Party Day

Yesterday was party day. We had Owen's birthday party in the morning (more on that later), then Owen was invited to a friend's birthday party in the afternoon, Dave's work hosted a family Christmas party, and there was even a big fancy Gala after that (but we decided we were partied out, and skipped the Gala). The Christmas party was lovely, and Santa came with gifts for each kid. There was yummy food, and good company. It was near a fun outdoor shopping mall with a huge 50 foot Christmas tree, and Christmas carriage rides and all kind of fun things outside. 

Owen was totally on board for the whole Santa thing, and told him wanted he wanted (A velociraptor, and an Arc170 starfighter). Santa gave him a box of Legos, which has been a huge hit. Is it just me, or does Owen look HUGE up on Santa's lap? 

 Kate was most likely still traumatized from our visit to the Santa museum, and absolutely refused to sit near or even look at Santa... gift or no gift. She was stressed out until Santa left the party, but loved the gift - a keyboard (yay). This was the best we could do this year.

 We stopped to visit the giant tree. There were carolers, and guitar players, and horse drawn carriages. It was great.

 I love how Kate says "Yook!! Christmas tree!" or "Yooooook!! Christmas lights" Christmas is awesome with kids around.

 Going to be 5 tomorrow! 

Clifton Mill

We went to see some amazing Christmas lights at Clifton Mill (which is an actual, working mill and very cool). I think I read there are over 3.5 million lights, and it takes a group of men 3 or 4 months to put them up each year. It was quite a spectacular sight, and so totally magical and fun for the kids.

There was an awesome little mini town set up, complete with a football stadium, airport, church, Christmas tree store, and a burning down cabin (?!?). Little airplanes were flying around, trains were cruising through town... it was truly amazing.

 The light covered cliffs and a view of the mill. They also have a covered bridge with a great light show every hour.

For most of the winter Kate has refused to wear a winter hat. I really wanted her to wear a hat to this outing, so I told her it was a "warm winter helmet" and she was instantly on board. This girl loves helmets.

 This Santa collection was equal parts amazing and terrifying. I have never seen so many Santas in one place, and at least half of them were legitimately freaky.

 Hundreds of Santas, some of them moving and making noises. I would not want to be trapped in this room after hours.

 There was a cute little cafe/gift shop with beautiful and crazy expensive doodads. Not ideal for our stroller-less family. The kids were bonkers in there.

 Santa's workshop, complete with a REAL Santa who climbs up the chimney to wave at the kids.

Buddies

I love when my kids play together. There is little in this life that makes me happier than seeing these two little buddies being buddies. I love when they play happily,  and overhearing Owen tell Kate "We're best friends" melts me into a little puddle. I realize every stage of life has it's ups and downs, but I'm certain I'll look back at this stage of life and reminisce about how lovely and simple things are.

Playing "airplanes". I think they're flying to Mexico.

Life size cardboard art by Owen.

Thankful Things

Owen's preschool had a little Thanksgiving program and "Thanksgiving feast" for parents and families. They wore these awesome outfits, and sang darling songs, and we ate mini muffins and fruit salad. The whole thing was cute as a button, right down to the pistachio shell he glued onto his head band.

 We tried making these oreo turkeys, but really only finished one of them.

 The rest of the time was spent sitting in a sea of candy, watching the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.

For Thanksgiving dinner, we met up with family and had lunch at a restaurant, which made for an easy, relaxing day for everyone. We also did a few other little Thanksgiving crafts and projects, and starting putting up our Christmas things. It was laid back and low key and really very lovely. In an attempt to try and teach Owen about Thanksgiving, we started a nightly tradition of each taking turns telling what our "thankful things" are. This little tradition has become one of my favorite parts of the day, Owen loves it too. We still say our "thankful things" even though Thanksgiving has come and gone. I tried to write down what Owen's thankful things were for the month of November. So here they are, in his own sweet words (and sometimes not so sweet... like the night he was thankful for toots. Dave then explained why, medically speaking, he actually SHOULD be thankful for toots. Life with boys, eh?)
Owen's "Thankful Things"...
 "That there's Red Winged Black Birds. For Shiny rocks and minerals (when no one else said they were thankful for rocks and minerals, Owen, somewhat surprised said "I thought someone else would say that first!"). That there are lots of rings and jewelry stores, also for Fish and sharks and squids, and that there were dinosaurs, and for bugs. Also, pink things, and for my comfy bed and my elephant, and that I'm safe. For this beautiful world, and that I can take pictures forever. I'm also thankful that I can learn to count, and that I can count to a thousand.  Thankful that there's a Star Wars movie because I really like the Star Wars Ships. Thankful for shells on the beach, and for rainbows, and that Maddie could come over to play. That I could get a new guy on Lego Star Wars. That we can go to Mexico. That I got a new ship on Lego Star Wars. For the planet picture that I hung up on my wall.Thankful for Calendars so I can see what day it is. Thankful for Fossils. Thankful for all the things in our house because some people don't have all these things. Thankful for my nice Lego sets, and that there's Mexico, and for fish, and for all the food in our house, and the barn with all the toys in the back yard, and for my bike, and that I can collect rocks. That my birthday is so soon. Lizards frogs and salamanders. Star Wars Ships."