Leavenworth 2011

We enjoyed yet another wondeful year in Leavenworth for their beautiful town lighting celebration. We stayed at a hotel in town next to the hotel we stayed in the first year we visited for the lighting festival. Being close is always a treat and makes it very easy with young kids to move back and forth to the hotel as needed!

The weekend was filled with sledding on the town hill, some snow play, good company, yummy food and brew, beautiful holiday lights, Santa, a living nativity, a little lantern parade and holiday shopping. Something for everyone!

Ice Skating Fun

A fun seasonal treat for Holly was trying out Ice Skating this year. Our town hosted a small, kid friendly 'ice' rink that was actually waxed matts - perfect for a child who has never done this before. We let her watch a bit to decide, she was all for it so Bryan took her out and taught her what to do. After a few laps around with Daddy she went on her own and just took off! Holly loved doing this! We might take her to a neighboring town soon to try out a real ice rink!

While Holly skated Hudson & I enjoyed some park time just outside!

Camp Fire Club

Yesterday Holly's Camp Fire Club was in the local Santa Parade, her second year! They all had a great, chilly time on the little float waving to everyone. It was a fun activity that really adds to some holiday joy!

Here are here fellow Camp Fire friends...

Anna, Lilli, Holly, Leah, Kira, Kristin
The Nature Kids
Camp Fire Group

Oh Christmas Tree!

This past weekend we got the house all decorated for Christmas - this was Hudson's first year helping. He adores the pretty tree and shares with me daily he thinks it is pretty....so sweet!!! Holly also had a great time helping, she did a lot this year!  The house is feeling cozy and bright right now, such a nice feeling!

Long Beach

This past weekend we were lucky enough to have some wonderful friend invite us to join them down at Long Beach. We had such a nice time, enjoyed our friends, the beautiful scenery and enjoyed getting away.

The beach was beautiful, both Long Beach and Cannon Beach. It was a treat to head a bit further south and enjoy Cannon Beach... a favorite of Bryan & I. The kids loved playing on the beach for quiet a while despite the chilly breeze. The weather cooperated pretty well - dry while out and downpours while we were in. Not too bad for our ocean weather in fall.

Over the weekend we also were able to take in the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (for me not my family). I really enjoyed it, so well done! And, it is set upon a beautiful cliff... simply stunning scenery. Bryan tried his hand for the first time ever at clam digging - as did Holly. They seem to have a great time... and even tried fresh clam chowder for the first time, a first for both!

It was a great weekend and we are so appreciative to our friends for the wonderful invite!

Now for photos...

That's A Wrap!

Holly has finished up her second year of soccer! She grew a lot this year, her skills improved immensely even though her comedic act still is in full play while on the field. She is a happy girl who gallops across the field with a smile... instead of getting on the ball and taking it back. Part of me wants her to get in there to get the ball the other part of me wants her to remain the happy girl skipping down the field... as those moments are passing so quickly, she is growing up and slowly replacing those little 'kid moments' with adult ones. It is going to quickly!

Here are a few photos from her final game!