Making Memories

I ended up needing to go to Grand Junction for a work meeting the Monday before Thanksgiving this year.  Scott was out of town so the kids and I went up to Glenwood on Sunday night.  I worked Monday and Tuesday while the kids spent time with Grammy and Grandpa.  Scott came up and met us for Thanksgiving and on Friday we went and cut down a Christmas Tree.

The Denver parade of lights was last weekend.  We stayed the night downtown and met our lovely friends, the Sharkey’s.  The kids loved going to the parade, but I think the loved staying in a hotel more.  We got to stay up late, ride in an elevator, run around the lobby, and go to the pool (what is it about a hotel pool that kids LOVE?). It was such a fun weekend.

Last night I had my company Christmas Party and the kids got to stay at Nana and Papa’s house.  They decorated the tree.  I have to give props to my mother in law for releasing the control of ornament arrangement.  Her tree, which is usually perfectly balance, was extremely bottom heavy with ornaments this year.  Then after Milo’s hockey game we got to take the kids to see Santa in Olde Town.  Music was playing, caramel corn was bought, the sun was shining, and candy canes were passed out.  These all made for a lovely day and made the hour wait enjoyable.  The kids eager anticipation to see Santa stayed in the form of excitement and never evolved into exhaustion.

Through out the week we worked on making Grammy's Christmas cookies.  Milo is as meticulous as grammy and I are when it comes to decorating.  Liesel, not so much.  Maddox just wants to eat the frosting and believes there is no such thing as too many sprinkles.

Some really good memories were made.  I have always like the holiday season and the hopefully nature of the months of November and December.  Now as a parent, I love this time even more.  I love that we are creating family traditions and memories that will last them a lifetime.  With Milo being 7, at an age that I can remember, I know that he will remember this time.  And though, Maddox probably won’t remember it, he will think he does because Milo and Liesel can’t stop talking about fire building, hot tubing and gaming at Grammy and Grandpa’s house,  how fun it is to stay in a hotel with your friends, and the excitement of seeing Santa. 

Here’s to making memories that will last a lifetime.  Happy Holidays.

Our three year old. Maddox is potty trained!  We have no more kids in diapers. 

Look at these two

Maddox with Lilly

I love Liesel in this photo

tired girl

What a beauty

Just waiting for the doctor.  Every time I see this photo I  can't help but giggle. 

Liesel chose to get sushi as a reward after the her 5 year check up

Milo waiting for the doc

Getting our tree. 

We had such a fun week in Glenwood with Grammy and Grandpa over Thanksgiving

The tree fit perfectly (after we cut three feet off of it).

Milo and Liesel with Nya, the new Smith puppy

Liesel sleeping with Heilo,  Miss Jan's dog

Helping Papa on the deck

We had so much fun at the Parade of Lights with the Sharkeys

Watching movies in the hotel room

Checking out the view from the hotel room

Sometimes you just need a nap

Milo and his buddy built this awesome picture frame all by theirselves. 

I don't know why, but I just love taking pictures of my kiddos when they are asleep.  They look so innocent and peaceful.

playing trains at Miss Jan's house

tent time at Miss Jan's 

We have fresh eggs again

Lunch with Nana before we go see Santa

After we got home from seeing Santa, Milo said to me, "Mom,  I pulled on Santa's beard and it was REAL.  I am pretty sure that was the real Santa, not one of his helpers."  

decorating cookies

Liesel with Monkey.  He goes everywhere with us.