Getting ready....

for the big holiday marathon that is quickly approaching. It's just two days to go until Christmas Day.  We've been doing our best to get into the holiday spirit.  Here's the picture proof:

The tree and decorations went up the first weekend in December....and are a little different this year.  We are trying the tree against the inside wall of our living room in stead of in our book corner. So far, it's been OK.  Our small living room is just plain small, no matter how you move stuff around.  But it's pretty and very Christmasy in here.  I put my mom and dad's old time ornaments in some candle holders this year on the mantel.  I like being able to see them every day.

I was happy to participate in the annual Special People's Cruise again this year, with Diede and her yacht club.  I drove the bus elfs up to Everett to help them board the buses early and hopefully get the groups put together a little smoother this year. 

 Diede and one of the boat riders, all dressed in holiday cheer. 

 That evening, we joined our dear friends the Martineau's at Factoria Mall to celebrate Jessica's birthday.  We stopped to see Santa (well, Derick and I did) and had a nice dinner all together at Red Robbin. 

Jeremy and I attended a fun holiday party, hosted by long time friends.  It's a ruckus of a gift exchange and we always enjoy the laughter, drinks, and dancing.  It was a nice date night, and the kids enjoyed spending some time with their cousins.

I did a little baking this year and did my best to give alot of it away.  Of course, we've gotten lots of yummy treats in return.  :)  I am going to have to get in a few extra work outs next week!

 SNOW!!!  Too bad it didn't last very long....but it was fun for a few snow balls before school!

Darla and I went to her friend Hank's house for a gingerbread play date.  We both had a lot of fun.

On Derick's last day of school before the break, they held a family sing a long where parents got to join the kids and teachers to sing some holiday songs together.  It was fun, but I was disappointed to not be able to see the kids better.  To capture this photo, I had to sneak up to the front of the room!  At least I wasn't alone.....there were quite a few other parents doing the same thing as I was.  :)

We've watched some fun holiday movies this year.  Now that the kids are getting older they can enjoy the classics with us (like Home Alone, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Santa Clause is coming to town) and some newer ones like Disney's Prep and Landing team. 

I think things are pretty much ready, just one more food shop to do and then we'll feast with family for three days.  Presents are wrapped and Santa's letters have been sent and returned messages received.  The kids are counting down the days and Jeremy and I are doing our best to be patient.  There's an interesting vibration of energy as the anticipation of new toys comes to it's peak. 

We wish all our friends and family a very blessed holiday!

The Holiday Season has begun

One of J2D2's favorite holiday traditions is to head down to our local beach park to watch the lighting of the holiday lights.  This year, it was pouring down rain!  We braved the weather donned in our boots, hats, rain jackets and umbrellas. 

We ran into friends and actually enjoyed the outing very much.  While it was wet, it wasn't too cold. After the lights turned on, we headed down to the dock to watch the Christmas ships arrive from across the lake.  The kids get such a kick out of all the boats lit up and they cruise right by us for lots of waves and shouts of Merry Christmas!

 J2D2

We made it through the outing in good spirits until we climbed into the van soaking wet. Things got better after we climbed into our jammies and had a little hot chocolate to warm us up.  Hooray for the beginning of the Holiday Season.

Giving Thanks

As always, I have much to be thankful for.  The many people in my life, the home my husband and I have created together, warmth, clothes to wear, food to eat and clean water to drink.  We have many comforts that so often are taken for granted.  I am truly grateful for the rich friendships I have and the deep connections with family that we enjoy.  We are not without worry or stress....but in this season of darkness, I am doing my best to focus on the light, the love, and the spirit that rides along inside of me. 

We had a marathon of family meals over the thanksgiving weekend.  What FUN!  And so very yummy!  We started with Jeremy's extended family gathering at the Issaquah Senior Center on Thanksgiving Day.

 Jeremy and I, all dressed up.

 Cousins Willow and Darla, one month apart in age. 

 Our handsome lil man.

Cousin Kellie and I. 

Grandpa Norm with his some of his great grand daughters.  They keep him young at heart.

On Friday, we hosted a birthday celebration for Jeremy's sister Rachel, who's birthday actually landed on Thanksgiving day, this year.  We had an amazing turkey chili feed with cornbread and all the toppings you could want.  Well Done, Jeremy.  It was perfect for the rainy, grey day. Happy Birthday, Rachel!  We love ya!

On Saturday, we gathered in Shoreline with my side of the family to eat another amazing turkey feast.  All of our favorite traditional dishes were there, along with the Sommerdorf, Gauntt, and Kunz families.  It was a fun afternoon and evening.

 I LOVE this lil lady and her zest for life.  You can't resist that grin!!!

 Cousins Derick, Cooper, Darla, and Sydney. 

 Papa Barry with his loving wife Darlene and sister Sharon.

The Gauntt Family.  It was very fun to catch up with my cousins Jeremy and Jessie as they enjoy their 20's and 30's as bright young men making their way in the world.

 The kid's table.  They don't always eat a lot, but the fun is enormous!

 Brian succumbed to the turkey coma......

 Me and my Syd girl.               My sister and I. 

 Sydney was taking a turn with my camera....good shot of your mama, girl!

 Derick and Jeremy.                       Jodi and her lil man, Cooper.

Nonna reading stories to all the kiddos, as we wind down for the evening. 

Blessings of love to all!