A visit with Santa

Every year there is one main event for seeing santa in this town. Basically everyone who is anyone attends and that means hours in line. I figured I needed to go at least once so I thought this should be the year. After finding out 5 minutes before I was leaving that John couldn't come because of a meeting I loaded up the kids and went myself. The 2 to 2 1/2 hour wait is one thing but it happens to be outside as well. So I pressed forward and luckily had a few people around me that I knew that could go for hot chocolate runs and bathroom runs for me. Truthfully the kids were great. Collin stayed in his stroller up to about the last 30 minutes and Madison and Bridgett were pretty happy because they kept getting to eat cookies. Here we are standing in line after 2 hours.

All the kids did a great job on Santa's lap. I really love the progression of pictures of Bridgett. This is her whispering in Santa's ear that she wanted a computer and telephone. I have since found out she means a real one of both. A cell phone like mine that will actually call people. I don't think we'll be adding her to the family plan.



Madison wasn't sure what to ask for but eventually came up with a new CTR ring.


Collin wasn't scared at all. I think he was happy for a warm lap. About 20 minutes into the wait he grabbed Bridgett's cup of hot chocolate and spilled it all over his legs. Nothing like 30 degree weather and wet pants.

The best part was that John (due to no fault of his own) showed up literally as the people in front of us finished taking their pictures.

Our first real snowfall

This was our first significant snowfall of the season. It has been a really warm winter so far. This kids were so excited to go play in the snow especially Collin. He had never played in it so I got him all dressed up and sent him out.

He totally loved it until his glove came off and his hand was freezing then he quickly found his way into the house. Although about 2 minutes after being in the house he brought me a glove and wanted to go back out.
He was army crawling through it and well mostly eating it. I think he spent the entire 30 or so minutes just eating the snow.


I wonder where he learned to eat the snow?

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. Angela and my three younger brothers and their families all came. Plus my parents with my Aunt Ethel were able to come. It was so fun to see everyone. George and Melanee stayed at our house. Here is a picture of the 3 girls attempting to go to sleep. I think by the 4th night they actually all layed down and went to sleep. Madison was always the first to fall asleep, followed by Bridgett, and then a few hours later Samantha went down. She is the cutest girl! The girls were in heaven having her stay with us. Madison was so great to read to them each night.

Here is a picture of Aunt Ethel with Collin. I don't know if she quite knew what to think of all the kids running around. I think she was pretty worn out from being so stimulated the whole time. The kids were so happy to spend some time with her.