Christmas "stuff" is in full swing around this house. We got our tree cut, up and decorated a little over a week ago. Norah and Nolan (mostly Norah) had an awesome time decorating the tree, and a little one in their room too! We put up our holiday decorations around the house, but we don't have a ton so It'll be an easy clean up :) And, if we get a break in the rain this week Casey is gonna try to put some lights up on the house.
Friday I took the kids to see Santa and get their pictures taken. I'll just say that the pictures turned out way better than the experience. I thought I might just have to walk away because my charming little 2 year old, wasn't being quite so charming. He was actually being down right naughty and defiant :( He shaped up though just in time to get a few good shots! Here is my fave!
Friday night I ran out by myself and got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done, that felt good. And Friday, Saturday and Sunday we baked Christmas cookies :) Saturday evening one of the Dr.'s I work with hosted a Christmas party for all the employees at The Pagoda at Pt. Defiance. Casey and I took the kids and spent a couple of hours mingling with friends, having a yummy dinner and there was even Santa there to visit the kids.
Today had to have been the best day of the weekend for me. Not a thing on the agenda. So, we relaxed, did some house work, played hide-and-go-seek with the kids and I got a little bit more shopping done during nap time! We had yummy homemade baked potato soup for dinner and I got my Christmas cards ordered(better late than never ;)) Here's a sneak peek at the photo we picked for our cards....
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Just a really quick update on things non-Christmas. Casey is taking some online courses for real estate appraisal and will be making a career move in the new year :) I have been though a some stressful times at work recently regarding the possibility of a change in hours and/or schedule. I am thankful to say that neither of these things happened and I am keeping my current work hours and days, yay! I do have to say that I am truly saddened for the wonderful people I work with that this was not the case for :( Norah is doing awesome as a kindergartner and just last week got her very 1st report card!!! She's is right on track for where she should be and her teacher couldn't have had nicer comments about her, I'm very proud of my girl! And last but not least my little Nolan. This was a big weekend of potty training for him. He hasn't worn a single pull up since Thursday. I am calling him potty-trained!!! I know there will be "accidents" but something clicked with him and I know he's got it! Also this will be my last week to get in the pool with Nolan at swimming lessons....sigh! I am greatful to not have to get in that cold pool 2x a week but, I am kinda sad that this era is over. I have been in the pool with one of my kiddos 2x a week for the better part of the last 5 years! Maybe it's time to have another one ;)
Friday night I ran out by myself and got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done, that felt good. And Friday, Saturday and Sunday we baked Christmas cookies :) Saturday evening one of the Dr.'s I work with hosted a Christmas party for all the employees at The Pagoda at Pt. Defiance. Casey and I took the kids and spent a couple of hours mingling with friends, having a yummy dinner and there was even Santa there to visit the kids.
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This was from the first snowy day. Casey took the kids out to play and they had a blast. I love this picture for a few reasons. One, he's just so dang cute. Two, his red, runny nose indicative of cold weather. And, three his ears popping out from under his beanie :)
I love this one too, she looks like a little Eskimo snow princess, and her smile says "I'm happy!"
These next few are from the day I got to go out and play with them. They took turns climbing off this rock and jumping/sliding into the powdery snow below. Who new a rock could be so much fun!
You can really see how much snow we got in this picture....a lot!
More happy faces, the snow made my kids (and me & daddy) happy!
I just really thought this was a cool picture Casey got one of the days. I love how all you can really see is snow and how it is sparkling in the light, so pretty!
Well I did it, I officially turned 30 last Thursday! And I have to say it's not that bad ;-) I am actually loving my little life at this very moment, I have a feeling 30 is going to be great and I that I will have some of my best years ahead of me! My birthday turned out really nice. Norah got to stay home from school (Veteran's Day) so me and the kids lounged around for a bit eating chocolate chip pancakes in our jammies! Then we headed to the gym and the store, even though it was my birthday I still wanted to get my workout in and hey we gotta eat! Shortly after we got home my mother in law stopped by with lunch, presents and cupcakes! Thank You Jamie!!! Later that night my family came over and we enjoyed wine, pizza and cheesecake. I got some great gifts and was thankful to have a nice night at home with my family.
Saturday my little soccer star had her last game! She shot for a goal but it was blocked :( Oh well it's still super cute to watch them play and she has a blast. After her game we headed to a pizza party to celebrate her team. They got certificates and medals, she was so proud of herself.
Next on our Saturday agenda was a princess party for our favorite 3 year old, Miss Avery! A big happy birthday to her and a thank you for having us over for such a fun party.
To finish Saturday off Casey and I headed to Dukes for a little romantic dinner for my birthday, just the 2 of us. I kinda thought he might have something planned for after dinner but I wasn't sure ;-) We had a great dinner and a couple drinks then he said we should maybe go out and get a drink and dance, that's when I knew he had something planned! We headed for 6th ave in Tacoma and ended up at a place called Sax. We've been there before and I was pretty sure I was gonna be surprised by some friends and family!
I was right! Waiting for us were some of my very best friends, my sister and brother and some of my really good work friends too! Thank you Casey and anyone else that helped arrange it, it was a great time and I couldn't have asked for anything better for my birthday than to be with my best friends and family. I love all of you!!!!
