Christmas 1

Thanks to the mild "winter" we've been having in the northwest, our Christmas trip to Seattle was without many of the usual stresses and adventures. Plus, our kids seem to have matured into easy travelers, and this trip was the first in 4 1/2 years that did not require any baby gear or special sippy cups.  Our boys are content in sleeping bags on the floor and Josh even watched 15-20 minutes of movies during our long drives.

My parents treated us to an evening of the Christmas sights in Bellevue - Lights at the Botanical Garden, dinner downtown, and then fighting the crowds to see the Snowflake Lane. Josh was enamored with the drummers and it was a great way to enjoy the big city Christmas spirit that we can't get in Bend.

Christmas Eve started with our Montessori Party - FOUR young kids in the mix this year really shifted he focus from our generation to the next.  It was great fun to meet Tyler and Kristen's son, William and Kristen and I were able to share the antics of busy, busy toddler boys. Colin and Erin also arrived with Claire after this picture - first time meeting her as well, as she was just days old at Christmas last year.  We missed Ryan and Ashley who were both in Cali with their in-laws, but Deanna brought Oma instead and she entertained us with stories that are only earned by being in amazing health and mind at 86!

 For our Elves' Party, the Elves left us a new game - Zingo! Nana and Papa also broke out new light sabers...

 

Leaving treats for Santa...

 After tucking the kids in, we embarked on some classic games - Taboo, Pictionary, and Anomia, with Todd being the clear winner in all three.

The next morning: Checking to see if he came...

Santa left Owen these Hot Wheels tracks and Josh a Mr. Potato Head family, though the play patterns over the last week indicate that the Hot Wheels track would have been more than enough gift for both of them to share.

We also began what Owen eventually dubbed, "A very Pirate-y Christmas!"  Swords for both boys, a massive playmobile ship and a pirate book for Owen, smaller ships, more swords, and a sticker book later in the day at the Lake.

Since we packed all our gifts up to Seattle this year, we were all overly showered with gifts. Scott opened a new rain jacket, bike accessories galore, clothing and UW swag. I was lucky with two boxes of tall brown boots, clothing, new crock pot, cook books, and my favorite chocolate. The boys found stockings full of art supplies, remote control robots, and other great toys. Love those PJ hugs on Christmas Morning!