Visit to the North Pole

We went to visit Santa at the North Pole last night.  First we had to pick up our tickets, then wait for the boat to take us to Santa.  While we waited we explored Coeur d'Alene.  They had cool decorations.

Great for family photos.

Here are Hunter (don't you love his face!), Dustin, Aubrey and Stefanie...they came with us to see Santa.

We walked over to the Coeur d'Alene resort to hang out too.  I tried to get a picture of the lights of
Coeur d'Alene...they are so impressive.  The whole resort is amazing at Christmas.

Inside the resort are more cool decorations.  The kid thought this tree and deer were cool and wanted a picture with Aubrey...cute!

We walked around the boardwalk to see more lights on the lake...once again, impressive.

We had to wait in line for the boats.  While we waited a toy soldier came by to entertain us.

A reindeer came along too.

We boarded the cruise ship and ordered up the hot chocolate...YUMMY!

A few short minutes later we arrived at the North Pole...Santa was there with his list of Good little boys and girls...Marcus, Olivia, Emma, Hunter and Aubrey all made the list!

Another family photos...those lights are all in the lake behind us!

You can see the large Christmas Tree behind us...Santa actually lights that up for the kids after he goes over the list of good kids.  It is so cool!

On the way back to the docks, the Grinch appeared.  Marcus had an actual conversation with the Grinch...he was really part of the show.  Everyone on our boat got a kick out of it.  Marcus is not a shy boy...that's for sure!

Can you see the Grinch?  He's that big green blur.  Marcus had him shaking his fits and even mooning us!  Marcus thought it was the best thing ever!

On our way to the car we spotted Frosty!  Olivia was with Daddy already back at the car so Marcus and Emma were the only two in this picture.  It was a great time!  Can't wait to do it again next year!

Snow Sled

Look what Marcus got for his birthday.  He's been praying for snow ever since!

We got a little bit of snow on Sunday. 

He gave it his all pushing himself down the hill.

Weee.....not enough snow to go to fast yet; but it's coming!  Thanks for the sled Gramie and Poppi...it's a hit!

Santa 2012

Marcus wants a Lighthouse (I have no idea???)
Olivia wants a Unicorn Dreamlight.
Emma wants a Princess and the Pop Star Barbie.

Christmas Tree

We got a free tree this year!  A good friend of mine was given a tree but he's going to be in Mexico for Christmas so he gave it to us!  Thanks Ralph!

The kids helped decorate this year.  It was lots of fun to bring out the decorations.

In just the few short years of their lives we've accumulated lots of homemade ornaments already.  I love it!

They are all so proud of this tree and their ornaments.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas Concert 2012

The girls had their Christmas concert this afternoon.  Emma had an important role this year; she got to play the xylophones.

Here are all the little first graders singing their little hearts out.

Emma did all the actions just like she was supposed too.

Olivia did too!  So cute!

They were so excited to see us after the concert; Daddy got to go this year too which was a real treat!

Emma gave me a pretty smile.

The concert was at 1pm so we got to take them home afterwards.  We had a great time...the concert was wonderful!  Great job girls!

Happy Birthday Marcus

Today was Marcus's "real" birthday.  The kids kept saying Saturday was his "fake" birthday.  We invited Jack and Harlow over for some dinner and birthday celebration.  You can catch a glimpse of little Harlow in the back there.  Marcus opened his presents from us after dinner.  He got a game, books and...

A cool remote control race track!  He said it's what he always wanted...I just bought it because it was such a good deal I couldn't pass it up...win win!

Marcus wanted his favorite tonight...brownies...we lit the candles and sang Happy Birthday!

He blew them out quickly...nice work Marcus!

Yep...he's officially 5!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Just Like Poppi!

Marcus got these cute moustaches for his birthday last night.  This morning Elle, Olivia and Marcus wanted to try them out...they look just like Poppi! 

Celebrating FIVE!

We had Marcus's 5th birthday party last night...he's really into Transformers so this year was a Transformer theme.  Nana had lots of points for decorations due to Tavein's wedding so she was able to get some very cool stuff!  It made it a complete Transformers success!

Nana made the cake too!  Very cool! 

The birthday boy was very happy.  He wasn't cooperating for pictures at first so we let him open his present from his cousins, Elle and Baylor...it's Optimus Prime!  Thanks Elle and Baylor!  That brought the smiles out.

I made these cool masks for the kids...here they are as Bumblebee.

We served a Chili bar complete with baked potatoes, cheese, hot dogs, chips, cornbread, chips, carrots and celery...something for everyone!

The masks turned out really cute..lots of fun.  We've got some Optimus Prime and some Bumblebee.

Marcus had one #5 candle...we made him blow it out 5 times.  He was a good sport.  Happy Birthday Marcus!

Thanks everyone for coming.  It was a great time!