dear santa

Dear Santa, When I saw you last I was pretty stumped, but I've thought of something now. I hope its not too late. I really want a mermaid tale I can swim in for Christmas. Preferably in teal. I think I've been pretty good this year helping out my siblings and adjusting to a big kid schedule.
From,

A good big sister
P.S. And I only teased Tank when I was really bored.

Dear Santa, I really wasn't too sure about our elf, Ed, reporting to you all the things I was doing around here, but then we had a big wind storm. Ed reported it was too windy to travel to the North Pole that night, but that I was doing great! So, I think I like him. Well, you've probably heard from him that I'd really really like a bike that could fit everyone in my family. Dad and Mom are pretty sure you can't deliver on this one, but I think you can.
From,

A good little boy
P.S.  I only teased Bitsy when Little Bug was at school - so that is pretty good.

Dear Santa, No offense, but I pretty much only like my Mom, Dad and siblings. But I hear you're the one to talk to when you want things. I really love animals and babies. I wouldn't let my baby go, even for the picture below. Mom and Dad kept trying to take it away, but I held firm. They think I need to work on my stubborn streak, but you know I'm all sugar. I'm not too picky,but please make it animal or baby themed.
From,

A sweet and stubborn toddler
P.S. And I didn't tease anyone.

Merry Christmas!

leavenworth

We did our 2nd annual trip to Leavenworth this Christmas season. It did not disappoint! There was a lot more snow this year making the mountainous region even more beautiful. We had a wonderful time playing in the snow, sledding, window shopping, listening to Christmas carols and enjoying the beauty of all the lights. We can't wait until next year!

dance

This year, Little Bug has been attending a new dance studio that puts on a holiday recital. Bug did great and we all loved the show! I had my doubts Tank and Bitsy would make it through happily, but both were pretty enthralled by the dancers and music the majority of the time. Our only disappointment was Bug had to stay backstage for the entirety of the show. We're use to being able to pick her up at intermission and having her watch the rest of the show with us. I'm pretty sure she would have been enthralled with all the pretty dancers too.

climber

Bitsy is a climber. I find her in all sorts of anxiety producing places. On top of bathroom counters playing in the sink squirting out all the soap, standing on the kitchen counter to get some goodies, on dressers to grab a toy, and of course she can't resist the play structure in the back. And if by chance she can't figure out a way to climb up something, she has a trusty stool she carts around to help her jump start her climb.

snow days

gingerbread house

One of our Christmas traditions is decorating a gingerbread house. The kids get pretty excited about it. I was pretty skeptical about Bitsy's participation this year though. She's pretty into sweets and I was sure she would spend the whole time eating candy. Much to my surprise she loved decorating the house! It was pretty cute watching her tell Andrew where to put the icing so she could plunk a candy on top and only occasionally did the candy make it into her mouth instead.

thanksgiving

This year we were able to spend thanksgiving in Utah. It was a great visit and we crammed lots of fun activities into our short stay. We were able to visit with Andrew's grandparents, have a traditional thanksgiving dinner, explore a really fun train shop, visit with Santa, and go to temple square to see the lights. And as an added bonus, on the morning we were headed home there was a dusting of snow on the ground to officially welcome us into the Christmas season!

Pics in front of Papa and Grandma's house.

Lounging on Papa and Grandma's bed.

To Little Bug's absolute delight, she and grandma spent an afternoon doing crafts that later became our thanksgiving table decor.

Enjoying our thanksgiving feast.

Santa. Bug was in deep thought thinking of what she wanted him to bring her. She couldn't think of anything! But before we left, she thought of something and ran back to quickly let him know.

Tank wants a bike that will fit/seat everyone in the family. That's a toughfy. 

Classic baby and Santa pic. Don't you feel sorry for Bitsy's church nursery leaders?!

Arcade shooting range game at the train shop.

Papa has a great shot!

Temple square lights.

It's officially the most wonderful time of the year!