Pre-Christmas activities

Well, we kept ourselves so busy the days and weeks leading up to Christmas that I never got to tell everyone about all the cool things we did over the season. So, I decided to do one special blog post highlighting all of the activities we participated in. I hope you enjoy...

Decorating the Christmas Tree. Decorating the house...What a wonderful hubby Oliver is. Even with his fear of heights he climbed up on the roof to make the house pretty and festive for us.
Kate went with her Daisy troop to see a musical/play version of the Nutcracker. She was VERY excited to get to meet the actual Nutcracker. She also earned a special patch to put on her Daisy tunic.

Another activity Kate did with her Daisy troop was to lay wreaths at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. It happend to be the coldest day of the year, but it was a very special ceremony to be a part of. Kate got a patch for this one too.Kate attended a class on post called Santa's Workshop. In the class she got to pick out, make and wrap two gifts for anyone she wanted.We went to visit Santa. Santa was very good with Cole even though Cole wasn't too sure. Santa talked to him and was so sweet. The line was really backing up since it was taking so long, but Cole finally sat on Santa's lap and asked him for Stinky the Garbage Truck. Kate asked for a DS and a scooter. Kate and I had a Mommy/Kate date to see the Nutcracker Ballet. It was fun to get dressed up and go to something special together. Kate liked parts of it, but was wondering when they were going to start talking (like in the play she had seen earlier in the month.)We got lots of packages in the mail from many generous loved ones. Kate and Cole enjoyed stomping on bubble wrap and playing in the packing peanuts.Kate and I make LOTS of yummy goodies (Cole helped a bit too)!

Kate made an awesome Gingerbread Christmas Tree.Cole was an Ox in his schools Christmas program. He practiced his line for a week. He said "I stand in the door and see the little child" I'm not sure that was supposed to be the actual line, but he sounded so cute saying it.The Christmas Party in Kate's class room. They made bird feeders, ate some yummy food, read some stories and got goodie bags. Kate's ballet class had an observation day. It was great to see how much she has improved. She is really growing up! (she's the one in the middle with out ballet shoes on--she has outgrown hers...)

The day before we headed to Alabama for Christmas, Kate went out to deliver the goodies we made to the neighbors. I hope they enjoyed them...

With all thes great activities it's a wonder we got our shopping, wrapping and packing finished. Not to mention getting ready for out trip to Alabama. This was a fun Holiday season and I really hope that along with everything else we made some great memories and started/continued some fun traditions. Next to come will be highlights from Christmas in Alabama...

Snow Day!

Well today was our first official snow day since being here in Kansas. It started snowing last night and by the time the phone rang this morning at 4:30 to tell Oliver he was to show up at work 2 hours late we had several inches. We got the call a while later telling us school was canceled for the day. As soon as Kate and Cole woke up and saw the winter wonderland outside they were ready to head out. Since Oliver still had to go to work, we all got bundled up and headed out (even though it was only 7am) Oliver was really excited to get the opportunity to play in the snow with them, since he missed it last year. The show is really dry, so we had a hard time making a snow man, or even proper snowballs, but it is perfect for snow angels and sledding. So, that is what we did...

Out in the fresh snow... Making snow angels...

Kate's snow angel.

Headed to the backyard hill to do a little sledding.

Woo Hoo!! Let's sled!

I see the skeleton in Kate's future... (no, not really)

Cole is ready to sled down the hill... This run didn't end so well...

After the big spill we decided to head in for a while to warm up, eat some breakfast, and Oliver had to get ready for work. It was only about an hour and we were bundling up for some more snow play.

Round Two... Cole filling the bucket with snow.

Kate in her "Snow Blanket"

All the snow clothes drying out for round three, which I am sure will be after lunch...

Now it is time for some hot chocolate... Yum!

I think they like it...

Well, we just got the call that Daddy will be out of work at 3pm because the snow is not supposed to let up until tomorrow morning. They have also already told them they will come in 2 hours late again tomorrow. So... I think we may have another snow day! Hopefully by tomorrow the snow will be a better consistency to make that elusive snowman! Good thing we are all stocked up on hot cocoa!

Santa's Mall

We have found so many fun things to do around town, and that is especially true this Holiday season. One REALLY neat thing we found was Santa's Mall. This was at the old historic carousel down town Leavenworth. It is all set up by the staff and LOTS of volunteers for children to shop for their loved ones. They have their list, are assigned an "elf" to help them out, and they wrap their gifts so they are ready to go under the tree. There are also many other activities going on, craftes, snacks. and best of all (according to Cole) the children get a free carousel ride after they finish their shopping. This was a great morning for all of us!

Kate and Cole holding their list waiting to start shopping.

Finished shopping! Here are all their purchases ready to go under the tree.

Kate shopped for Daddy, Mommy and Cole, and Cole shopped for Daddy, Mommy and Kate!

Now it is time for the carousel ride!

Cole prefers the seats...Not sure why.

Kate chose a white horse.

Now it is craft time...

Kate made a beautiful wreath.

Cole in his cool hat.

Now it is time for some yummy hot chocolate and cupcakes!

After we got home the presents went under the Christmas tree.

This was such a fun event, we are already looking forward to participating again next year! I really can't wait to see what Kate and Cole chose for all of us. Kate keeps telling me I am going to LOVE it.

Ice Skating

For months Kate has been talking about wanting to go ice skating. So, a couple weekends ago we decided to check out the outdoor rink set up in Kansas City for the season. Oliver had been skating a handful of times, I had been one time when in middle school, and Kate and Cole had never been before. But we were ready for an adventure. All in all it was a great time. Cole stepped out onto the ice and stepped right off. I guess he's not ready. Kate on the other hand stepped onto the ice and didn't want to come off. She stayed near the wall most of the time, but was determined to get better. We stayed for almost 2 hours and I am sure she would have kept going. The only break she took was the mandatory break for the Zamboni. Oliver did well, only one fall, and I actually surprised myself by keeping off the wall most of the time. We had a nice lunch with friends after the skating, checked out the Crown Center's decorations and had a great day.

Kate and Cole after getting their skates on. "Let's GO!" Kate looks like a natural.
It appears Cole is ready to go...

She is off the wall! Yay!I think this was Cole's favorite part. The Zamboni!Kate and Mommy. I really love this photo of us.The giant Crown Center countdown clock.A yummy lunch at Fritz'sHere comes our food. Dropped off by a train then lowered down to us.

Checking out the huge gingerbread village.

I really love all the great activities we have had the opportunity to enjoy since being in Kansas. We really are creating some wonderful memories. And, hopefully starting some wonderful traditions.