Merry, Merry...

After much drama it looks like we are going to be on the road soon. We had thought our only thing to worry about was the weather, but yesterday Jason went to start the truck (our preferred mode of transportation for snowy conditions, luggage/present carrying and dog schlepping) and it made some crazy noise and wouldn't start. We called for a tow truck, but apparently (and rightfully so) a tow out of your driveway and one mile to the shop isn't a priority. The guy did come at 10pm and we were set. Except this morning the shop said..."yeah, we'll see if we can fix it". I was on the computer looking for an alternate route...flying, no tickets...train, no tickets...by car, no snow tires, no place to put the dogs...board the dogs, gobs of money...rent an SUV, none in the Seattle area. What is a girl to do? Cry...that is what she does. Then the shop says..."just a dead battery" (which is baffling because Jason put a new on in on Thursday). WHAT? I cried for nothing...crickey!!! Anyhoo...looks like we can be on the road and might go sooner rather than later to beat the storm. What is with all this snow? I guess maybe if I hadn't' fallen asleep during that Al Gore movie I would know the answer to that question.

Uff da...that was an awfully long way to say...we are off to Montana and we'll "see" ya in the New Year. Be prepared for the onslaught of vacation photos!!! The two pictures below are a year (give or take) apart...what a fun year it has been! Happy Holidays to all!!!

Boys Will Be Boys...

One half hour after dark Lena finally made her way indoors. She had been sledding on the "Hill of Disaster" (see previous post). About an hour later Jason was still outside toiling away on the shoveling. I began to wonder what more he could be shoveling and if he was ever going to come inside. As I stuck my head out I noticed the "Hill of Disaster" had grown to epic proportions...into a luge track. He had been out in the dark and snow constructing the perfect snow hill. I have to admit...I took a few turns in the dark and it is pretty fun!!

Miss Adventure...
Side view of the "Hill of Disaster"...

Looking from the bottom. A good push off will get you all the way across the street...

Fun Weekend...

On Saturday morning we headed into Seattle to drop the girls off and my cousin Kevin and his wife Helen's house. They offered to take them overnight and Jason and I got a hotel room in the city. The girls had a blast...brunch, carousel riding, children's museum, Starbucks treats, and pizza making. Plus, all the attention they could want and a little dog to play with.

Jason and I had a great time as well. We had lunch at the Lunchbox Laboratory and experienced quite simply the best burgers we have ever eaten in our lives, walked around the funky neighborhood of Freemont, had Starbucks treats, went to the movies and watched it snow. It started snowing Saturday afternoon and hasn't stopped. When we woke up this morning Seattle was like a ghost town...everything closed and hardly a car on the street (even though they only had about 3-4 inches at the time). We walked for a total of 3 miles and only a couple of restaurants were open (execpt our trusty Starbucks) and even fewer shops. When we got home we were greeted by almost 9 inches of snow and it is still snowing heavily. The first day of winter has proven to be plentiful!!

Yes...that is a beaker full of water. Yes...that is black velvet on the tables. And, Yes...I did eat the whole thing! Yum, Yum, Yum...
Pike's Market amidst the snow...

Our little car with a thick covering of snow (and that is a lot for here)...

Annika sufficiently bundled...

Snow bunnies...

Great to play in...not so great for making gigantic snowmen...

Jason piled all the driveway snow into a sledding hill in our front yard. He said it was a hill to make sledding faster. Annika thought he said a "Hill of Disaster". I agree with the latter...I just looked out and him and another dad are launching the kids off of it...

Our jar of seashells that got left out too long. Goodbye summer, hello winter...

Lots O' Rudolph...

Today I made these little Rudolph's for Annika's Christmas program/party. However, tomorrow school might be canceled because of snow. I sure hope it isn't because not only will we be overrun with sweet treats, but Annika has been practicing her songs all month long. We'll see what tomorrow has in store!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

The snow has arrived in our neck of the woods. Right now it is a staggering 2 inches on the back deck, flakes are slowly fluttering from the sky, and they have called school off (apparently it is worse in other parts of the district). It may not be feet and feet and no power for days like some of our friends and relatives back east, but we'll take the day off to tromp in the back yard and drink cocoa just the same. Following are a couple of randoms photos from this month. Stay warm!

Lena and Annika looking especially angelic...
Jason and the girls snuggling on the couch after school watching "Word Girl"...

Early Christmas & Muneca de pan de jenjibre...

This morning the girls raced downstairs for our Early Christmas. Since we are traveling at Christmastime we decided to open our out-of-town gifts this morning...followed by a big breakfast and a lazy morning in our pjs. In the afternoon, Lena's class had their gingerbread plays. Lena was in the Spanish group (the entire play was in Spanish) along with six other little girls. Lena was the muneca de pan de jenjibre (gingerbread girl). They all did great and ended the performance with singing and snacks.

Snow Day...

Sunday morning we woke up to a few inches of snow. The snow was dry enough and the air was cold enough that is stuck around. The girls and Jason played in it for a couple of hours...attempted snow man building, snow angel making, sledding, and a snow ball fight with the help of our neighbor boy. It was a fun time had by all and outside ruckus lent to inside quiet. I was able to finish up Lena's gingerbread girl costume for her class play on Wednesday and make some treats for the teachers at her school.

Pansey's first foray into the snow...not her favorite environment.

Ringo loving the white stuff...Montana here he comes.

Santa Hats...red velvet cake dipped in chocolate.

Lena's costume...more pictures to come after her play.

Back Off Mia Hamm...

Today was Lena's first day of soccer. She is on a team of 8 other little girls...GO PURPLE BUTTERFLIES!!! They don't have any practices...just play games. They donned their purple uniforms (Lena is #4) and hit the field. This week they played against The Thunder (an all boys team...some of them were pretty big...I even spotted the beginnings of a mustache on one boy!). Even though the boys only had four players on their team they were still able to score 26 goals to our zero. Technically the girls did score a goal, but in the wrong net. However, afterwards they all raced to the snack shack for smoothies and Lena commented that it was better to be the zeros because the other team didn't get a treat!!! Oh, yeah, Annika was there with her pom poms to cheer on her new favorite team!!!

10 on 10...

Another installment of 10 on 10...one picture every hour for 10 hours.

(8 o'clock hour)
(9 o'clock hour)

(10 o'clock hour)

(11 o'clock hour)

(12 o'clock hour)

(1 o'clock hour)

(2 o'clock hour)

(3 o'clock hour)

(4 o'clock hour)

(5 o'clock hour)

Lights, Lights, and More Lights...

We have stumbled across a holiday gem just down the road a bit from our house. A private homeowner decorates his yard with 62,000 lights and invites the public on a self guided tour. There is an electric train, moving gondolas, the North Pole, Candy Cane Lane, and more. It is amazing and beautiful and all he asks is that you donate an item to the local food shelter. It truly puts you in the holiday mood!

Papa's Visit...

For the past five days my dad has been visiting us. He came to do the electrical work (let there be light!) for the bathroom remodel...saving us about $1,000 (no kidding) since he takes his payments in food and drink! The girls loved having Papa around to play with, make Papa Pancakes, and hang out! Thanks Papa!!!!