Preschool Christmas Program

It really doesn't get much cuter than a group of 3 and 4 years olds, up on stage singing some Christmas songs. Now, some were belting it out while others just stood there and frowned and that's half the fun of it. Thankfully Carter actually sang while doing the hand motions this year. He was so excited and so proud of himself. And we were proud of him, too.

Carter and Kennedy pre-concert. We got there quite early and snagged some good seats!

Walking in with his class. Can he be any cuter? All business, that boy.

"I'm Going to Wrap Myself up for Christmas" complete with bow and tag

Singing!

Really, can I tell you how much I love this little guy? He can be so sweet and so grown up, at moments it nearly breaks my heart. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments, many of them in fact, but when I get home and he says he missed me "SOOO" much and wraps his skinny little arms tightly around my neck and won't let go, my heart melts. He is a blessing and during those trying times, I need to remind myself of that.

Grandma came for the show

And Aunt Peg, too.

With his teacher, Miss Michell

Zoo Lights

We braved the rain and weekend crowds and headed to zoo lights. The kids really do love it and didn't seem to mind their frozen fingers. It was a fun night as a family, but I'm thinking next year we'll shoot for a weeknight.

Who's excited?

I have to say, I love his enthusiasm!

Carter and a polar bear

My Christmas wish? A daughter who looks and smiles at the camera!

The train ride was Carter's favorite part.

Tryin' real hard not to smile, sister.

A trip to Santaland

We had high hopes for our visit to Santaland this year. Thinking both kids were old enough to understand the importance of telling Santa their Christmas wishes, we had hoped for a fun visit. We were 50% successful - Carter was a champ. Sat right down, smiled a sweet smile for the photographer and instructed Santa to leave a bow and arrow (really) under the tree this year. Kennedy, oh Kennedy, wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with the jolly fellow. She was shooting daggers and scowling and there was no way she was going to sit on his lap. Oh well, one out of two isn't bad...maybe next year?

All dressed up, smiley and excited to go see Santa.

No smiles again this year. Kennedy refused to touch Santa, so our picture turned into a family affair. Please take note of Kennedy's ferocious frown. She was NOT happy.

Trying desperately to coax Kennedy to the big guy. She wouldn't have any part of it - no amount of bribes or promises could have gotten her to get near him.

The anticipation...

And here's proof of the torture that we inflicted on our sweet girl. Seriously, you'd think we'd just administered electroshock! Such dramatics. Notice Carter smiling sweetly - he knew what he needed to do to get on that "nice" list.

perfect tree

After buying our tree from a lot last year, I knew that I wanted to return to our traditions and head out to a tree farm and hunt for the perfect tree. It was definitely the right choice. We discovered a new tree farm, whose proprietor was a wonderfully sweet retired fireman and the price was right! (Glenwood Tree Farm, just a mile NE of the more well-known and much more expensive Thorton's) The kids had a blast, and I'm afraid Carter takes after his mom in wanting a tree that's at least three feet taller than our ceiling. We looked around for a while and actually had a tough time making a decision - there were so many fabulous looking trees! We chose one that was a little shorter than last year, but it was perfectly symmetrical and nice and full. Kyle cut it down in no time flat, we loaded it into the truck and were on our way. So much fun!

The kids had so much fun.

Before we cut it down, Carter wanted to pose with the saw. He thought it was so cool!

Here we are with our tree...our cute tree that now sits in our living room,looking lovely covered in lights and ornaments.

Carter and Kennedy

Christmas 2010

3 little monkeys

As the ladies were off celebrating Val and the upcoming arrival of her sweet baby, Kyle and his dad bundled the kids up and headed to the zoo. Because it was kind of cold, they had the run of the place and really enjoyed their time. They got special zoo keeper talks, saw the otters and monkeys being fed and were free to run around like crazy people!

Three little monkeys

Papa and the grandkids...hard to believe there will soon be five!

Carter and Bennett on the elephant tricycle. Carter loves this little elephant museum, and on cold days it's the perfect spot to warm up a bit.

B gettin' down

christmas card

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Counting our Blessings

As we celebrated Thanksgiving this year, I realized again how very blessed we are. We have two healthy, happy, beautiful children, wonderfully supportive and loving families, enough food to eat and clothes to keep us warm. When so many have so little, it's important to be aware of how truly fortunate we really are. I am so thankful for all that God has given us.

Our attempt at a family portrait on Thanksgiving, unfortunately our camera was acting up and the quality is not the best.

Kennedy and Auntie Val

What would Thanksgiving be without a little football?

The boys (Uncle Justin, Bennett and Carter) braving the cold to get out and play!

A smile from Kennedy...just one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Auntie Stacy and her sidekick - these two have too much fun together. Although, after a few days together, Stace was tired. She says Kennedy wears her out in a whole new way :)

Carter and Bennett - such good buddies. Bennett already thinks Carter (or "Caillou" as he calls him) is pretty cool. Wherever Carter was, Bennett was usually close behind. They're so cute together.

Sweet Ethan

Nearly six weeks ago on October 14th, sweet Ethan Fulton Richardson made his way into this world. My dearest friend, Carrie, became a mom for the first time and I am an auntie once again. He is just the tiniest, most precious little guy and we love him to pieces. Care and Alex are amazing parents and have taken to the whole parenting gig with ease. It's been so wonderful to witness. We can't wait to see where this little charmer will go...

Still a little bruised from a rough delivery, but so beautiful. He has a ton of dark hair and looks a lot like Alex - he's a doll!

Kennedy and I meeting Baby Ethan for the first time

Kennedy was remarkably calm around the baby and didn't seem to mind me holding him. I was pleasantly surprised.

A natural. Carrie is one of the most amazing people in my life and it has been such a treat to watch her fall so in love with this sweet baby boy. She is calm and relaxed and seems to know exactly what she's doing. She's remarkable!

Halloween Happenings

A month late, but I'm determined! Here is some evidence of the fun that we had in the days leading up to Halloween. It seemed like it was a week long celebration this year with school parties, local events and then trick-or-treating on Halloween night. The kids loved every minute of it.

Carter and Kennedy downtown Camas getting ready to trick-or-treat during the Boo Bash. It's a rather insane amount of people jamming down one street, but the weather was good and the kids had fun, so it was worth it. It's a great tradition here in our little town.

We experienced the Boo Bash with the Pikes again this year. Here's our attempt at a group shot, pretty adorable kids, I'd say.

As much as I'd love Kennedy to smile for the camera, I also kind of love capturing her trademark scowl. You'd think we were torturing her with the lens :)

Such a sweet face...making our last stop at DQ before heading home from the Boo Bash. It's crazy, but the kids really love it.

Smiles! I actually captured them both smiling - Happy Halloween!

Kennedy kept up with the big kids and really got into trick-or-treating this year.

So excited to be out trick-or-treating. The kids lasted well over an hour and came home with more candy then they'll ever need. Four weeks later and we're still not rid of it!