Santa through the years....

We made our annual pilgrimage to the mall today to see Santa while he was in town. The boys had each written him a list this morning of some things that they hope to get for Christmas. They both wanted to talk to Santa individually about their requests. Very cute. Nate didn't want Santa to keep the list, so he took it back from him.

Chris looking a little bit cautious as Santa checks out the list. It was nice that they got to really talk to the man in red, since there was nobody in line behind us. Now, for a stroll down memory lane...

First photo with Santa. Personally, my least favorite of those we've encountered over the years. Jantzen Beach Mall. 'Nuff said.

Looking a tiny bit worried....

Visiting Santa at Washington Square Mall. This was the best Santa ever! So sweet, so gentle, so real.

Lucky for us, he was back the following year! Same exact smile....he's got it perfected.

Today's visit to Santa. I hope that these boys will both sit on Santa's lap together forever.

The annual Chandler Tree Farm Party

The tradition continues! The Chandlers hosted their annual tree party again this year and as usual, it was a great celebration! Big John drives us on a flatbed trailor with hay bales through the muddy tree farm to find the best trees out there. Nate was not feeling well on Saturday morning, so he and Dan had to stay home and miss the party. Chris and I went and picked out our perfect tree!

Run Greg, run! As we were heading down the hill away from their house, we saw Uncle Greg in the distance. He had to run to catch up to us. Good thing he was fast---Christopher was worried about him.

This is the one! Christopher was in charge of tying the tag to our tree so we could remember which one it was. Big John came over and chopped it down for us with his chain saw. Very exciting!

Chris driving the tractor. It was a BIG one.

A mama and her boy. It was such a beautiful, sunny day!

Uncle Mark was Mr. Mom, and brought Catie and Will all by himself since Claudine was in NYC for the weekend. I can't remember exactly what year this annual tradition started, but I would guess it was around 1997. So many fond memories, and I hope it never ends. Thanks, Chandler family!

chocolate advent calendars

So far, so good.

Oh what a difference a year makes.

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Gingerbread House

Working on our Gingerbread House--one candy at a time.
The finished product.....beautiful.

grandma's gravy

We had some gravy with our dinner tonight, and we were telling Christopher about how much he LOVED gravy the very first time he had it, which was Thanksgiving 2004 when he was about 8 months old. It was grandma's homemade gravy. The boy went crazy over the stuff. So we dipped back into the archives and found the video that made us laugh so hard. It still does----but it also makes me kind of sad to be reminded of just how darn fast they are both growing up. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. We had a very nice holiday celebration over at Uncle Greg & Aunt Susan's house, even though it was much different than in years past. I guess that's the nature of life...ever changing and no guarantees that what was will be.

Aunt Susan had to work today, but she did an incredible job of preparing an amazing feast for all of us, and Greg facilitated/hosted the event. Sister Susan was in Seattle, and the cousins were with Dave. Grandma and Grandpa were unable to travel to be with us due to Stu finding out yesterday about some serious heart issues that will be addressed next week with major surgery.

Despite all of those things, the celebration went on, and I'm so glad that it did. Greg presented the perfectly roasted turkey.

Aunt Susan and Uncle Greg created a very fun game to keep the kiddos entertained. They created a scavenger hunt that sent them throughout the house looking for what was on their cards. Above is Nate looking for the 'cat treat' jar. Do you see it anywhere in the distance? Very clever entertainment for Catie, Chris and Nate.

I have so much to be thankful for today (and every day). A wonderful extended family that is made up of some amazing people, two happy, healthy boys that bring a smile to my face every single day, a husband who provides for all of us and is an awesome father and husband, fun friends, good health, and a house to keep us warm. What else could a gal ask for, really?

they got picked up for a date

This morning the boys had a date with their Aunt Susan and Uncle Greg. They went to the zoo together! Not only was the zoo exciting---Uncle Greg 'punched it' in his fast car, and opened the sunroof, and they went to McDonalds for lunch and got real Happy Meals. Their first! We sure hope that this can become a regular tradition for the 4 of them.

school pictures

Here are Chris and Nate's official pre-k photos that were taken at school. This was the first time that they had a 'professional' picture taken since they were born. Kind of cute. Test....can you tell who is who? If you can't, it's time you learn. :)

poker face(s)

We've moved on from those silly kid games... and now it's all about poker. *sigh* Nate will be the first to tell you that 3 of a kind beats 2 pairs. Uncle Mark, are you ready for some serious competition on your next poker night?? Bring it on!

trouble

Milton Bradley's Pop-O-Matic Trouble---------$7.99

One dollar Ante up for each player-------------$4.00
Christopher learns the tough lesson of gambling away his hard earned money------priceless.

time for flu shots!

Oh the drama. They knew that flu shots were going to be this afternoon and Chris started being weepy about it starting around noon. Both boys pretty much pulled it together on the way to the doctor's office, and all the way upstairs. But once we walked into the tiny little room, they both became unglued. Chris went first. Screaming, crying, fighting me and the nurse. Once he was done, he was absolutely fine.

Nate (who had been so stoic all day and very reassuring to Chris) had the most difficulties at the actual 'shot' time...I had to pretty much lay on top of his chest, restraining his arms to keep him in place. He was as mad as a hornet. Again, the second the shot was done he was back to his happy, old self. Too funny.

nicely done

Those who know me know that I don't like comics/funnies. Or 'space' movies. I like things that are real. But when I read the Oregonian on Thursday morning, I found a cartoon drawing that I absolutely loved. You can check it out above. (double click on image to enlarge, if you'd like!)

Introducing....

.....our next president, Barack Obama. I couldn't be happier.

come on, come on!

We're feeling it...

Driving past the excitement at Obama headquarters on Killingsworth this evening.
Watching the results come in on CNN.

Eating Obama cookies from our next door neighbors, Stacey and Diane.

Change is on it's way.

48% total savings value

Silly post, I know....but check out my receipt from this morning's shopping trip to Safeway. Shopping smart and using great coupons really can save you lots of money. Everything that I bought was stuff that we would usually get, nothing frilly or extra just because it was on sale. 48% savings value....not bad in these crazy money times. Without the coupons and club card discounts, my total would have come to $167.52