W Family Holiday

Great-Grandma Margie, Grandpa Marlyn and us

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The holidays wouldn't be complete without a W Family gathering.  Mike's brother and his wife hosted a wonderful brunch for all that could make it, including great-grandparents, uncle and aunt, and Mike's father.  Great food, fun memories in the making and a perfect way to end our visit! 

Charley

There are many reasons why we look forward to our visits back to Portland and one of those for Meredith is Grandma's neighbor, Charley.  She's really the cutest little thing and looks forward to seeing our kids as much as they look forward to seeing her.  It was funny that in the days leading up to this trip, Meredith talked a lot about two people: Grandma and Charley.  They get at least one opportunity to play every time we're there and we've sent little notes to Charley between the visits.  It's a sweet friendship!           

Charley, 5, coloring with the kids at Grandma's house

ice skating fun

Ice skating was another one of those activities I didn't plan but kept in the back of my head as something fun to do if we had a free day.  Today the four of us (Grandma watched) braved the cold, slick ice for some fun.  The kids both did great -- Thomas had been once before but it was Meredith's first time.  Neither fell (maybe it was the tight grip we had them?) and the more they went around the more comfortable they began to feel.  I'm glad we were able to do this today.  It was a really fun family activity for everyone.

moving in slow motion

bowling fun

It seems that every time we come back to Portland someone in our family is sick.  I don't know why that is, but it just is.  Unfortunately this time it's Mike who hasn't been feeling well and now appears to have the flu (hope it's a short one!).  He needed some quiet rest today so Grandma and I took the kids, plus cousin Emily!, to the bowling alley.  We had never done Cosmic Bowling before -- the kids absolutely loved it.  It was actually a normal bowling session when we started, but almost at the end of our first game the lights dimmed, flashing lights began appearing, black lights made everything white glow, the music changed, fog was blown in and Cosmic Bowling had officially started.  We had to play a second game.  It was too much fun not to today!  I told the kids they had to show us some dance moves after every ball thrown -- to which they obliged, of course!     

Christmas morning with Grandma

Santa's letter to Thomas

Last night Thomas sat down before bed to write a letter to Santa.  It was all initiated by him and the letter he left was so thoughtful and sweet.  Not only did he mention what he was wishing for, but he also noted what Meredith would like to have.  I knew the letter required a response from Santa Claus but was afraid Thomas might recognize our handwriting.  Uncle Peter left this letter for Thomas.

a letter left for Santa

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with Mike's brothers and their families.  It was nice that we could do this again.  I think it's been a few years since we've done it (but I could be wrong) and for the longest time that was how Mike and I spent every Christmas Eve.  One year it was just Mike, his brother Dave and myself eating at the only restaurant that was open - a Chinese restaurant, of course.  And for several years it was all adults eating dinner in and watching a favorite Christmas movie.  Things have changed over the years with the addition of these seven little people, but it's only made the Christmas Eve get together more special.  Even though time and distance separates them, they still have fun together when they do spend time together.  I hope that doesn't change. 

Peacock Lane

We usually plan several get togethers and must-do events during our trips back to Portland.  And often, the plans fall through for various reasons.  This year I purposely did not plan as much as usual so that we could enjoy a more relaxed, quiet holiday.  I always keep a few things in the back of my mind though and one of those things was a visit to see Peacock Lane.  We had been going to see holiday lights around our town over the past two weeks and the kids loved it.  I knew they would think Peacock Lane was something special and a unique experience.  As luck would have it, the kids' Auntie Eve hadn't been yet this year and although the evening was cool (we had met them for dinner), it wasn't wet.  We couldn't pass up the opportunity to share the experience with them this year.  And, as expected, the kids all really enjoyed it.

guy talk

Tonight it was guy talk over lemonade.  In 15 years, it'll be over a cold beer. 

waking up at Grandma's

We arrived at Grandma's house late last night.  If all goes smoothly, taking a late afternoon/early evening flight makes a lot of sense.  Thomas went to school yesterday, Mike worked most of the day and Meredith and I were able to take care of last minute things and pack.  It made the relatively short travel process between San Diego and Portland not feel like it was taking all day, like it often does when you fly earlier in the day.  However, it also meant not getting to Grandma's house until after their normal bedtimes.  The visit with Grandma was short before it was time to get to bed.  Waking up at Grandma's house the next morning?  Exactly what they had been waiting for -- lots of hugs, kisses, chocolate milk in special glasses, and the usual (real!) bacon feast.  These two love it.

