HO HO HO

dance, dance, dance, dance, dance

Today we headed out to the Kirkland Library with some friends to see Caspar Babypants. Chris Ballew is the lead singer (Presidents of the USA). It was pretty fun to see him in real life and so up close. We even got a CD signed for Colin since he really wanted to go. (thanks Brooke)

Here is a video of all the girls enjoying one of the fun songs! (warning - it is a long one)

Garden of De-Lights and Snowflake Lane

Two of our yearly traditions are going to the Bellevue Botanical Garden of De-Lights and Snowflake Lane, and we headed out again this year to check them out. The girls loved Snowflake Lane and had a fun time dancing around with cousin Trent too.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens











Snowflake Lane (Chase went too, Colin is holding his carseat)
Typical poses for the girls - Both acting silly in their unique ways!


Trent and Cameron


One of the Drummers


Shannon and Parker

The Perfect Tree

We usually just head to Home Depot to get our Christmas tree, this year we decided to brave the crowds and elements and start a little nicer tradition for the kids. We got all bundled up (it was 28degrees) and headed out to the U-Cut Tree lot to find our perfect tree and cut it down. We just assumed that this particular place would surely take credit cards since we rarely carry cash. We started out on our search when Colin noticed a big sign that read "Cash and Check ONLY". So we decided that since we were already at the lot we would just take some pictures and then Colin would go back later and pick our perfect tree alone.. and that is what we did. It is the perfect tree.








Decorating the Tree in the new "must wear" outfits

Tinkerbell for Claire


Regen's "Dancing with the Stars" dress (thanks Omi and Grandpa-they are hits)

Thankful

I am Thankful for my three happy, healthy kids and my husband who just brought home a box of Salted Caramels. I am thankful for a warm house and warm clothes when it is so cold outside. I am thankful for a TV with a bunch of TIVO'd Christmas shows for when we are all sick and have no energy to do anything fun or creative.

We did not take ONE picture on Thanksgiving... I can't believe it... well, yes I can, I have three kids and lost my mind.

Hope everyone had a wonderful day and ate lots of turkey. Hopefully I'll take some pictures at Christmas to share.

Little Dancer

Today Claire started her first ballet/tap dance/gymnastics class. She has done gymnastics before, but always with me in the class too. Today she was just with the teacher. We have been talking for the last two weeks about how she needs to follow instructions, listen.. etc. Regen is such a little rule follower and scared of authority, that I really have never worried about her.. Claire, she is another story. The class started out with tap dancing in which she stood like a statue with this really funny frown on her face. She did not participate the entire time. When it turned into ballet and gymnastics class, she opened up and loved it. We'll see how tap goes next week. She did pretty well listening to the teacher, however, I noticed that the little girl in class that kept getting up and running around when she shouldn't have been, had a little girl following her.. that little girl being Claire.



All dresed up and ready to go


Playing in the pit during gymnastics


Chase hanging out watching and sucking his thumb

Just for Giggles

Ok, you probably know what I REALLY wanted to title this post as....

A Fully Functioning Bathroom

As many of you are WELL aware, we started a bathroom remodel last September.. 2008 (not '09). We thought it was going to be a simple weekend project and it quickly turned into a total remodel.. down to the studs. The sink and toilet have been working for a long time, but the shower/tub was still not finished. Well, I am happy to announce that it is DONE. I (we) still have a few minor things to do, but the kids are completely in their bathroom, and OUT of ours. yahhooooo! The girls are going to have a celebratory bubble bath in the tub tonight!!

I'd like to thank Josh and My dad again for all their help!! Oh, and my husband for taking it all in stride...

Disney On Ice

Yesterday Colin and Josh took the three little princesses to see Disney On Ice. It was a surprise to Regen and Claire. They knew it was coming, but we didn't tell them they were going until Friday afternoon. It was their special 'treat' for earning marbles when they get along, or help with chores, etc. They were so excited to go.. especially with Abi. Susie and I kind of wished it was us going, but we got the afternoon to do some shopping with the little guys.

All dressed up and ready to go


They got to see a lot of the princesses 'stuff'


This is one happy girl getting to see the REAL Cinderella!!


This video is of the girls getting to see Cinderella. Unfortunately, they couldn't actually meet her which was a bummer, so it wasn't super exciting. BUT, I love this video because I thought Regen was being so thoughtful to Claire. Completely un-prompted, she looks back and sees that Claire can't see too well, so she goes and lifts her up. It seriously brings tears to my eyes. More often than not, they spend their days fighting, and to see something like this, makes those days better.



The new princess Tiana


Eating hot-dogs while watching princesses ice-skate - does it get ANY better for little girls?


OK, I guess little girls eating Cotton Candy while watching princesses ice-skate is better.


Mickey and Minnie Mouse opened the show



CARS!!


Lightening McQueen - Ka-Choww



All three girls said that Ariel was their favorite




This was part of the Lion King


This was the Tinkerbell show


So sad, it is over


Colin bought the girls Cotton Candy that was served in a flower hat. They thought Chase would like it!

This is NOT my child

Thanks to a couple in our neighborhood, we now own three very realistic rubber spiders. Regen thinks it is funny to give me the heebie jeebies, so she walks around with them on her face. I am constantly on the look out for them, because I know that they will be hiding them somewhere to see if mommy freaks out. I think they may become permanently lost.. in the garbage. YUCK!!

Thumbsucker

For the last couple of weeks, Chase has really been trying to suck his thumb. Yesterday he finally figured it out and now it seems as though he really is going to keep it up. At first I was a little torn if I really want him to do it. Regen had a binky, and I could take it away... thumbs are a little harder to get rid of. But, he looks just too cute when he does it, so I am OK with it now. I just hope he isn't doing it in Kindergarten...

Halloween 2009

Here are some of the ways we had fun with Halloween this year:


Regen's Kindergarten Class party


School Parade


getting ready to play Halloween Bingo


Rolling and cutting out cookies


Decorating Cookies


Eating the master-pieces



Princess Aurora and Snow White


Princesses and the puppy


Trick or Treating at Redmond Town Center







Trick or Treating at Nona and Bubba's


Watching Charlie Brown while eating some candy (and the mom's and dad's could have a drink)