Craig's 5th Birthday Party 12.21.10

Happy Birthday Craig!
Logan was thrilled to get a Rex cupcake. Karen outdid herself again...you're awesome Kar.

Derek, Logan, Macie, Brody, Craig, Archie, Ryan, and Luke.

Logan's present to Craig...Rex!

Logan and Craig waiting for the colors to change.



This morning we headed over to Karen's to celebrate Craig's 5th birthday. Craig decided that he wanted a Toy Story birthday party and boy was it fun. All the kids showed up and went to play in the livingroom, only to discover that the evil emperor Zurg had stolen all Craig's birthday presents! To get them back, the kids had to complete a series of events. It was priceless watching the kids reactions to this unfortunate event and the seriousness in which they took on all the tasks so Craig could get those presents back! So, after much fun, er work, by all the kids, the toys were returned. We had a great lunch, birthday cupcakes, and then a present extravaganza. Thanks Craig for letting us celebrate this awesome milestone with you. We love ya buddy. Life is good.

Lights of Christmas Part I 12.20.10

The mountain scene has always been one of my favorites.
Logan saw him and said, "It's Frosty!" I'm so glad he's past the stage fright when it comes to characters and such.

I love attending the lights of Christmas with my little man.

One happy, cold boy.

I thought this crab was way cool.



After celebrating our Christmas together, Mom, Kim, Shaneo, Logan, and I headed to the Lights of Christmas. I think this year was the best yet. We didn't get rained on and it was nice and cold. The lights were as breathtaking as ever. Logan really got into this year. He wanted to see absolutely everything and because we went pretty early in the evening, the crowds were pretty minimal. We spent a good couple hours there and by the end I think we were all feeling good about what we saw and getting cold enough to want to call it a night. It was a great evening. Life is good.

Lights of Christmas Part II 12.20.10

Kim, Shaneo, Logan, and Mom in front of a gorgeous tree full of lights (not that you can see them very good in this picture).
This year they had pony rides and Logan was all for it. He looks pretty comfortable up there. My little cowpoke.

We always like to end our evening at the Lights of Christmas by riding the train and this year was no exception. The line was pretty long though, so while we waited, Kim and I ran over to the fresh donut stand and got some donuts, milk, and hot chocolate. What a nice treat to have while we waited. Mmmmmm, good.

Shane and Logan on the train.

Mom and Kim in the background on the train.



The first part of our evening we checked out all the lights. The second part of our evening was spent riding horses, petting animals in the petting zoo, eating delicious treats, and taking a train ride. We really are lucky to live so close to this awesome sight. And the pictures don't do it justice. Anyway, until next year. Life is good.

Family Christmas Part I 12.20.10

Uncky Mike and Logan wrestling.
I love this picture of Shane and Logan.

Mike with one of his gifts...could be Top Gear Season 13. :o)

Jeff opening something...????

Me taking a picture of Kim taking a picture...that's good stuff, right?

Because Mike and I share custody of Logan, we don't always get to spend Christmas day together, so this year, my family celebrated Christmas a bit early. It actually worked out really well. We all got to sleep in a bit, it was on a Monday and a non-holiday day so everything was open. (this of course equaled Starbucks for me) I always have such fun with my family and I really do cherish how close we all are. We had a wonderful Christmas full of love and laughter and a few presents and pictures thrown in for good measure. We also have a lovely Christmas dinner (thanks Mom) and ended the day by going to The Lights of Christmas. Perfection. Life is good.

Family Christmas Part II 12.20.10

Dad with the new wallet we got him.
Mom looking oh so festive in her red turtleneck.

Shane looks confused, but he really was thrilled.

I think my mom could win a prize in present wrapping. She always does such a beautiful job, I hate to wreck it...Logan does not. :o)

Meet Boris.


I know that Christmas is not about the presents. I know it's about celebrating the birth of Jesus and I love that Logan is attending a Lutheran preschool and learning all about it. But, I would argue that Christmas is about giving; whether you are giving your time, your love, your prayers, or a gift. And there's nothing like watching a child with a gift. Heck, truth be told, there's nothing like watching anyone you love open a gift. There's simply something magical about the anticipation of what's inside and then the absolute delight (usually) upon opening. And because of that, I really do love the present part of Christmas. Life is good watching the ones you love.

