Great Wolf Lodge

For Christmas this year, Ferryboat Grandma and Great Grandpa gave us a stay at Great Wolf Lodge. Ferryboat Grandma joined us for our overnight stay and we all had a great time exploring the waterpark, playing games and relaxing. Abi loved the wave pool and even went down the big slides all by herself. Brady also had fun, despite getting a cold while we were there. He had absolutely no fear and headed straight for the kiddie pools and slides - thank goodness for life jackets!

One of Abi's favorite parts of Great Wolf Lodge - the sweet shop!

Exploring the waterpark

Abi LOVED the "bunky bed" in our room

...and B loved the mouse!

Giving the mouse a kiss!

Playing the Magic Wand game

Thanks again Ferryboat Grandma and Great Grandpa for the great Christmas present - we had a wonderful time!

My Little Ralphie

My version of Ralphie from Christmas Story

This can't be my daughter...

I absolutely HATE going to the dentist, yet Abi colored this beautiful picture, adorned with stickers and all, to give to her dentist at her appointment this afternoon.

Well, at least my fear has not rubbed off on her yet. We'll see how she feels after a few rounds of braces! :)

Christmas Cookies

Five years ago, Josh and I started a tradition of making Christmas cookies and delivering them to friends and family. Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we have managed to stay true to our annual tradition and 2010 was no different.

A few friends have commented that they wish they could be a fly on the wall during one of our Christmas cookie weekends so this year I decided to take a few pictures to document our craziness.

Josh, or as I like to call him, The Cookie Nazi. He is nothing but business on these weekends.

The chaos of our kitchen

And the final product...banana bread, jeweled oatmeal cookies, homemade oreos, chocolate-dipped peppermint meringues, butter cookies, mexican wedding cookies, rum balls and peanut butter munchies!

Someone is happy about the abundance of cookies around the house!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Yesterday we headed to Seattle with Ferryboat Grandma to enjoy some of the downtown Christmas festivities. We started at the Teddy Bear Suite at The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Then headed to the Sheraton to see the gingerbread houses. Finally, we went to Westlake to see the Christmas lights and ride the carousel. We ended the day by decorating the Christmas tree. It was a great start to the holiday season!

-The Teddy Bear Suite-

The bed of bears

I think Santa is having a tough time finding Brady's name on his list :)

-Gingerbread Houses-

Although it is hard to see from these pictures, the details on each of these "houses" is so impressive!

Another great picture taken by Abi with Josh's Nikon camera

-The Carousel-

Of course, Abi had to have the purple horse!

-Decorating the Tree-

Brady wasn't sure what to make of the big tree that appeared in our family room

Thankful

Today I am thankful for my two happy and healthy kids that make me laugh everyday.

Today I am thankful for my best friend and husband, who supports me, challenges me, teaches me and makes me a better person.

Today I am thankful for the unconditional love that my dog gives me everyday regardless of the lack of walks and attention she gets.

Today I am thankful for my family and friends who give me more love and support than is often recognized or acknowledged.

Today I am thankful for every step in my life, good or bad, which has brought me to the place that I am at today.

Today I am thankful.

Happy Turkey Day!

So grateful to Ferryboat Grandma for making the trek out to our house and cooking all of the delicious food!

The Thanksgiving Day parade is definitely a highlight...

although Brady was more interested in reading.

As a kid, I always remember making name cards for Thanksgiving dinner so Abi and I continued the tradition this year. She did a great job!

A before and after look at Brady's Thanksgiving dinner:

Before

During

After


When Brady sees the camera, he says "cheese" and smiles. Too cute!

After bath time & ready for bed!