Ho Ho Holiday and Snowy Ventures

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Ours was overall good with a few twists ;) The biggest twist being that Nate got croup (wasn't too bad) but he passed it/or conveniently little brother got it just in time for Christmas. And this time, it was BAD. We spent Christmas Eve night up with Aaron, trying to relax him and getting him to breathe followed by taking him then to urgent care Christmas morning. I was SO glad they gave us steroids! After taking it even once we saw a difference in the way Aaron was breathing and acting. So...a little bit of a damper on Christmas. We opened gifts as a family finally late morning and then Aaron and daddy spent the rest of the day at home while I visited with my family.

 

 

Could it be what I asked Santa for?

Loving his LeapPad 2!

 

We had already planned a visit up north to Flagstaff to play in the snow, so Josh and Nate went up while Aaron and I stayed put to recouperate (I also was sick with a sinus/ear infection). Nate had an awesome time, I'm so glad we didn't cancel it!

 

Walking in a winter wonderland

Weee!

 

Polar Express train

 

Night view of Flagstaff from Lowell Observatory

 

Huge telescope

 

Seeing Jupiter and stars

 

 

 

Happy New Year! We wish you all a very healthy and happy 2013!

 

The Big 3-0!

It happened- I turned 30 this past week. Gray hair showed up just in time! (and luckily I must have known as I conveniently had a high-lighting hair appointment scheduled on my birthday)

Josh had the day off and took care of the kids the morning of while I went on a coffee date with myself (weeee!) We had lunch before I spent most of the afternoon at the spa. That night my parents kindly watched the kids while hubby and I went out to a nice dinner and movie (it hasn't been just the two of us on my birthday since before Nate was born!) It was a wonderful day and so nice to hear from so many friends and family for the special celebration!

The following day we went out to lunch with my family and close friends. There was a bit of a French theme going on...we went to a French cafe and I brought along some special cupcakes for dessert ;)

 

Gang's all here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But of course ;)

 

There's always smiles and giggles when Pap-Pap is around

 

 

 

Thank you again for all the celebratory wishes! It's been a fun last week.

Holiday Cheer

We've been busy this last month doing all things Christmas related! Wanted to share some pictures from our winter events...

Zoolights

Usually the week of Thanksgiving every year we attend this event-kids love it and we can take advantage of member only nights. We went the first night open for members, and it seemed as if we had rented the place out! It was SO nice to have it to ourselves. It wouldn't be Zoolights without Pap-Pap buying the kids some fun light toys ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gingerbread House

I love the holiday craft classes offered through our recreation centers in our city. In this one Nate made a house out of graham crackers. It was nice to have the mess in someone else's room :) He was so excited and had a lot of fun. Meanwhile, little brother colored.

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Visit

I love that our mall has a new holiday event it looks like they might offer each year- we did this last year- it's called Breakfast with Santa. We meet Santa, Wildflower Bread Company provides a free breakfast for everyone, we listen to Mrs Claus read a story, and the kids get to do crafts/decorate cookies. All for FREE! So, my mom came along with us this year. We all  enjoyed it! (well, except for Aaron...)

 

First we created a letter to Santa

Nate requested a scooter, a boat and a toy with an elevator in it

 

 

Patiently waiting in line with their sparkly necklaces

Discussing Nate's letter. This is the FIRST year that Nate has spoken to Santa,sat on his lap and voluntarily taken pictures.

 

Poor Aaron

 

 

 

 

I love me some pancakes and fruit!

 

Yummy-M&M's, "sprinklers" (as Nate calls them) and jelly beans

 

Holiday Drive In Movie Night

I used a huge Amazon box (thanks to Aaron's diapers) to make a "drive in car" for Nate to watch The Polar Express. He loved the drive -in idea : he was comfy inside with his pillows and blanket and had popcorn to snack.

 

 

 

I especially dig the license plate ;)

 

Other Misc Holiday...

 

Nate was in a Christmas pageant at church. Kids his age were just part of the choir. He stood up with everyone to sing and maybe sang a few words...

 

We also went to another event through the city called The Polar Express (we've gone to this the last two years). Another meet and greet with Santa after he reads the story, treats and crafts. Nate was pretty tired so we actually didn't stay for long. At least this time Aaron didn't scream :)

 

And now Christmas Eve is tomorrow. As you can see, we've been busy bees! I've also spent the last week and a half baking and still have a little bit more wrapping to do. Whew!

 

We Love Sandy Hook

Like many others I'm sure, I'm still heartbroken, in disbelief, shock and losing sleep over Friday's tragic event in Newton,CT. I've always thought any sort of shooting episode was saddening, but the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary really took the cake. It struck a chord. How any person could walk in and kill almost two dozen beautiful, innocent young children. It makes me extremely sad and now has made me extrememly anxious. How do we let our children go to school now? We shouldn't have to worry about whether or not we'll see them when the bell rings for the day. It really pains me that this is our new world, where shootings like these are becoming common, almost every week occurances.

It has had me seriously think about home schooling my kids. Keep them safe. Safe from school shootings, bullying...anything that can hurt them at school. I just want to put each of my kids in a bubble to keep them safe from everyone and everything.

I feel so much grief for the victims and their families. Yet again we're reminded of the important things in life- now, to be thankful for the little kisses and hugs from our kids. I know I will for sure be upping my hugs,kisses and 'I love you's'. Friday showed us that you never know when the last time is that you will see someone.

I got a balloon yesterday and wrote all the names of the victims on it and sent it up in the air. Just my personal way of showing that I'm thinking of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nate didn't know why we were releasing a balloon. He's not at an age to need to know the world's horror stories. Had he asked, he would have understood if I told him there were some new angels in heaven. But that's as far as I would have gone.

 

I think I'm going to have a litle bit of a hard time releasing him to school today. I'm reminded of the similarities to Friday's tragedy- that he's close to the one point of entry, near the front office/principal's office....I'm trying hard not to let fear and worry rule our lives. I know that's the way I need to go, otherwise we just aren't living. I know I can't keep my kids in their rooms 24/7, as much as I want to protect them.

 

I'm praying hard that something changes, that innocent killings like these stop. I want the world to be a better place for our kids than what it is.