, he and Bonnie couldn't be with us. (They are too close to baby's due date.) Richie did a great job as our "elf" this year.

Hazel delighted with the goodies that Santa brought just for her.

Henley put down his apples for a moment to take a peek in his stocking.

STAR WARS LEGOS!!

(out of order) Hazel and Henley take a JOYFUL Christmas Eve bath.

Crazy Hazey lovin' her new "lips" from Santa!

Henley LOVES his new car from Nana & Papa. He can even ride it backwards!!

Like father like son. Checking on Bella.

Henley's "funny face" on Christmas morning.

The box from his new car was quite a JOY as well.

Peek-a-boo at daddy.

Hi sweet boy.

Henley's first taste of egg nog. He wouldn't put the cup down! Drained it all.

Lazy Christmas morning.

If you ever try getting a group picture of these four...you too will capture their silliness!

Hurry up Richie, get in the picture!!

Merry Christmas 2010

Naughty or Nice?

By the time the kids got up to the front of the Santa line last Sunday afternoon, they were getting closer to the naughty list!!

We may have just squeaked in, and Santa welcomed his arms and extended his ear to the trio.

Richie would love Star Wars Legos, and Hazel a dolly. Henley, would be happy with some gift wrap and a cool box.

Thanks Santa. We love you!

Safe travels tonight...

HO HO HO!

Fun with friends!

Yesterday, after our adventures at the mall (the weekend before Christmas-ugh!) we headed to Julie & Macey's house. We all enjoyed dinner followed by hot chocolate and a friendly game of catch a flying mini marshmallow. FUN! Later, we loaded up the kids and drove around the "fancy" neighborhood where the giant homes were all decked for Christmas. The rain didn't spoil our fun. My favorite "Christmas" decoration? A house that definitely loves their DUCKS had an inflatable Oregon Duck football player stomping an inflatable tiger. (Our Ducks are playing the Auburn Tigers in the National Championship game on January 10th!)

Julie's tree was admired by Hazel. The ornaments and lights sparkled as much as her freshly bejeweled earlobes.

Macey shows off two of her favorite things.

A Henley cuddle by Richie.

This girl likes her marshmallows...oh, I mean hot chocolate!

Macey was intent as she stirred her hot chocolate.

Maybe if I stare at the mug more hot chocolate will appear?

Beau tries to catch the flying marshmallow. He didn't. The fault of the thrower (Julie) or the catcher? I was just bummed that so many perfectly good marshmallows were ruined in the process.

Kat may not have caught this one, but she did connect a few times!

Hard to catch a flying mallow when you look like a deer caught in the headlights!

A pretty house. We saw many more, but all through the car windows. I was scrunched between two car seats, so no pictures of those.

My serious guy scrutinized how straight the lights were hung. Next year, maybe he will be out helping daddy?

Hazel's early present...

She sits excited and in anticipation...

She was laughing and chatting with the nice lady...

Daddy watched from outside...

One mark...two marks...

More smiles...Two clicks...a brief look of "What was that?"...

PIERCED EARS!

Can you tell she is rather pleased with the gift?

Can't believe she did so well.

Such a big girl.

Then...it was off to sit on Santa's lap and show him her new EARRINGS!