Holiday Redux

Before 2013 clicks over to 2014, it seemed time to recap our final special memories of the Holiday season.  Kyle enjoyed the holiday gathering, especially the unlimited cookies and snacks.  Gifts were entertaining with a constant "open it" after everyone.  It was clear she did not entirely get the concept but many things were her "favorite."  She definitely was spoiled and the love from all her family was amazing.  Plus Santa brought a few surprises, and even left some cookies, which was a definite highlight!

Visiting St. Nick to tell him "reindeer toys."

Attempts at a grandchild photo.

So excited for a new wheelbarrow.  Can't wait to help out this summer!

Carrying cookies for Santa.  Becoming a big girl!

Thrilled he left a few behind, which were immediately ate!

Exploring stocking treasures.

A tasty sandwich.

Setting up a new dollhouse.

A combine to take all over the yard!

As the Snow Falls

Last week, we received what would be considered a dusting of snow in Iowa; however, in these parts, it's snowpocalypse.  Kyle was highly suspicious and not extremely thrilled, so no snowmen were made.  Luckily, it melted quickly, and we headed out that evening to visit the Garden d' Lights.  This was definitely more in Kyle's favor, and she loved identifying the animals.

By far her favorite - Frosty the Snowman!

Peek-a-Boo!

A few snapshots from our Fall photo shoot.  As always, Kyle stole the show!

New Digs

In preparation for upcoming guests, we made some changes at the house.  This meant a new bedroom for Kyle.  I think we can all agree she was pretty excited and will definitely be cozy in her new space.  Although it's a bit hard to see her moving into a big girl bed.

A Festive Weekend

This Thanksgiving was low key for the Watsons.  We celebrated with just the three of us, which was an extra nice treat.  Kyle was thrilled to sit at the big table and also get to help with the preparation.  She was thankful for the pickles because who wouldn't be? 

 

Following the holiday, we got into full festive mode and decorated for Christmas.  The minute Santa appeared, Kyle announced Christmas.  We decorated our tree with "pretty" ornaments and set up the nativity scene.  Then Friday night we traveled into town where Santa came in by fire truck. Plus we saw some glorious deer in the yard - who we suspect might just have been reindeer.  It's definitely looking like Christmas here!

 

 

A Little Bit of Tourism

Close friends from college visited this past weekend, so the Watsons got to be tourists for a day.  We visited one of our most favorite parks, and a Seattle area landmark - Snoqualmie Falls.  It was a wonderful outing despite the chilly temperatures.

Looking for dolphins!

First experience with slick sidewalks.

Examining an turbine.

Why walk across a bridge, when you can run?

Bedtime Rituals

Similar to life with any toddler, our life is orchestrated around rituals - the most important of which is bedtime.  Luckily, we have a great sleeper.  The most important step before bedtime is always reading books on "the big bed."  For mama and daughter, this is a favorite.  This is followed by preparing all our toys for bed as we wait for "the monster" to come.  This is a favorite of daughter and her father, who steals a few extra snuggles.  It's these moments that make every day worth it!

The Joy of a Balloon

 

Who would not love a net full of balloons? 

A few good snuggles

I think everyone in the family has fallen in love with the moose...luckily, we have two!

Trick-or-Treat

This year, Kyle chose to be a cat for Halloween.  It was questionable whether she was going to actually wear the costume, but she rallied for the event.  Pleasantly, she just took one piece of candy and worked on thanking everyone.  It was clear by the end of our trek, someone's pumpkin was getting heavy.  Now her parents just need to hide all those treats!