Guess where they are headed...!?

matchy matchy

I have friends who dress their kids either the same or very, very coordinated.  I've never quite understood why you'd do that.  They are individuals and, as such, should wear what suits their unique personalities -- not be all matchy matchy with their siblings just to be "cute".  Anyhow, I picked up these vests for the kids at Old Navy as a present from Elfie to open before their trip to Portland.  The selection at that store is very limited so the vests ended up being very similar.  Sure, it's kind of cute that they match but you won't be seeing this happen much.  Plus, I think it's because the kids inside the vests are cute that together they are cute on the outside of the vests, too.    

Preschool Holiday

Today was Meredith's preschool holiday performance and party.  She saw Thomas do this exact same thing two years ago and was excited to be experiencing it herself this year.  The kids all did a great job during the singing and performing.  It was really fun to watch!  After the performance all the kids went back to their classrooms for the class parties.  Meredith's included special snacks and drinks, cookie decorating (and eating!) and an ornament painting craft.  It was perfectly simple and sweet.  She, of course, loved every minute of her special day.

Unfortunately, Thomas' holiday party was at the same exact time.  I wish I could have gone to both but the timing just didn't work out this year.  He said his party was very fun, too.

playing Santa for the homeless pets

Our kids understand the importance of giving.  We do it all year long in so many different ways.  However, giving back to the local humane society is one of our favorites and something we always look forward to.  This year we invited some very special friends to join us for our annual holiday visit and dinner afterwards.  All the kids had such a great time and one puppy in particular touched all of our hearts.  Days later our friends went back to the shelter in hopes of bringing that puppy home for Christmas.  Unfortunately, someone else had already put a hold on her but it all made us very happy to know she was getting a new home.  It breaks my heart to walk through the shelter but pets are something we love and I especially love that Thomas and Meredith get to see firsthand who benefits from their kindness.   

cub scouts: toy and food drive

Sadly, I didn't get any photos of th Food Drive event tonight because we were all so busy working.  The one chance I had to snap a photo of my favorite Cub Scout in action he replied to my photo request with, "What do you want a photo of?  Me with a can of soup?"  Why, yes!  Yes, I do!  Photos (or lack thereof) aside, this was a really great opportunity to involve the kids in a Food Drive.  Most of the pack was in attendance as we sorted toys and food, weeded out expired food donations and organized it all neatly into a large closet.  I talked to my kids about what we were doing and why it was such a good cause but I doubt they felt it was as rewarding as I did. 

holiday crafts and baking

I love all the fun activities we do over the holidays.  Our countdown to Christmas involves one holiday or family-oriented activity every single day.  Sometimes we fall behind a day or two, but we always catch up.  I write the activities with our calendar in one hand so I know what activities we have planned for the month beforehand.  This weekend our activities included baking holiday cookies for a cookie exchange (above) and crafting some ornaments (below).  Last year Grandma Susan asked for a handmade ornament from each of the kids.  It goes along with the kinds of things we like to do anyway so it's an easy one for us.  I've also been busy either getting rid of stuff or using up stuff we already have so these ornaments naturally came about using up things from our craft supply and the countless seashells we have lying around.  I love the results and hope all the recipients love them as much as we loved making them!

The Nutcracker Ballet

Another favorite holiday tradition we've been doing since Thomas was 18 months old -- the Nutracker Ballet.  This year one of Meredith's preschool friends was sitting across the aisle and one row back from us.  The second half of the performance Meredith spent sharing Sofia's seat with her.  It was a fun holiday outing shared with family and friends!

