~A Bunch Rolled Into One~

Today was a BUSY day!!! It started out not so busy, which was really nice. Joe took the day off today, for my birthday, and so since he was home, it was a very relaxing week day. He started out the day by making me breakfast, doing a bunch of dishes, and getting the kids ready for the day. SO, I was able to take my time getting ready. We had a quick lunch at home, and then headed out for the day to have some fun!

Joe has been bugging me to get Connor's hair cut forever, so first off, he MADE me take Connor to get a haircut. I say MADE because I was really having a hard time letting go of his little baby curls. For some reason my mind is telling me that he is not a baby anymore :(

Mommy & Connor getting ready for the new do!
Yes, I bribe my kid so he will sit still.
Goodbye curls :(

The good thing is, the sides and back still have little wispy wings, so I'm pretty certain it'll grow back curly ;)!

After the haircut, we headed over to Famous Dave's for dinner. We met up with my mom and her husband, my dad :), brother, Aunt, and cousin. It was a lot of fun! My mom got me a facial!!!, so I'm really excited!!

Here's Haylie waiting to go inside! It was SOOOO cold here today!

This is what Connor does when you say, "Connor- show Dad your teeth (smile)." He's a crack up!

We are leaving town next Friday for the holidays, and so have procrastinated BIG time on getting a tree and decorating for Christmas. I guess half of my brain was saying it's not worth it, since the tree will probably be dead when we get home anyway. HOWEVER, I just couldn't go through the holidays without decorating... So- we stopped at Home Depot after dinner and picked up a small tree. When we got home, of course, Haylie had to help put the ornaments and lights on the tree. It was SO fun...!

Here's Haylie putting the star on top!

The final product... a little blurry, but very pretty! It feels much more like the holidays now, and the smell of the tree is Heavenly!

A Sappy One

I thought it about time for a sappy post. I painted part of Connor's room this afternoon, so his door is open tonight (don't want him getting high on paint fumes :S ) When I went in to check on him, I noticed how much he looked like a baby and it made me a little sad.

About a week ago, Connor left the 'teen months and in just a few short months he will turn 2. It's so hard to believe he is that old already. As I watched him sleeping, I realized I needed to capture this "baby moment" so I can always look back and remember (even though I have hundreds of pictures of him as an infant ;).

I just love how vulnerable babies look when they're asleep... so peaceful.

The Polar Express!!!

On Tuesday, I surprised Joe and the kids with a train ride in Hood River, Oregon. It was Awesome! We left home around 11:30, stopped for lunch in Paterson, and then continued down to Oregon, going the Washington way (because I think it's a prettier drive :) Anyway, we got there around 4, after a pit stop (which I'll post in a while). It's a good thing we got there early, because I thought our ride left at 5:30 and it actually left at 5. The entire train was full, with kids everywhere, and everyone wore their pajamas. It was a great experience! I'd recommend it to everyone!Our train, which Connor was in complete awe of.
Our car called "The Parkdale"Whoops! The best picture we could get of us looking out the window. Ask me why I didn't push the window all the way up.....
Just pulling out of the station.... very excited!

Connor was, I think, in a little bit of shock/awe/wonder at the moving train, that he didn't even move for like the first 15 minutes. Unheard of!

And then this is what the 3 of them looked like the rest of the trip. My gut was in knots... We were served cookies and hot chocolate. I think he was enjoying it. ;)
Pulling into The North Pole!
Santa's Reindeer! :)
Connor's little nook. Yeah, so much for my Christmas card idea. Neither of the kids were the least bit interested in that guy. Can you tell?
Haylie has been inseparable from her bell from Santa since we got home. It goes to nap with her... in the tub... to bed... you name it.

A great night with happy kids!