"A" for Effort

I had imagined that trimming the tree as a family would be a fun and festive event and that we would sip hot cocoa as we sang Christmas carols and hung up the ornaments. Not so much. It took Aaron an hour, grumbling and cursing, to get the ginormous tree into a somewhat stable, upright position. He tighted the screws of the base as far into the trunk as they would go, jammed wedges of wood into the crevices, and piled cinder blocks around the base to support the weight of the tree...and it still leans to one side. By the time we were ready to hang ornaments, Hank has lost interest and, instead, took to annoying Aaron by climbing all over him and bopping him with a spatula. Then Hank became upset because, for some reason, he had it in his mind that we were putting cinnamon, not ornaments, on the tree. ?? I don't know where that idea came from. So, the experience didn't live up to my expectations but I think the final product turned out well. Maybe we won't look back on this night with warm memories, but it will probably be good for at least a laugh or two.

When we found our tree amongst all the other trees in the field, it didn't seem quite so tall. When we brought it home, it seemed to have grown a few feet.

The Great Christmas Tree Quest

People come from miles and miles each year just to visit the many Christmas tree farms that line the street near our house. We only had a drive a few blocks down the road to visit our favorite farm, The Red Barn Tree Farm. On the way to the farm, we explained to Hank that we were going to get to pick out a Christmas tree to take home. Hank squealed and said, "excited!"


Christmas trees are scattered all over the acreage, so you can travel by miniature train to pick out your tree. Hank LOVED riding in the little caboose.

As soon as we hopped off the train, Hank set off running in search of the perfect tree.

We had to walk to the very back of the farm to find a tree that was big enough. Aaron saw this fir and called out, "I found it!"

Here is Aaron ceremoniously cutting down the chosen tree.

After we chopped it down, we tossed it into the back of a tractor trailer and hopped on the back of the tractor's wagon for a ride back to the barn. I think by this time Max had made himself a little coccoon inside my jacket and fell asleep in his Bjorn.

With the tree strapped to the top of the car, we headed home!

Rolly-Polly

Seriously, Max's fat rolls have fat rolls. Notice his little buddah baby belly? SO CUTE! I just want to squish him to peices!

Chillin'

I just love this kid. I don't think babies come any better than Max. Although I wouldn't mind if he slept a few more hours at a time, his temperment is so sweet. Max just seems to be content most of the time. When he's hungry or tired, he lets me know, but otherwise he just likes to chill.

Santa Claus

On Wednesday we took the kiddos to meet Santa Claus. Without much explanation from me, Hank seems to intuitively understand that Santa brings presents at Christmas so he was really excited to get to meet him.

Hank is at that funny stage where he can't seem to smile on command. He smiles all the time when the camera isn't around but when you ask him to smile for the camera, he just kind of opens his mouth and gives you a blank stare. Max, on the other hand, was smiling from ear to ear.

When Santa asked Hank what he wanted for Christmas, Hank told him that he wanted a vaccum! Thats my boy! Nothing wrong with being clean.

In a very non-traditional manner, Santa Claus gave out cotton candy to all the kids. Hank had his cotton candy devoured in minutes...and we enjoyed the effects of the straight sugar long after.

After visiting Santa, Hank and Baylee shared a ride in this sweet Jeep!

Kissing Cousins

Hank and Baylee seemed to really hit it off. It was fun to watch them interact and play together. Hank and Baylee had fun playing in Nana's castle, sharing treats, meeting Santa Claus, splashing in the tub, and visiting the Children's Museum. We'll miss you Baylee:)

Winterfest

Last weekend we (me, Aaron, Hank, Max, Andy, Britney, Baylee and Nana and Papa Grover) checked out the Winterfest at the Seattle Center.
We had to hold Hank back from charging into the frigid fountain.

Hank and Baylee had fun riding the ponies on the carousel.