Christmas Morning

Eli's Christmas Program

Christmas Robes

The kids wanted robes for Christmas. Well, I think Eli wanted one and then Lilly just wanted to be like Eli. Eli was very specific about his, it had to be red (his favorite color) and he wanted it to have white stripes. After Costco and Target failed to have anything he wanted, we headed to JoAnne's to check out their fabric. Eli couldn't find stripes, but he said this print was even better because snowflakes "seem more like Christmas".
Lilly is easy, she's still obsessed with Hello Kitty so the choice was clear. It seems like they have Hello Kitty stuff everywhere, so I thought a robe would be easy to find. Alas, I ended up sewing two robes! I finished them this afternoon, and since it's so close to Christmas, and the kids have seen them from the get go, I just let them have them today.
They both loved putting them on after the bath, it was a little hard to convince them to put on pajamas.

Lilly was a crack up during her "photo shoot". She has the wackiest personality, and loves doing anything to get a smile out of you.

Funny Lilly

Check out the Video on You Tube

Preschool and Santa

Stay tuned for the final Santa Picture, it didn't upload for some reason and as usual it's midnight, so I'll deal with that tomorrow.
Eli brought printouts to show Santa of the toys he wants for Christmas this year. This way there will be no confusion, and he'll be sure to get the right toys. Santa asked if any were for Lilly and Eli said "no everything is for me, Lilly doesn't need any presents because my Mom already bought her something"!!
Santa said his favorite cookies are Snicker doodles (thanks Santa, now we have to make these and they're one of my least favorite cookies). He also said that he has 6 reindeer and they prefer baby carrots (which we never buy) because they think small carrots are like candy.
My Christmas to do list got a little longer after that visit, isn't Santa supposed to be helping me out? I mean he gets all the credit and I'm doing all the work!

Eli had an art night at his preschool last week. Lilly was able to attend with us and she loved it. I think she'll be more than ready to go to preschool next fall.

We made gingerbread play dough, painted picture matting, collage candle holders, shakers, bracelets, and shoebox guitars, what a night!

Getting ready for Christmas

We had a frustrating night putting up Christmas decor with little "helpers". Lilly was trying to eat ornaments (yes, she's 2 1/2) and Eli was throwing them at people. Needless to say, we weren't feeling the Christmas spirit. Eli told us the next day, "Mom you know what we're missing? Being Happy! We should sing songs, love each other and hug at Christmas." Thank you Eli for reminding us what it's all about!

We also went back to Strawberry Fields Christmas Tree Farm, where any tree is $10. We love this place, but were sad there was no snow yet this year. Last year was a magical, although cold, experience. We still had a great time, and Eli picked the final tree! Cutting down our own tree is one of my favorite things about living in the Northwest. The Christmas song "Christmas in the Northwest" might be my lest favorite thing!

The rest of Halloween

This was after trick or treating around the neighborhood, it was cold outside and the lens fogged up, kind of funny! Ben is dressed up as an in n out cook, everyone in the finance department dressed as cooks like they were "cooking the books".

We also went to the Hillsboro Airport Open House. We go every year, I guess it's a tradition now. Eli loves all of the trucks and planes, and they hand out candy and have little crafts and face painting. It's all free, so what more could you ask for?

Lilly has entered the "difficult to photograph" stage, so it was hard to get anything with her looking at the camera. Thanks to Courtney for the other picture from Trunk or Treat, it's the best one we have.

Halloween 2011

Lilly as Cinderella with her friend Arlo the Spider at the Trunk or Treat.

Eli and Herbie as Spiderman and Darth Vader respectively.
Thanks to Ciara for snapping this before preschool!

Cleaning out my phone

Boating Safety Day, on the last day of swim lessons.

Eli's first day back at preschool

My tired boys

Lilly riding the horse at Fred Meyer's.
She loves shopping with Mommy while Eli's at preschool

We went to Oaks Park for the first time over the summer, sadly this is the only picture to prove it!

We also went to Heritage Farms on Saturday, so much fun!
Thanks Rachel for a great suggestion.

One of the rare pictures of myself.
I figured I'd better take one myself, to prove I actually exist!

Family Pictures