This December got a little busy and we did not make it to Snowflake Lane until Friday night (December 30th). Never again will we go that late in the month. It was crazy. Trying to make it down the sidewalk was beyond ridiculous. We finally made it to an open space just in time for the music to start.

Snowflake Lane is a sidewalk celebration in downtown Bellevue. The drummers play along with the music while people dressed up in costumes walk the sidewalk passing out peppermint suckers. At the end, they have a “snowfall” of bubbles and paper mache’.

The drummers came out, and got on their posts. The kids enjoyed it. Both wanted to be on Kevin’s shoulders at one point or another.

The drummers even come down the sidewalk. At one point, both kids wanted to be with Kevin. Worked out well for me to not have to hold a kid.

After the drum line left, and the show was over, Jameson had his own fun on the stand.

We needed to wait for the crowds to disperse before trying to get back to our car. So we headed into a store to get one more quick present for myself. By the time we got out, we had less foot traffic to get through. We made it home, and put the kids to bed. Glad we went, but next year it will be much earlier in the month.

Jameson picked out a gingerbread kit, and we saved it for Sunday after church. Kevin was still out of town, and I thought it would be a great way to pass the time. After Ella’s nap, we got out the kit. Jameson was in charge of putting the candy on. I think Ella’s job was to eat it.

The house lasted for a day before things started disappearing. I think the gingerbread man was the first to go.

We had our ward party on the 10th. I ended up having to make a turkey for it, which I was not too pleased about. I was told they just needed an oven. Not, so. To top it off, Kevin was out of town, plus I said I would bring a vegetable platter. Anyway, I battled the kids, and when it was finally time to meet Santa, Jamo actually told him a real thing he wanted. Thank goodness. His last list made no sense at all.

When I asked him to smile, this is what I got.

At least he made everyone else laugh.

We took the young women and young men to the Botanical Gardens on one of their free nights.

Can you see the peacock? Among many other animals. On the way out, I saw the garden. The grape vines looked pretty cool.

December 9th, our friends threw an Ugly Sweater party. I bought these sweaters for our family party, but then never did put them on. Let me just say there were some ugly sweaters there, so I was impressed that I won 3rd. I guess this sweater served it’s purpose. For me anyway.

We’re pretty sexy, huh?

And after a day or two, we finally had our decorated trees by the 8th of December.

Forgot to take a picture of Jameson’s. We’ll get one, though.

It was time to get a Christmas tree, so the kids and headed to the same place we got one from last year. They really are so helpful and nice. We explored the lot first, and Jameson examined each one.

He showed Ella how to walk on the tree stands.

And they wondered why there was a hole.

Ella stopped to say “cheese” for just a minute.

We found a tree that would be perfect. It was within our price range, and we were ready to go. That is, till Jameson explained, “No, Mom, now we need to find my tree.” I tried to explain that Mom only brought so much money. But then, the guy took us to the back and showed Jameson the little trees. He thought it was perfect! Again, I explained that I didn’t bring money for two trees. Instead, the guy said, “I’ll give you both for the price.” Great. I think he thought he was helping out. A little Christmas Miracle. Jameson was so excited. I was just thinking, “Where am I going to put a second tree?” and “Now I have to go buy another tree stand.” So this little tree would not be free. It was really nice of him though. We get our trees from Allen’s tree farm, which is the closest tree lot to us. They’re great, and both trees are still alive.

We stopped to get a tree stand, and then headed home. We got Jameson’s tree inside, put Ella down for a nap, and then had a surprise visit. My Aunt and Uncle came by after their trip to the temple. I never got her message, so I was totally surprised. I love visits, especially from my only family that’s close. They brought us some treats, and the kids a little goody bag. Jameson loves my Uncle, and had to show him everything, especially the new tree.

Once they left, we got everything ready, and I brought the other tree in. Yes, Kevin has that awesome of a wife. It ended up only being slightly crooked, but I thought Kevin could help me fix that when he got home from work. Well, here it is Christmas eve, and the tree is still crooked. Oh well.

After an eventful Thanksgiving day, we took it easy Friday. I think the boys went to the range, and then that night we had leftovers.We prepped the kids after dinner for Saturday’s events by watching The Polar Express. Saturday, we headed to North Bend to catch the train to see Santa. We had a few families with us who had never been before. We went last year, and Jameson absolutely loved it. We got there way early, so the kids got to run around and check out the tracks.

