Santa Land

We ventured out to Santa Land tonight and had quite the little adventure! Since we're kinda VIPs-- we were first to see Santa tonight!

Like most children-- ours loved Santa and Mrs. Claus! haha!


After a lot of persuading and sitting in front with Mommy and Daddy-- the kids agreed to not scream. I hate that we didn't get a picture but we were able to talk Harley into giving Santa and Mrs. Claus a high five. :)


We had to stand in front of the HUGE tree-- although Kaden didn't feel like looking AT the camera-- he seems to think he's too cool for pictures.

Of course-- we HAD to see Dora and Swiper! Harley was sure to tell him "no swiping!" :)

We took a few pictures of the girls and Kaden but I think this one was my favorite. Kielah was too busy looking at all the lights, Harley has a deer in the headlights look, and Kaden's cheesing it up :)

Right before we left, Aunt Kim got the kiddos lollipops and they LOVED them (as did their hair, clothes, Daddy's chin, and Mommy's forehead) Thanks Aunt Kim!

Overall (aside from the sheer terror of Santa) we had a great time! :) It was nice being on the other side of the line for a night!

Maybe next year we'll skip the whole crying episode and just go see Santa!

Sugar Cookies 101

Hi, my name is Harley and I will be your cookie guide! Don't worry, I've watched my mommy do this lots of times, I'm practically a pro!


The first step to any baking adventure is to put flour on your face. It makes people think you've been working hard even when Betty Crocker is doing most of the work!


Be sure not to put too much-- it may make you sneeze!


Start by rolling out your dough.

Then pick out your cookie cutters-- I'm a big fan of the candy cane one!

Next comes the most important part of all-- decorating! Pick out your sprinkles from the handy dandy sprinkle holder.

Then lightly sprinkle sugars on top (I like to color outside the lines--and cookies)

Smile for pictures with your masterpieces-- pictures like these work great for cookbook covers when you're famous! :)

Let your mommy put the cookies in the oven for you-- it gets really hot! No need in burning those magical cookie making hands of yours!

And..... wait.... 8 minutes often feels like a lifetime in toddler time!

Finally! They're done!!

Time to enjoy! :)

Wow! What a mess! Who's cleaning this up??

I hope these tips help with your holiday baking! I know my mommy is going to want my help everytime- where would she be without me?? :)

Snow Day

Today is one of those days that I'm so glad to be a stay at home mommy. There was snow and ice on the ground and roadways this morning and I didn't have to get up and rush to get the kids dressed, out the door, and on the road! The kids slept in and after breakfast we got bundled up and went to play out in the snow.

We love wagon rides in the snow!


"Here mom, I'll clean off the slide!"

Harley thinks it's always time for a photo shoot

This was Kaden's first time to play in the snow and he loved it!

* Yes, those are Kaden's make shift gloves-- socks with plastic baggies around and secured with hair ties. They work wonderfully for little ones who's hands are too small for gloves or pull gloves off. His hands stayed nice and dry! :)