The Best Day Ever

Although there are still festivities to be had, Kyle declared this to be the "best day ever" and questioned when we could do it again.  In a whirlwind weekend, there were presents, family, food and even a bounce house.  For two little folks, it was probably the best day ever...on repeat.  For us adults, it was pretty glorious as well.

 

Kyle was in true excitement for the big day.  She got a special video from Santa and was quite pleased to be on his nice list.  After making cookies and setting out carrots for the reindeer, she was thrilled when Santa visited our house.  Unlike years past, she tore through each present with intensity.  Then later in the day, came back to each one for play and fun. 

 

As for Jack, he waited for each present to be opened with pure wonder, exclaiming "Oooh...Ohhhh" as if it was the one item he had been waiting for his whole life.  Above all, a set of matchbox cars and a dump truck took front and center.  He was also thrilled to have all the people he cherished in one place as he quickly made his way around the room to show everyone his new treasures.

 

 

Over the Mountains....and Into the Snow

Kyle took a special adventure with Grandma to her place near Lake Chelan. With an onslaught of rain and snow, her mini-stay turned into a week long trip. While she built snowmen, rode horses, and assembled puzzles, the rest of us battled massive floods. Luckily she came home excited for her trip to Grandma and Papa John's. I suspect she'll be thrilled to learn there is a pool in the summer!

Small Town Holiday

With our move to the valley and acquiring a few acres, we did a little exploring to find a local tree. However, everything we found was a tad big for living room. Luckily there is a lovely Christmas tree farm at the bottom of the hill. The perfect tree was selected and then decorated with care by Miss Kyle.

We then added to the holiday fun by seeing Santa for breakfast at the American Legion. Jack was quite upset that Santa stood in his way of pancakes. It's been a pretty fantastic holiday season so far.

How is it we are getting to the North Pole?

This was the question Kyke asked as we headed out to visit Santa this week. The minute she saw him Kyle began a series of questions and proudly exclaimed she was hoping for jungle Legos. Jack was a bit more suspicious but willing to sit on the jolly man's lap. He then questioned more why everyone wanted him to smile.

Kyle also carefully wrote her first letter to Santa while adding a few hand-drawn creations.

Bundle Up, It's Cold Outside

The temps are cooling down, but still perfect for a car ride.

It's even nice for an indoor stroll.

A snow fairy and her walrus

In true Northwest fashion, we trekked out in a downpour to trick-or-treat. Kyle was in full mode this year, with some of the best manners I've seen from her. Every person got a trick-or-treat, thank you, and happy Halloween. There was some questioning on who to thank when they only left a bucket out, but she kept with the groove. By the end of the night, she was soaked and smiling. It was a perfect time to put on cozy pajamas and hand out Halloween candy. Probably the only time she will do this ever...as another move is in the works.

As for Jack, the minute he saw the walrus tusks, he started crying. So we wandered out headless. As we got to all the other costumes, Jack looked around for awhile. I decided to give the tusks another try. He put them on, smiled, and roared. Jack was ready. He was even more happy by the m&m's at the first place. No more trick-or-treating for him. I must say he made one fantastic walrus, even if  he could barely see half the time. Never let go of those m&m's though!

Added just because I love the spider hats.  Jack wore it nearly the entire day. 

All the right moves

After working for ages on straight kicks last year, Kyle has suddenly become a natural fish in the water.

Her dance steps have gotten very own rhythm as well.

While Jack continues to be Jack.

Community Building

If you build it, he will come. Something tremendous about peeking in a room to find this going on,

Hang in There

Something about this video makes me smile!

 It is everything about their personalities and relationship. Love them both immensely.

Step back in time

This weekend we visited a historical farm for old-fashioned learning. There was archery, antique tractors, logging, butter churning, and blacksmiths. Kyle loved apple peeling and real butter. Her efforts at archery need a little work. Apparently she prefers BB guns.

Jack was kept tightly controlled for the activities, but at least, he looked adorable in overalls.

How high can you go?

Jack is now able to climb onto the couch. To say he was excited would be an understatement. Now we are on to getting pm the table.

Only because the older one had to have her photo taken, too.

Conquering new feats

Kyle has tackled a number of playground including the pole, monkey bars and climbing gyms. Jack has become a master of the slide - both going down and climbing up!

Fun Zone Ahead

For a change of pace, we visited a family fun zone where Kyle enjoyed go karts, mini golf, and bumper boats for the first time. She made need to adjust her grip and ease down on her putting power - apparently Grampi lessons are taking root. Jack loved the face golf balls were involved.  He might have taken off with a few!