When we boarded the train, we ended up in an old Army car. At least that’s what we were told, because it had wood benches rather than seats. Later, we found out the car was from 1912. They decorate all the cars, and the conductor got on the mic and sang songs and read “The Night Before Christmas.”  Wonder what their safety regulations were. Ella was so excited, and watched everything out the window.

Jameson was so excited again this year, especially since he had friends. Hi beanie is from last winter and is still big. It doesn’t help that he pulls it down so he can’t see.

Probably my favorite picture of the day…

Ella found a ticket on the ground and insisted on holding it the entire time.

While we waited in line, there was a coloring and activity table. Ella thoroughly enjoyed it while Jameson looked at other things.

We got to Santa’s lap and Jameson was ready to tell him everything. It took a minute before he thought it was ok to sit there, but Ella was in no way having it. Santa asked Jameson what he wanted, and a list of items came out that included a large 4Runner, an 11Runner (that’s what they call his friend’s van), a transform gun, and who know what else. I gave up. Even Santa didn’t know what to say. Kevin tried to take some pictures, but they didn’t turn out so well. He tried, though.

On the way out, we got stopped by the authorities. Just kidding. But he did have a complete costume. Kev asked where he got it, and he said Goodwill or something, but in the 70s. I guess that’s how long he’s been working the train.

After seeing Santa, it was only appropriate to get some hot chocolate and cookies. Oh, and Santa gave out tops this year. Last year it was more pieces to a wooden train, but this year it was tops. They were nice tops, to his credit. Once we got our hot chocolate and cookies, the kids got to run around ,and play on some of the trains.

The hot chocolate was not very good. Last year, it was delicious, so I don’t know what happened this year. My cookies were burned, but the other kind was just fine. I just picked the wrong batch. They had an engine that the kids could play in.

We tried to take a family picture for our Christmas card. The kids were not cooperating.

See what I mean? Not cooperating.

They had a few more minutes to play, and then it was time to board the train for the 3 mile/ 20 minute ride back.

As the train was getting ready to leave, Santa came on board and gave all the kids a candy cane. He didn’t do that last year, so I’m wondering if it was because we were the last train of the day.

Isn’t he a cool Santa. I think he does a great job. We had so much fun, and can’t wait to do it again next year. It just gets better as the kids get a little older.

Thanksgiving was also a birthday in our family this year. So which do we celebrate first? The day started with Jameson finding his birthday present. He and Ella were all over the tools that morning. Doesn’t he look so excited?

That’s my girl. In her brother’s hand-me-down pajamas with a power drill.

Then, these two got a hold of the camera. I have to say, up close and upside-down, these two could be twins.

After naps, our Thanksgiving feast began. I made a turkey, along with potatoes, gravy, rolls, and ice cream pies. Our friends, the Larsens, joined us. They brought some delicious stuffing, carrots, bacon wrapped green beans, and apple pie. We had tons of food, and a handsome turkey carver. Only problem, he doesn’t know how to carve a turkey. I’m sure there’s some specific way, but we do what we can.

After dinner, we let Jamo open some more presents from us. He is big into heroes right now. So, super hero pajamas are only appropriate.

Ella was just as excited.

He also opened up some capes I got at the swap meet while at my Mom’s. He loves them, and I got a deal on them.

A cross-eyed batman. These two super heroes ran crazy for a while.

After presents, Kevin tried to roast marshmallows with the kids. We found out that our house is too drafty. While trying to keep a fire going, if we didn’t leave a window cracked, the smoke would come back into the house. So, we did one round of smores and called it good.

After some smores, we sang “Happy Birthday” and had Jameson blow out his candles before they melted our ice cream pies.

So that was our dinner and birthday. After cleaning up and getting kids to bed, I prepared for some black Friday shopping. I got the honor of taking Lauren out for her first time. We started at Target, ventured to Kohl’s, and then Old Navy. We actually made it home by 3:15 am and got almost everything on our list. It was tons of fun, and Kevin kept the kids quiet the next morning so I could sleep in. Love that man!