Santa's Workshop

Okay, I started this post forever ago, and never got past the draft stage because I was waiting for some other pictures, but I think now that Christmas is two months past, I'll go ahead and just post it. :)

On Saturday (Dec. 18th), we took a trip to the national tree, and visited Santa's Workshop (after waiting an HOUR in line). London and Brandt got to meet the big guy himself and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.


Brandt wanted a red choo-choo train, and London wanted a Star Wars Lego Ship. Santa delivered the goods and both boys were thrilled.

Here are the kids with the National Christmas Tree (and some random guy) in the background.

We got all decked out for the cold and it took forever to find a parking spot. And even then, it was metered parking and we had very little change. But we put in what we had and crossed our fingers that Christmas would put the metermaids in a forgiving mood.

And the tree from a distance. I'm definitely glad we went at night. It was beautiful!

So we waited in line forever and finally got into Santa's Workshop. Our new friends in line offered to take our picture for us. Umm, yeah, the expressions on the kids faces about captures how excited they were by then.

Santa gets a lot of mail.

In case you didn't know, he has a naughty and nice alarm (it turned red SEVERAL times while we were in the shop. Not that we could see the name that popped out of the machine just then, but I have an inkling whose it might have been). ;)

And since I think this is pretty important, I wanted to share the pictures from Santa's "Most Wanted" list. Please keep an eye out for them and call the appropriate officials if you spot them. And don't try to apprehend them on your own.

Belated Merry Christmas to you all!

License to Drive

Khyah discovered this Mickey car at the toy store and boy does she love it! Luckily I happened to have my camera.

I plunked in my two quarters, and she was pushing the buttons and steering that wheel like a crazy Sunday driver. All I can say is that you better watch the roads in about 14.5 years. :D

Snow Day!

A couple of weeks ago, we got a bit of snow, so we got out and played. Unfortunately, the other camera has a bunch of the pictures, so I'll simply have to promise to post more later.

Two brother buddies having fun together.

They were thrilled to discover this snow was good for making snowmen!

Brandt did some digging with some friends.

But then Khyah got cold so we came in (and YES, she wore gloves while we were outside . . . until they got soaked through).

But it was a fun snow day. Just enough to be perfect.

Lost Tooth!

After waiting more than seven years, London is proud as punch to announce to the world that he (finally!) lost his first tooth.

And then, to his great joy, a second tooth came out less than a week later. Happy news indeed!

But the best part of all is that the Tooth Fairy left him $5 under his pillow for his first tooth, and $2 under his pillow for the second. He's rich!

Sweet Moments

Sometimes, life as a mom can get crazy. Screaming kids. Loud BOOMS that make you cringe while you wait for renewed screaming. Flying objects. Well you get the idea.

So I'm hearing an hysterical crying getting closer and closer. Brandt is all tears and anger. I tense up, waiting for the onslaught . . .

"MOMMY! London pushed me and I got hurt RIGHT HERE!" He pointed to a spot on his arm.

"Oh, do you need a kiss?" I keep my voice soft.

"Yes!"

I give his arm a kiss and the tears are gone. He wipes at his face and smiles.

"Will you be all right?"

Brandt heads up the stairs, nodding as he goes. And I'm amazed. Amazed that my kiss can dry tears and make the hurts better.

Hard. But definitely full of sweet moments.