Christmas with Friends 12.19.10

Christmas kiddos.
Logan was eager to open his special gifts from Linda and the girls.

Brett opening his gift from Logan...books and a fleece.

How much do I love that these boys sit together like this with no prompting from us.

Reese and Brooke opening their new books from Craig and Brett.



As our Christmas celebrations continued, we spent a few hours this afternoon with Karen, Craig, Brett, Linda, Brooke, and Reese. Linda hosted our annual Christmas gathering this year and what a great day it was. This year the mom's decided to do secret santa with the kids and I think it was a big hit. We also got to meet the two new members of the T family, Violet and Dash, two adorable kittens that Jason and Linda adopted. Linda served up a delicious lunch spread and as always I had a wonderful time with my friends. Thanks so a great afternoon ladies. Life is good.

Christmas Fun with Friends 12.18.10

Pierce with his new fleece.
Logan with one of the new cars he made from the cool kit that Jonathan and Kara got him.

Sam with his new fleece.

Kara taking pictures!

The boys getting a horse ride from Jonathan.


This evening we headed over to Jonathan and Kara's to celebrate the holidays with them. Jonathan made pizza. The boys played. Kara and I took pictures and visited. It was a very fun evening. Once we left, Logan and I headed up the hill to look at all the Christmas lights. So beautiful. As always we had a blast. Thanks again Jonathan and Kara for a wonderful evening.

Christmas Program 12.16.10

"Light 4 candles. Advents here." The three kings, Luke, Ryder, and Logan.
Mary and Joseph aka Macie and Craig.

Why that's a good lookin' king.

Brody the shepard.

A choir of angels.

Another year, another wonderful Christmas program. This year we got there early and got a fantastic seat. I was so excited for Logan. Last year he was a donkey and this year he was a king. Quite the step up for my little guy! The day of the program we were talking about what he was going to be and he said he was the green king. Then he said, "I weawr a cwown, a dwess, and a neckwace and I wook wike a giwl!" It was precious!! :o) The kids sang like 16 songs and knew all the words and motions and everything. It was wonderful. I was so proud of all of them. And so grateful that we got Logan enrolled in such a terrific program. After the show we all went downstairs for some Christmas cookies and social hour. It was a wonderful evening full of friends, family, and fun. Life is good.

Christmas Extravaganza Part I 12.15.10

The boys discovering the package from Santa.
Finding the frozen candycanes from Santa.

Karen reading Santa's letter.

Brett doing some reading of his own. :o)

Merry Christmas boys!


It was that time of year again...time for Christmas extravaganza! This year we held it at our house and we had quite the surprise...as the boys were running around playing our doorbell rang. But when we opened the door no one was there. However, once we looked down we saw a package on the doorstep. It was a gift from SANTA! The boys opened it to find candycanes, letters, and magic reindeer food. The boys were thrilled at all the wonders that Santa had to offer. It was a wonderful way to begin our evening. The magic of Christmas makes me at a loss for words. Although I have to say, life is good.

Christmas Extravaganza Part II 12.15.10

Craig opening his CARS extravaganza as Logan eyes the goodies...er, looks on sweetly. :o)
Karen and her Starbucks extravaganza.

Logan with his new "awesome" Transformers coloring/activity book.

Brett with his new "oof, oof."

Norman with his new present. He was one happy pups.

After our Santa extravaganza and dinner and pictures, we exchanged gifts. I chose to go for a favorite things route this year. Karen got Starbucks, Craig got CARS, and Brett got a puppy. Logan, Norman, and I were also given lovely things. Logan got a bunch of very cool things like books, magnets, cars, and games; Norman got a new Mr. Roper, and I got a lovely new reversable black/red puffy vest. It was one of the best extravaganza's ever; although I think I say that every year! Thanks again lovely friends for your company and your generosity. Life is good.