We had a fun family day in downtown Seattle that included: an interactive train in Macy's store window, a historic carrousel ride, the largest ginger bread houses we've ever seen, and the Teddy Bear Suite in the Fairmont hotel (Luxury suite decorated for Christmas with teddy bears and fun Christmas decorations).

Letter to Santa as dictated by Dallin age 3

Hi Santa,

Can I have the thing that turns into a robot? And a remote control race car? Maybe I can call you on your phone so you can come back from the north pole where you play with all your reindeer. Right now you're back with all your reindeer. Santa, I want a Robot that knows how to walk like this...(I am acting like a robot right now). Sierra wants a stroller for her baby - one big enough for my Big Bear so I can use it too and she can share with me.

I love Santa!

Dallin

Yes that's a sock on Sierra's hand. We don't usually get snow in Seattle. Don't worry though we went out and bought her a hat and mittens that night.

SNOW ... SNOW ... SNOW

 

Snow in Seattle, makes for a nice change from all the rain.

 

Dallin gets ready for a snow ball fight. Bring it on "pops."

 

Our little snow angel.

 

Dallin made this great looking ginger bread (graham cracker/milk carton) house. Most of the candy didn't make it to the finshed product.

 

Here is the finished apple pie, it tasted as good as it looks. This was the first time Melissa hosted a Thanksgiving dinner. Everything was perfect.

 

Here is the crust from Melissa's first homemade apple pie she made for Thanksgiving.

 

Dallin and Sierra are best friends, really.

 

Sierra gets the take down, but....

Dallin gets the pin.

Criminals beware! This rookie aint messin' around.

 

 

Dallin and Sierra at the ward Halloween party only, slightly embarrassed by mom and dad's kiss on the the stage in front of the combined ward audience.

 

We all had our fun at the Ward Halloween party. Melissa and I received honorable mention in the costume contest. I still think we should of won for our historically accurate kiss.

We all enjoyed our family trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was a gloomy day but just right for picking out some pumpkins.

 

Sierra's little pony tail resembles that of the stem on the pumkin... 

 

 

Sweet Serenity. . .

I thought I'd take a moment to share a quick story. Yesterday evening, as I finished unloading the dryer I noticed that the kids were strangely quiet. After searching the usual spots (ie. the storage closet---mixing the pieces of an assortment of milton bradley games; and our room--- reconfiguring the format of the computer) I found them sitting side by side on the balcony with their feet out in front of them and hands gently folded in their laps. Being the skeptical mother that I am, I inquired about the suspicious situation--- "Hey guys, what are you doing?" To which Dallin replied "We're watching the sunset, Mom. Do you want to watch it with us?" I must admit, I was a little surprised at their activity of choice, but told them that I'd love to watch the sunset with them, but I needed to do something quickly. I ran to get the camera to capture the sweet moment, which of course was over by the time I came back with camera in hand, but we sat and watched the sunset together anyway. Those are the kind of moments that make being a mom the best job ever.

For the second year in a row we went tothe ward campout. It rained most the night but we were prepared so still enjoyed the mountains. Dallin was able to break in his new spider man galloshes.  

We made a trip up the coast a couple weeks ago. The weather has now changed so we were happy to enjoy some warm weather one last time. 

Dallin wanted a guitar with a strap for his birthday. Here he is rockin' out. Now we gotta just keep all the groupies away for another couple decades.  

Dallin's 3rd Birthday. Melissa made the fire engine cake and I lit it on fire.