A perfect pair

My sister's twins are due to arrive within the month and I just can't WAIT to snuggle those two little peas. How amazing that God has entrusted not one but TWO more little miracles into their care. These twins have already stretched, challenged, and blessed my sister's families in so many unexpected ways. I just can't wait to meet them.

Kelsey & I threw my sis a shower and it was so fun planning a twin shower!

We can't wait to meet you little one!!

Happy New Year!

On New Years Eve, we had Austin, Kelsey & my mom over for a root beer taste test. We've done this in the past, and it was just as fun. 

After consuming a ton of root beer, we moved outside to consume more sugar around the fire pit. mmmm SMORES!

We didn't stay up until midnight, but we were woken up by fireworks and turned towards each other and said "Happy New Year!"

 The next morning, these brave peeps took on the Polar Bear Plunge challenge.

It is almost painful to watch, but it is such a fun tradition.

I know God is going to do amazing things in 2014... I can't wait to watch this year unfold. Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve & Christmas 2013

I'm slightly obsessed with traditions when it comes to the holidays. The more fun things we can pack into one night, the merrier. Fortunately, the people we're around during the holidays enjoy doing lots of things as well!

I wanted to put out some luminaries this year. In both of my childhood neighborhoods, everyone set up luminaries. It was always so magical.. except when my sister caught her hair on fire one year. I remember my brother and I would go out super early on Christmas morning to see if any of the bags were still lit. Anyway, I wanted to start the tradition up this year.. even if we were the only house in the neighborhood to participate. 

I love to find different holiday themed food ideas. This year I made a veggie Christmas tree, Grinch grapes, reindeer cheese slices, and a wreath made out of pigs in a blanket. 

After dinner we made our favorite sugar cookies. Yum! Ben asked why we only make these once a year. That is a very good question.

I love the chaos when so much family is around. 

It got awfully quiet when I served up Polar Express hot chocolate.

After everyone was hyped up on sugar, we ventured out for some caroling. I was a little melancholy going into it because so many of our close neighbors moved away this year. It still ended up being a lot of fun. 

Trying to get the cousins to look at the camera is pretty much impossible, but we did it!

 We couldn't believe that we had to wait an HOUR for Colter to wake up on Christmas morning. This little lady was up and rearing to go by 6.

Colter definitely got the idea of opening presents this year. I'm all about taking things slow.. opening one gift at a time, playing with it before moving on to the next one, etc. He was very antsy to move on to the next present!

I bought these jammies back in October and couldn't wait for them to wear them. So so cute!

Maddie was surprisingly into opening her couple of presents. She would oo and aah at the things we got her.

Nana came over later in the morning after the chaos of opening presents was finished.

                                                    

We had Christmas dinner over at my sisters... I'm so thankful to celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus with so much family nearby!

Merry Christmas!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Well maybe not my absolute favorite time to live in Seattle weather wise, but December is certainly a magical month with so much joy and anticipation leading up to Christmas. We packed a lot in this month!

Feeding the reindeer at Swanson's nursery

I had a holiday treat baking night with my friend Jessica. Tasty treats, sparkling cider, no kids, it was delightful.

Neighborhood Christmas party at UPC. This is the 2nd year we've attended this event and it's WONDERFUL! Totally free, and absolutely amazing. There were probably 10-12 train displays, an incredible Narnia theme, live music, and tons of free food.

Greenlake luminaries. This year we tried a different approach to the luminaries. In past years we've tried to make it around the whole lake, and it ended up being super stressful and honestly not that enjoyable. This year we parked at an area with lots of carolers, a parade of decorated canoes, and free cider & snacks. We walked a little bit, but felt no pressure to make it a certain distance. It was the best. It's funny how sometimes you put unnecessary pressure on yourself.. it felt good to release that and make the event enjoyable for us.

Gingerbread man decorating. He ran away AGAIN! This time he only made it to the little craft table instead of that garage, but that guy is quick!

                                      

                                      

My dear friend Stephanie came into town from Texas and we had a girls night at our house with a ton of yummy appetizers. We also celebrated Adelle's birthday. The next day we met up at the play gym to see her one last time.

                                 

Christmas photo shoot at Jill's

Jesus birthday part at McDonald's

Electric boat rental on Lake Union. I've been wanting to do this for a long time and a groupon finally come out! We had a blast cruising the lake, taking in the beautiful lights. I will remember that night for a long time.

Snowflake lane. Our first year at this event and we'll definitely be back! Colter loved the characters the most and had a serious dance party with Rodolph. The drumming was fanstastic. What a magical night..well besides the part where the "snow" (soap) fell on my lollipop and I took a huge lick of it. yummmm

Downtown day. Cocoa, Macy's train display, monorail, the amory train display, MOD pizza. Are you sensing a theme? Food and trains, food and trains.