Our Christmas

Christmas this year didn't really feel like Christmas. It was great because Alyssa was so excited for it and it getting into all the traditions etc. A few weeks prior I had "Santa" write a letter to the kids and send a special Santa key so he would be able to get inside since we don't have a "normal" chimney.

Since the kids are still young enough not to really understand what day it is we made Christmas a little earlier than what it really was. Cory had to work on Christmas and I wanted him to be able to see the their faces when they opened up their gifts from Santa.

Alyssa got a purple princess bike with a basket and candy canes in it like she requested from Santa. Knox received a Thomas train table with lots of trains and tracks. We scored on that because we got it from a friend of ours whose son has outgrown it. What is great about the table is it's on wheels so I can push it under Knox's bed! Perfect! Both kids love it and it's great because it was a place to store all the tracks, cars, trains, etc. The only issue is sometimes the fighting. For the most part they get along very well when playing with it.

We opened the rest of the presents later that evening and the kids were excited to see everything they got. Alyssa couldn't get through them fast enough while Knox wanted to play with each one!

They loved all their gifts they received and have been having a blast with them ever since! It has taken me forever to post this because I haven't down loaded the pictures yet but will do that shortly, I promise!

Empire State Building ~ Our Last Day

Today was our last day in the Big Apple as much as I missed the kids and Cory I was going to be sad to say goodbye but my bank account was thanking me. We got up packed our stuff up and headed on out to the Empire State Building which was our last stop that we had pre purchased tickets for.

After taking the ten minute or so cab ride there we went over and got a coffee before starting our last journey. I got us Express Tickets along with the "normal" tickets and wasn't sure if it was going to be worth the money. Well it was definitely worth it and I highly recommend it. We didn't have to wait in any lines at all even for the elevators.

Being treated like royalty and bypassing everyone waiting, there wasn't too many people at this point because we got there when they pretty early, but we were ushered on up and after a few elevator rides were on the 86th floor. I wasn't sure how I was going to do. I'm not afraid of heights but in situations like that I always think earthquake, plane, wind, etc. will be bringing this building down. I know horrible but I do.

Anyways, it was a beautiful morning and once up there and out it was amazing views. Out on the observation deck it was fine except one side was pretty windy and there were a lot of people up there in a pretty small space. We checked it out for awhile before heading on up to the next check point, the 102nd floor. The views were all great and we got some wonderful pictures. Of course on the way out we had to go through the gift store. Not by choice but we did make a couple of purchases.

We got a cab back to the hotel and had brunch before getting our shuttle to the airport. It was a long trip back but I would do it over and over again.
Overall I wouldn't change anything about the trip and got stuff out of the way that I don't need to do again or will definitely do more of. I really want to take Alyssa when she is older. A special thanks for everyone who made this possible and for Gail. Thank you!!!

I'm already trying to come up with ideas as to where my next girl trip will be. I have several thoughts but nothing is jumping out at me at this point. I am thinking I want something a little adventurous or a health resort but we shall see!

Leavenworth

This year we wanted to go back to Leavenworth in the winter. Last time we went for New Year's and this time decided we wanted to go a little bit earlier and would do Christmas there. Since Cory had to actually work on Christmas we did it on his vacation and his whole family was able to go as well.

We stayed in the same home/cabin that we did before. The first day was great hanging out with family and the kids seemed to be having a great time. There was snow there but was pretty much ice so there was no playing in it. It was so weird to see it like this at this time of year, especially the pass, there was no snow what so ever.

The next day was another great day hanging out and later that night Cory's brother and his family arrived. We were looking forward to having our holiday dinner that night and letting the kids open presents. Come to find out one of Cory's brothers kids was sick throwing up and proceeded to get almost everyone else sick.

The rest of the time there was much of the same. We were very thankful that Cory's parents paid for our portion of the trip. It was very generous and appreciated. The kids had a great time my only wish was that there would have been more snow and some good snow at that.

Another trip in the books. Although the trip wasn't "perfect" or "ideal" I was happy to be hanging out with my family and creating some good memories for the kids. Im hoping that this is one tradition we continue with them and they do with theirs as well and together.

Christmas Party

This year Alyssa and Knox had their first Christmas Party with all their best friends.

Alyssa had been pretty excited for awhile and helped make all the goodies for the party. There were nine kids total and the party started around ten thirty with the last to leave about three!

We made salt dough ornaments for them to paint and had stockings for each one of them to decorate. All the kids had a blast doing them even the younger ones. Knox loves to do crafts!

All the kids played great together and it was good to hang out with my friends when the kids where off playing. I love doing this kind of stuff for the kids but after every time remind myself how exhausting it all is!

The day before we had a little get together with the besties where all the kids exchanged gifts. It was a great time had by all as usual. Knox got a Thomas train and Alyssa a magnet craft set that she loved! Again, so thankful for wonderful friends!

Randomness With The Kids

The kids, like most, have been really doing and saying some funny things lately.

In the afternoon we will have what I call "dance time" and it's mainly for me to sit down and get a little computer time but I turn on the radio and the kids will dance. They now ask for it a lot but one day this is what happened.

I'm sitting at the lap top and Knox comes over and points to the stereo and made some noise that I guess was supposed to be music. I turned it on. Pink Floyd was on. Knox looked at me and said "I dance."

Proceeded over to the area where they dance and he danced to the whole song. I have to say he has good taste in music and he is a pretty cute dancer. It was pretty funny to me. The look on his face when he said it was hilarious.

Alyssa on the other hand has gotten a sassy attitude. I'm screwed when she is a teenager! Anyhow I was telling her how she needed to pick up her toys. She looked at me all serious and said "Mom, I'm a princess and princess's don't pick up toys!" I was trying to keep a straight face and said "Well let me call Santa and see what he says."

