Tis the Season

Ugh, I've been terrible about blogging. I think about it all the time, but actually sitting down to do it seems beyond my capabilities. Where is time going? Days/weeks/months just seem to be disappearing on me. Because I can't remember anything, I'm doing a camera unload to see what memories are jogged. These are all from December, which brings me to highlight some seasonal activities we've enjoyed.

We got crazy snow the first week of December and even had a "snow day" for school. I'm not big on snow. I don't enjoy any winter activities and I hate driving in it. And I don't like cold. But I thought I better at least let Addie have a shot at it.

Here she is venturing into the backyard. Yes, that is a potty behind her. Don't ask me how any of the random items get into our backyard (I regularly ask that question of multiple household items -- such is life with a toddler). Anywho, that may help you notice how deep the snow is.

Lukie and Bailey had to come play too. They were lovin' it!

Then Addie and I ventured into the front yard and I decided we needed a snowman. My intentions were to make Addie's first snowman, but I pretty much did it myself...other than the hair. Addie did that part. :)

The following weekend was full of holiday activities. On Saturday we (me and the kids -- Loren was finishing his portfolio for English) went to the Hip Holiday Market in Nampa with my mom and hit a few other bazaars while we were out. Although there was lots of great stuff, we didn't find too much of what we were looking for.

Sunday started with breakfast. We intended to go to Sunrise (on State), one of our faves, but apparently they are closed and have moved over to the Egg Factory (also on State). We were pleasantly surprised as the Egg Factory is even more of a fave -- until we found their new location smaller with a tiny waiting area and poorer service. We'll stick to the Egg Factory on Fairview.

We then headed over to Big Lots to let Addie pick out some Toys for Tots. She did great. Put a lot of thought into what she wanted to get. She also picked out a toy for Hayden, and of course one for herself. :)

A friend of a friend was doing a fundraiser by selling Christmas trees, so we decided to get the real thing this year (which I was just cursing today as I was vacuuming up pine needles and trying to squeeze under the darn thing to water it).

We let Addie pick and she knew right away, no hesitation.

We asked her to make sure this was the one, and she was certain.

Duh mom, how hard is it to pick a Christmas tree? I've come to let her make a few decisions for me to save the time it would take me to ponder every option...

Admiring her pick.

And here it is decorated. She originally helped by hanging every ornament on one branch. I fixed that and moved her on to the tiny ornaments (meant for a mini tree) which she decorated the bottom branches with. She had just spilled water on her shirt so was insistent in being without. She is often insistent of being without clothes these days...

Here's how Bubby helped decorate the tree. This was promptly followed by an explosive poo that covered his pants and shirt, the exersaucer, a blanket, and my hand... (now that I look at the pic, doesn't he just look like he's planning some trouble?)

The rest of that day and the beginning of the next week were spent finishing up my Christmas family from the WCA. It's a tradition I started a few years ago, and one of my favorite things about the holidays. I actually thought about not doing it this year because Christmas is always so crazy busy (Christmas + end of semester for me), but my mom convinced me I should do it and I'm glad I did. I hope they liked their stuff!

The following weekend was pretty quiet (if I remember correctly). Checked out some Christmas lights, had Ryan and Cassie over for dinner, and went to lunch with Leisa and Kadie.

Last week was finals week, which was a little crazy only because I was only in the office for 2 days. Hayden had his 6-month check-up -- 19lb 3oz and 96th percentile for length! Loren started his new job on Thursday and I am stay-at-home mom full-time for 2 weeks. I'm trying to use the time to get the house cleaned up and finalize everything for Christmas. It's nice getting into a bit more of a routine at home. I did take the kids to the indoor park at Boise Friends Church on Thursday, but this week is really focused on getting ready for Christmas. Loren seems to be liking his new job. He's still training, of course, which means a lot of learning and reading, but I think he's settling in. It sounds like a cool company. Still waiting to hear his new schedule (anxiously waiting on my part -- I hate not knowing what our schedules will be and not knowing if we'll need childcare).

I decided to take Addie on a little mommy/daughter date Saturday. We started at Ceramica, where she painted a few gifts. I just love her concentration. She did pretty good, but was done after just painting these spots. I told her we needed to cover the entire thing, but she didn't seem interested -- so I had to help. We'll see how they come out -- we pick them up Friday.

After that we went to the Idaho Indie Works show downtown, mainly to say hi to friends and see Santa. Addie wanted nothing to do with Santa. :) Oh, and then we hit the Youth Ranch.

Later that day we packed the family down to Grandpa Rick's for an early Christmas dinner. Addie had a blast running around like a loon and playing with Uncle Ryan and Cassie. Food was delish.

This week brings cleaning, a little bit of shopping, gift wrapping, cooking, dinner at Sean and Erin's, probably Christmas Eve at my mom's, and then the big day!