Christmas 2011

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!

Hudson's Santa Visit

I meant to post a photo of Hudson's visit with Santa for the very first time... but I never got around to scanning the photo to share. So, I am going to do the cheaters version and share a photo of a photo. You will still see the cuteness!!!

He was not very thrilled with me ~ or Santa for that matter!

Hudson & Santa 2010

Hudson's Stocking

When Holly was born I made her a holiday stocking. So, now here we are on Hudson's first Christmas and I needed to make him a holiday stocking. I used Holly's stocking as a template to create his. I am happy with how it turned out. Holly's is the burgundy one and Hudson's is the red and white one!

Snowflake Lane

Last week we headed up north to enjoy a fun night at Snowflake Lane. This is a fun gathering outside of Bellevue Mall where they have several holiday characters out and about, great holiday music blaring, a small light show, bubble snow and a drum show from 'tin soldiers'. It is a lot of fun to enjoy after a nice day at the mall.

Snow Flake Night

A fun little tradition we began a couple years back has been to have the Ross Family over for a night of snowflakes - we enjoy some yummy appetizer foods, holiday music and create snowflakes to hang in our homes. Holly loves this tradition and I enjoy this one too because we get to be a bit creative! It is a simple night, but a really fun treat for us all. I enjoyed seeing how much Holly's skill in creating snowflakes blossomed this year - she was learning how to fold them from Kristina and then cutting some really cute flakes.

Santa Letter

Holly worked on her Santa Letter a couple of weeks ago, however she just finished her real letter and refined her list for the big man. Here is her letter and envelope to mail. Daddy took her to a mail box to send it on it's way. Now the magical hope and waiting begins.... Happy Holidays!

Snowflake Night

Each year we gather up with the Ross family and enjoy an evening of good food, hot cocoa, sweet treats, holiday music and snowflakes!!! After dinner, which this year was amazing (dutch oven cooking from the men), we clean up and partake in the creativity of making snowflakes. This was Holly's first year really participating and creating her own lovely lacy flakes and she did a wonderful job! We iron the flakes out, spray them with adhesive and glitter them all up too. This tradition is a simple, yet fun one we look forward to each year.

Holly & Auntie Sue holding up some of the evenings creations!

Holly's first ever snowflake!!! She was so very proud of it!

You'll find that the photos include our cat Riley -- who has a special knack for plopping down in

the center on the table while anyone is doing any kind of crafty item! If you are ever over to scrapbook or card craft... chances are Riley will also be participating. Luckily the Ross family is sweet enough to tolerate her, which I am sure Riley is thankful for as it is so fun to hang with the family and be the center of attention! Yes, we love our cats!