She looked at me all serious and I pretended I was calling him and had a "conversation" with him. She got upset and just went up to her room and to bed. The next day she did pick them up!

Kids I tell you!

She has also been reminding Knox a lot lately to look with his eyes and not his hands. Hmmm...not sure where she got that one!

Never a dull moment around here I tell you!

The Snowman And Warm Beach

This last week has been very busy for us. After a busy weekend Monday we decided to take the kids downtown Seattle to do our annual picture with Santa at Nordstrom. It was a spur of the moment decision and I hadn't got Knox an outfit yet so just threw something together. I kind of thought about stopping along the way but afterwards was glad I hadn't.

Alyssa prior to had been very excited and we have never had a problem with her sitting on his lap. This year was a different story. I don't want to say she didn't have an interest but all of a sudden got really shy. Yep, my little girl is a shy one. It's hard to imagine at times but she is. Knox had no interest once again and screamed his head off. After a couple of minutes of trying to get both of them to sit with him the woman decided to just have them in the chair and Santa would stand behind. It worked for a second or so and honestly I'm surprised that the picture turned out as good as it did! It's not one I'm thrilled with but it works. Thank goodness there were no lines etc. that we had to wait in.
When that was all over we went over to Grammy's and enjoyed the morning/afternoon.

Wednesday was Cory's birthday and since he had to work we didn't really do anything huge for it. I made him his favorite dinner and Alyssa helped make his favorite cake, carrot cake. We decided to do cupcakes and of course they had purple and pink sprinkles on them courtesy of you know who.

Saturday was a very busy day for Alyssa, Nana Gail, and I. That morning we were going to the Snowman put on by the Seattle Symphony. Grammy went with us as well, actually Alyssa and I were the ones invited to go with them I should say. We saw my stepsister and her daughter there too. Alyssa and Jianna always enjoy seeing each other and are so darn cute together. It ended up that they were sitting a few rows in front of us so we got to spend some time chatting with each other.

Again once the performance started Alyssa didn't take her eyes off of it and enjoyed every part of it. It was an amazing performance and I was so very glad we were able to go. It was well worth it and it's another thing I hope becomes a tradition for us. After the Snowman was over the symphony played music from the Nutcracker. Alyssa got so excited and recognized each piece and was tapping her fingers along to it. Very cute!

That same evening was when we did our annual outing to Warm Beach to look at the Christmas lights. As usual we were there when they opened and were there for about two hours. The lights were great and the warm doughnuts were good as well. It was freezing out and sprinkling. The kids had fun seeing all the stuff there was to do and see.
We came back to the house and ordered some take out and watched one of Alyssa's favorite movies, Ponyo. It's an interesting one and not sure exactly why she likes it so much but she does. Finally around ten we all headed to bed. It was a very long day!

~~~ The family picture of us isn't the greatest and is blury. It's the best one that I could find and wanted to add one on here. ~~~

The Nutcracker And The Queen Mary

This year was the first year Alyssa got to go to the Nutcracker at PNB. Nana Gail bought the tickets for Alyssa and I and we couldn't have been more appreciative and excited to go. Every time Alyssa would see the commercial for it she would run in and start dancing and screaming. She was very excited! There were five of us total who went, Alyssa, Me, Grammy, Nana Gail, and Nana Peggy.

Once we got there Alyssa noticed downstairs that there was a ballerina walking around handing stuff out and she wanted to go down and see her. I was able to take her down there alone and get some pictures of her in front of some of the decorations as well as meet and get Alyssa's picture with the ballerina. Alyssa was so thrilled and couldn't wait to go get our seats.

Once we were finally in and it began I don't think Alyssa took her eyes off the performance, well maybe once or twice but mainly just to give us a big smile. She was also very excited about her tea party that she got to have afterwards.

Once the performance was over we headed on over to the Queen Mary for our tea party. Alyssa and I were pretty excited about this. It's a quaint place over near University Village in Seattle. The four of us decided to do the High Tea with Alyssa doing the children's tea and my mom just ordered off of their menu.

Alyssa got hot chocolate and got her own little pot with cream. She loved it and had so much fun. The waitress also brought over a tiara for her to where while she was there. I thought about buying one in their gift shop for her but when I realized they were $40 I decided against that. We all enjoyed our meals and I had a great time there with Alyssa.

I foresee us going back there or at least to the tea room here in Marysville. Hmm...maybe that is where she will have her birthday party when she turns five since I already pretty much have her party planned for this year. I know I'm neurotic!

Central Park And Rent....Day Five

Today was the day we finally took advantage of the beautiful park across the street from our hotel, Central Park!
We got up that morning put on our workout clothes and headed over for a beautiful day in the park. The sun was out and amazingly I didn't think the park was that crowded. We started wondering around and came upon the carousel, immediately wishing the kids were with me and how much fun they would have there.

We spent the next several hours wondering around and enjoying the nice weather and the scenery. After awhile we stopped at a little cafe in the park and had us some lunch. That is where Gail decided she was a bird lady and was feeding them. There were tons of them. I can't stand birds. I know some of you probably like them but I think they are dirty little things.

It is such a beautiful place with many photo opportunities. There was a chess tournament going on with kids that we saw. We managed to see Tavern On The Green which is no longer open but there is a gift shop.

After all of this we wondered back to our hotel and got some rest before we headed out that night.

We had our off Broadway show, Rent, and what a great show that was. I really enjoyed it. It's one of those that really makes you think about life. I can't wait to see more shows, obviously in the Seattle area.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel and called it a night. The next day we would be leaving and I was a little sad to be calling an end to a great trip but also excited to get back and see my family!