Santa Claus!

Late this afternoon we headed to the mall to see our favorite Santa Claus.  I don't know how long this guy has been doing it, but I'm told it's been years.  He looks like the real deal and has a gentle, sweet nature about him when he's talking to the kids.  Thomas and Meredith brought their wish lists to share with Santa and enjoyed the short visit with him.  Hope he was listening and heard what they'd like to see under their Christmas tree this year!

caroling at the bookstore

When Thomas told me his school had been invited to sing Christmas carols at the local Barnes & Noble Bookstore, I knew there was no question he would want to go.  The school was smart to hold this casual event the same evening as the (rotating) monthly Dine Out to Support Our School fundraiser.  So tonight we made an evening of dining at Pei Wei, a favorite chinese restaurant, and spending a couple of hours at the bookstore.  Thomas sang with his fellow first graders and we spent the rest of the time alternating between browsing the shelves and listening/watching the other classes sing their carols.  Both kids really enjoyed the fun evening out with friends! 

a small sample of first graders showed up to sing

Pack Photo

During this evening's pack meeting, a photographer shot some photos of the entire Pack.  It looked like a very challenging endeavor!

gym playdate

gingerbread house

 



One of our family's favorite holiday traditions is the gingerbread house.  We don't do anything unusual.  I buy a kit from the store and we build it, but we do it together and it's always a nice family activity.  We already can't wait to break it apart and eat it!  



the mini slumber party

Here we are!  Not the best photo of us, but there were way too many cameras flashing when we made our arrival onto the red carpet.  Mike's office held their Holiday Party last night at a hotel in Beverly Hills.  It was a night to remember, for sure.  While we were out having a great time, the kids were having a "mini slumber party" at a friend's house nearby.  Our kids and our friend's two kids were all so excited during the days leading up to the slumber party.  She had taken her boys to a late afternoon birthday party and when they heard Thomas and Meredith were at their house, they couldn't leave the party fast enough.  Forget the birthday cake!  It was all very sweet and we're incredibly thankful she was able to take the kids.  We picked them up sometime after midnight and three of the four kids were soundly sleeping on an air mattress together in the living room.  I know they would have loved to stay and wake up with Kai and Xander, but we got a hotel room nearby and then returned the next afternoon to see them again.  I love how easy our kids are, whether it's staying with someone they don't see often or a last minute change in plans.  They're flexible and adaptable which makes being their parents so very easy.    

holiday cookies

cub scouts: keeping our bodies healthy

Tonight was our turn to present the topic during the Cub Scouts den meeting.  Every parent is asked to sign up for one of the meetings.  We're responsible for presenting the material, organizing the activities, providing a snack, etc. -- basically run a meeting.  This afternoon the kids and I prepared a presentation board illustrating the USDA's Healthy Plate.  They had a great time working on this example board, cutting out photos of different foods/drinks from magazines and getting all of our things together.  Thomas helped me with the presenting of the materials and I was especially proud of him for that.  Overall, a successful meeting!

weekend with daddy

goofing around at the race expo's pacers' booth

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While I spent the weekend in Sacramento with some friends, the rest of the family got to spend a second weekend together without me.  It was just two weeks earlier that I surprised my mom in Portland for the weekend.  That weekend they enjoyed birthday parties, a movie, eating out at their favorite restaurants, etc.  And again this weekend, they got to do the same.  Lucky kids!  Lucky daddy!  It's good for everyone, but esp. nice for me to come home and experience all the excitement Mike gets to experience all the time  -- at least for an hour, I was the novelty!

winter coats



Every year at this time we think about heavier "winter" coats but it's hard to justify purchasing new jackets for the kids when they'll only wear them once or twice.  As luck would have it, the girl Thomas carpools with has an older brother and the two of them had recently gone through their own closets when deciding what needs to be purchased for their upcoming trip to Utah.  Today, our kids were lucky recipients of new to them winter coats.  And really?  Because the coats belonged to Jacob and Kaitlin, both the kids think they are extra special and cool.   

Legoland snow