To Give is To Receive

As the kids have aged, we have added new holiday traditions.  Visit was made to the Reindeer Fire Truck to donate to other boys and girls.  Kyle and Jack were in full spirit this year with their selections. 

 

We visited our local farm for craft making and support local businesses.  Cookies were decorated...and then eaten. 

 

We joined the kids at Jack's school for cookie decorating and excitement that is best held in a group of preschoolers.  Kyle got to head back for winter camp where they visited a wallaby farm and learned about animal care.

Still the Best Seat Around

It does not seem to matter his mood, the weather, or the time, Jack can only smile when he gets up on that tractor.  His dad seems to be the same way.

So Where is the North Pole???

Our traditional trip was made to visit Santa this year.  Kyle requested a doll house and beanie boos.  Jack asked for a fire station.  They both proceeded with several questions about life on the North Pole.  Candy canes were provided, and all was great.  Both kiddos are excited for when this guy really visits!

Although not every take was met with quite enthusiasm. 

Breakfast with Jolly Old St. Nick and Grand Traditions

Since moving to small-town PNW, we have made sure to enjoy the town Breakfast with Santa.  This year was stupendous with grand pancakes, lots of syrup, great ham, and amazing views.  It was a highlight to start our day of visiting bake sales, buying wreaths, and making crafts that are true show-stoppers.  This was all ended by the great tree lighting, a Santa parade, and the chance to join our neighbors and community in merriment, good food and fun.  This little town has been a blessing and the best! This mama already knows she'll be making her kiddos do the same for years to come!

Trees Galore...but none for chopping

We visited the town tree farm on a special weekday outing for tree hunting.  After a thorough inspection by Mr. Jack, it was determined the best trees were already cut.  Despite not getting to use a saw, we walked away with a beauty that smells of Northwest holiday and is perfectly adorned with ornaments. 

Thankful for the Every Day

In times of business and stress, we are thankful to experience every day moments that remind us how great life is.  Trips to the barn, night-time reads, and endless smiles are pretty much what makes life amazing. 

A Dusting of White

In an unusual turn of events, we woke up to a November snow. It started light but then slowly added throughout the day.  A tiny miniature snowman was made, gloves were found, and new boots were adored.  It was everything a first snow was meant to be....just a little too early in the season. 

Under the Sea Creatures...Out for Treats

It was yet another fabulous Halloween.  The kids trooped through the downtown trick-or-treating despite the 70 degree day, one shark might have faltered.  There were crafts, laughs and lots of treats.  They took home Best Duo for the local parade, which thrilled an octopus.

 

We then headed out on a beautiful Fall evening for trick-or-treating at a nearby neighborhood where a number of friends live.  For the first time in 10 years, it was not raining.  The shark chomped along for about 20 houses before announcing he was good.  Octopus kept on going to hit them all. It was a successful and very fun night!

All in a Weekend...with field trip bookends

Travis is off on his annual hunting trip.  This left mommy and the kids to pack in as many activities as possible in a rainy weekend filled with near floods and fires in the wood stove.  We did just that.  Friday started with Jack's preschool field trip to the pumpkin farm.  It was as adorable as one would expect with our favorite little farmer loving the hay ride.  This was followed by a fun birthday with bounce houses galore and cupcakes for the picking.  Kyle's turn then came with a fun trip to see her kindergarten bestie who moved and a trip to the zoo....cut short by a sudden downpour.  Fun was still had on a day filled with animals and no crowds.  The sun finally came out for chalk decorating at Kyle's school.  Our resident artist made a fabulous octopus that we cannot wait to show daddy when he returns.  Mommy was thrilled every night brought tired and happy kids. 

Jumping, Picking, and Playing - It's Pumpkin Time

With yet another Fall season, we visited our favorite pumpkin park with PEPs .  This is not our top spot for picking, but it is for playing.  This year was fantastic with beautiful weather, small crowds, and endless time to enjoy ourselves.  Plus they added some new treasures.

Marshmallow Pumpkins and Cider Pressing

With the turn of the fall season, we visited Carnation Farms for its annual Harvest Festival.  Last year, the rain pelted down but it was still the best.  This year sunny skies brought an even better time.  There were still animals, tractors, crafts, and a bounty of the best pumpkins you could imagine.  This farm truly is the best for its simplicity and harvest feel.  Added bonuses included s'mores, massive puddle, and getting to press your own cider.  It doesn't get better than this.  Plus we got to see a massive pumpkin marshmallow!