One more from Christmas...

Couldn't resist...

Christmas Morning

This year both kids were into Christmas and the spirit of giving and getting gifts.  We always collect used toys from around the house and leave them out for Santa to take with him to give other kids.  In return, they get a stocking and a small gift from Santa.

The big gift from Mom and Dad this year for both boys was a scooter!

They could hardly wait to try them out...

Jolly old St. Nick

Santa Claus took a detour along his route to visit on Christmas Eve

 Lukas wanted nothing to do with him...

Charlie made sure to take the opportunity to let Santa know what he wanted.

We finally got Lukas to get near Santa (in the safety zone on Daddy's lap).  

We can't get Lukas to smile without closing his eyes these days, but at least we got him to smile!

Perfecting our sledding experience

The snow is no longer fluffy and has hardened up a bit, making it perfect for sledding.  And since our driveway is plowed, we resorted to another spot in the yard...



Success!!!

Charlie was so into this hill, that he begged to do it at night...his favorite part was catching air.

Another snow day

Snow day # 2  this year with schools being closed.  I love that I have the ability to work from home when these sorts of days happen.  Our lunch break consisted of a little bit of "recess" outside.

Our sledding game keeps getting improved...This time we had the perfect sled, but the snow was so fluffy and sticky it wasn't very fast.  

Charlie loved being in the snow and wanted to be out as long as he could.  I shoveled the side walks but Charlie insisted on cleaning off the car.

Frosty the Snow Man

Where was Lukas during most of this time you might ask?  He was outside at first but then said he was cold (his gloves kept falling off).  Here's how I found him on the garage floor...

 ...eating an apple...right down to the core!

Feliz Navidad

Christmas Parade

Another Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Hood River.  Always a good time!

Snow Day

We had a fabulous snow day today.  Mommy had to work from home, but we took a lunch break to get the wiggles out and play in the snow ice.  We love our new sledding hill...

Our "real" sled wasn't available (aka - it is inflatable and we don't have it blown up yet...) so we improvised with cardboard.  Worked ok, but not as fast as Charlie would have liked.  It was just right for Lukas. 

So, we got more serious with the sled option...a pool tube worked just fine...until it popped on the asphalt!

Sneak Peak

We haven't had fancy family pictures done for the past few years, but we still had a blast taking a few shots for the Christmas cards.  Here is a sneak peek ...

Charlie was a natural, but we could barely get Lukas to show his teeth!

Lukasism

Busted!!!  Caught in the act...

Instead of falling asleep during naptime, Lukas decided to pull out the wipes from the pouch.  It must have tuckered him out.

Bonus: He did wake up smelling so fresh and so clean, clean!!

Costal Life

There was gorgeous weather at the end of the island (Fort Flagler).  

 Paul goofing off.  He was trying to have longer hair than mommy.

A favorite pastime is throwing rocks. 

Then we had a little bike riding and more play at the playground.

 What a fabulous day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from Marrowstone Island

Third annual Thanksgiving trip to the cabin at Marrowstone.  What a lovely place.

 

A small gathering with enough food to feed a crowd.

Aunt Tamara and Charlie making their annual pumpkin pies.  

Charlie enjoyed the whip cream but didn't care for the actual pie.  What!?! 

And, in typical Lukas fashion, he wouldn't eat his dinner ... 

and he was "pretending" not to enjoy the whipped cream 

(Mom said I couldn't have pumpkin pie if I didn't eat my dinner, but she didn't mention 

ANYTHING about whipped cream with pie crust...")

Spidey Web

Your friendly neighborhood Spider Man made an appearance at the Preschool Potluck...

More brotherly fun

Pool noodles and fire hats make for a rowdy evening!

Snuggles

The boys are just so cute when snuggled up together sleeping.  I couldn't resist capturing the moment.  It's so peaceful (and quiet) when they are asleep!

Fall

There's no shortage of leaves around here.  Ugh!!

Turning a chore into some fun...

Happy Halloween!

The pouring rain outside couldn't damper our excitement about dressing up...

 Happy Halloween!!