Holly Jolly Christmas

We're anxiously waiting this Christmas Eve to see if the forecasted snow (1-2 inches, maybe!) arrives in time for Santa's sleigh. In the meantime, it's getting all Christmassy up in here!

We chose the most beautiful tree a couple weeks back at our usual u-cut place. In classic northwest style, there was a cold steady drizzle, but Ole had a blast running through the pines with his buddy Asher.

The Lucky Lab Christmas party had a goofy photo booth this year. I counted and I've been to fifteen of these parties now...my, how they all blur together--it's good to have a photo reminder!

We made a visit to Santaland to see the Big Guy. I was kind of dreading the traffic and long lines that go along with holiday fun, but in the end, it was a breeze. Ole and I had a great visit with Santa (such a nice guy!) and then met up with Alex for a fun fondue dinner at Der Rheinlander.

And here are a couple more cute kid shots I can't resist sharing.
With the crazy amount of rain we've had lately, new waterfalls are spouting all over. We could see three from the kitchen window!

Looking through binoculars with dad.

We jogged together down the road the other day "for exercise, Mom" and stopped at the overlook to take it all in. He's jumping up and down chanting, "Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!" He's a pretty understated kid, so I revel in the enthusiasm.


Wishing you all a joyous, cozy, festive holiday season! Now bring on the snow....

Icy and bright

It's that time of year again. After many days of cold, sunny, windy weather and a blustery Thanksgiving, the rain moved in last night. Our east facing hill is especially prone to freezing rain so I wasn't surprised to wake to our world covered in ice. The ice was over an inch thick along the fence and on the poor lilac bush near the road.
We stayed home today, of course, lingering over breakfast while wishing for the newspaper. Alex paid bills, Ole built a racetrack, and I made mochas, turkey noodle soup and finally cleaned out the microwave (so gross!), determined to accomplish something today. We also spent more time outside than usual, despite the wind, drawn by the beautiful crunchy coating.

There's mail in there, but we'd have to chisel it out!

I never get tired of looking at our new-old barn.

Little icy stem

Icy fences

Can't stop taking pictures of icy things!



An old rotted tree fell across the yard.



Ole stayed entertained practicing "Ninja moves."

Also fence drumming and thorough icicle breaking.



I feel like this shot should be in a magazine. Too bad I don't have a magazine.

Come on, fruit trees! Hold on!

Um, blackberry, it's December. I do love how they look magnified.

The classic whimsical birdhouse shot.

By afternoon, the sun peeks out and it's starting to melt.

Tomorrow we'll be back to school and work, hopefully without too much sliding and skidding down the hill. Wish us luck!

I nearly forgot to mention that we visited the Grotto's Festival of Lights this week. So many fun Christmas lights! I didn't get a family photo, but luckily we had someone to capture the evening in crayon.

Complete with lights and his bag of popcorn (in yellow)