Seattle

We decided to regroup and destress after Christmas by going to Seattle for a days.  Mike made each of the boys a lego travelling case to play with that was awesome.

We went to the children's museum, the Pacific Science Center, and lots of other fun places. At the Seattle center they had a winter scene set up with a huge train set that the boys got to be a conductor for, and fun snowmen.

The boys also loved swimming in the hotel.  Mike and I enjoyed great seafood.  It was fun getaway.

The need to sing

The boys love to sing and thought microphones would help out!

Christmas 2012

 We had a fabulous Christmas. It was low-key and lots of fun.  The boys had fun playing with new legos.  Mike enjoyed his painting that was fish made from the boys' hands.  They also made him a picture frame to take to work.  Mike and the boys made me a fun mug for coffee that featured their artwork.  We appreciated the homemade gifts!

Mike's parents and sister were here for several days including D's birthday and Christmas.  They had fun catching up with the boys.

Derek is 5!

 Derek is 5!  We had a great day at the new Portland Aquarium and then Burgerville for lunch which was D's request.  D helped bake his cars cakes.  It was a fantastic day celebrating our sweet, kind, and silly D!

D's Christmas program

 D was a shepherd for his Christmas program at school.  At home, he sings loudly and cheerfully (think Buddy the elf).  At school he is a bit more shy.  The whole program was adorable.  Will and Nate wanted to participate as well but were grateful for the cookies at the end.  Mike took video-- have I mentioned lately what an awesome Daddy he is--- but it won't upload.

Sheep

As a family we participated in the Journey to Bethleham at church.  I was a shepherd, the boys were sheep, and Mike did set-up, take-down, and helped with all the sheep.  The Journey is an interactive trip through the birth of Christ.  At various points, the kids run through as sheep bleating.  They got lots of grins and giggles.

Oh Bucky

 Bucky is 60 pounds. She is a bit of a horse.  She is thankfully getting to be less naughty each month.  That being said, she has managed to eat 4 pairs of glasses in 4 months (one of which may been hand fed to her).  She loves to grab the boys cherished loveys which is not so welcome.  That being said, she is a great snuggler and protector.  She is always "counting" the boys to make sure she knows where they all are.  She is going to be a great dog... it is just taking a while to get there.

Christmas gifts

 We made fun ornaments for Christmas gifts this year.  The boys enjoyed making the salt dough and then painting them.  It is art work only a grandparent or aunt can truly appreciate!

On a funny note (as I am blogging after Christmas), Lucky ate the ornaments box and all.  My mom was quite mad at her.  I thought it all was hilarious.  So this first week of the new year, we made a second batch of ornaments to send.

Santa.. and lights

The boys are still freaked out by Santa.  Oh well.  D surprised us and asked for something he hadn't mentioned before.  We still had a fun morning.

In other fun events, we have taken a bunch of drives over the month to look at Christmas lights.  D thinks that the more lights the better.  In a funny quote, he was was saying winner winner winner LOSER.  When I told him we didn't say that word he replied they didn't have any lights up and it was a loser.  We tried not to laugh.

Christmas Train

 We began our holiday season with a ride on an authentic steam train.  The boys were so excited.  There was the sweetest Santa on board to meet the kids.  The first half of the trip the boys were focused on taking pictures  (see D's example of a stocking).  There were 2 iphones and i small camera going.  We decided to take away the camera for them to enjoy looking out the windows.  All in all it was a big hit.  The ride was about 45 minutes which was perfect for this crew!