dear santa

Dear Santa,

I really like dogs and am hoping to get my hands on one. I don't think mom and dad are on the same page as me on this one though, so you're my only hope.

From a cute baby,

Bitsy

Dear Santa,

I'm sure you are aware, I've been a pretty good little boy this year. It has been a big year for me adjusting to a new baby sister. I think I've done a pretty good job adapting. Can you make it so she'll like to wrestle? If not, I'd love a garbage truck.

From a nice boy,

Tank

Dear Santa,

I have a question for you, how does Ed the elf make it to the North Pole and back to our house every night? I am really stuck on this one. However, I'm sure he has reported to you all my good deeds. I keep everyone in line around here and its a tough job, but I think I do it pretty well. So, I'd like some dress up smurf stuff. My mom and dad seem pretty worried you won't pull through on this one, but I know you can.

From a nice girl,

Little Bug

Merry Christmas!

christmas lights

For a couple of years now, Andrew and I have wanted to go to Leavenworth during the Christmas season to see all the lights. This year, we rather suddenly decided to make that happen. It is the perfect little Christmas town and did not disappoint! The kids were super excited to stay in a hotel (they now want to live in one), had a great time looking at all the shops, playing in the snow, listening to live Christmas carols and meeting Saint Nicholas. We had a lot of fun and are thinking we should make this an annual tradition. Except, next year we'll know to bring warmer clothes and sleds for the kids.

Bitsy was a tired trouper.

mini snowmen

We made and melted indoor mini snowmen! It was a perfect activity for a rainy afternoon. 

Sadly, this is the only shot I have of Tank's snowman. However, you can tell from it, he had a lot of a creative intuition going on. 

Bug's snowman family.

Melting the snowmen! Basically, it is a baking soda dough and then you 'melt' them with vinegar. So fun!