THE POLAR EXPRESS

Wow ... what a wonderful night! We left from Heber, Utah and went all the way to the North Pole! It was amazing!

Little Elves served us cookies and hot chocolate.

We sang Christmas carols!

We saw lights, and reindeer and had a visit from Mrs. Claus. Who informed Ian that she had, in fact, seen his name on the 'GOOD' list!

And finally from ol' Santa himself! He gave the kids the first gift of Christmas (a bell from his sleigh). The kids are excited as ever for Santa's visit!

Too Cute!

May the Christmas Season fill your home with joy~

Your heart with love~

and your life with laughter~

Love to you and your family from us~

O Tannenbaum

Christmas can officially come! This is the year I have decided to make the change from real to artificial for our Christmas tree. After searching countless stores I finally just bought it! I have to say I was pleased that it had come down in price $30! ... My only disappointment ... they were out of color lights .... I'll have to work on adding my own ...

next year!







Happy Holidays!

Today was our breakfast with Santa adventure!

They should really call it meet Santa, get a picture, get kids excited with Christmas crafts and if you are lucky you will get to take 3 bites of cold eggs and cold french toast. Don't get me wrong ... I love this activity. But I have learned ... do the stuff first ... eat last ... to keep my line standing time to a minimum. This is our 4th year going ... and I think I look forward to it more than the kids!

We talked with Santa...

and the sugar plum fairy,

and the Grinch!

Got a hug from Mrs. Claus

who, by the way, Ian insists is not the real one ... but it was the real Santa ... the difference you ask? Santa's eyebrows matched the color of his hair ... Mrs. Claus eyebrows were a different color than her hair ... Really??? How do they come up with this stuff?

It was an incredible day ... as my giddy children giggle, chant and sing about Christmas and Santa coming I feel complete. I thank God for these precious angels and at that very moment the warmth of the season fills me. It is a perfect moment. I am blessed.

Festival of Trees

Friday we visited the Festival of the Trees! What wonderful way to enjoy Christmas.

We went to see Shae in her first solo performance. She was absolutly amazing! She was graceful and confident and beautiful. Her wonderful performance brought a tear to her mother's eye and warmed the hearts of everyone watching as she glided around the stage to the song, "What child is this?"

Then off to the the kids section for a little crafting. Anna and Ian made a stain glass picture.

And each painted a cermaic ornament for the Christmas tree!

And ... we had to get the tatoo

on the cheek ... complete with glitter glue?!?!?

Silly Mom ... not even thinking about the 5pm appointment we have for Christmas pictures at Kiddie Kandids ... let's just say at 4pm the kids were not happy about the face washing party!

Ho! Ho! Ho! ~may the season bring love to your home, peace to your family today and all year thru!

Do you remember when?

Do you remember when you were little and it was Christmas? I do. I remember the smell of cookies in the oven and the glow of the Christmas lights. I remember making paper chains and glitter ornaments. And I remember the school Christmas programs! Ian had his first Christmas performance on December 2nd.

I'm so proud of my little guy. He has many friends and the minute we arrived at the school he was off in his social element.

He could recite the poem flawlessly on the way there ... but then when it came time to perform ... he must've said every third word. Kinda funny. And I think he did more yawning than singing. Tee Hee.

Do you remember the school band? I do. I played clarinet. I thought I had mastered the music ... now, thinking back ... I think I sounded just like this group ... emphasising every note rather then letting the notes flow together as one melody ... kinda makes me giggle! And Anna loved it!

So as the Christmas Holiday celebrations begin my heart is full of hope and love and the magic of the season fills my soul. I wish everyone a happy and magical holiday season!

Tis the season

Ho! Ho! HO!

Deck the Halls ....

Fa la la la la ....

I LOVE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON!! Most of my shopping is done ... yes I even have your gift purchased! I WILL have my Christmas tree up by this weekend ... and then I can just sit back and enjoy the magic.

Kids make the season even more special ... and we have tickets for breakfast with Santa on Saturday. Thanksgiving Point puts on the cutest shin-dig ... it will be our 4th year! And in two weeks we will be going to the North Pole on the Polar Express!!! I haven't told the kids about this yet ... I think I'll let it be a surprise!

So stay tuned ... I'm sure I will have many, many pictures to share!

And remember ... Santa Claus is watching you!