Live Holiday Inspired Windows

We visited a nearby city where they had live holiday inspired windows and Christmas music playing. The uncommonly cold weather continues here. It hasn't rained for almost a week and clear skies have contributed to this cold weather. We made sure to dress warm and we set off to walk around this cute downtown area.

The first holiday window we came upon to had Santa sitting on a chair and a young girl standing next to him looking at him. At first we thought that Santa was fake but we could see that the girl was real because she moved. Sydna then told me that Santa was also real so I went back to take a second look and sure enough I saw him move a little. They were good! I forgot to take a picture of him though, Chucks!!

We continued to walk and checked out some vintage shops. Saw lots of cute things.
The next holiday window was of Scrooge. We love A Christmas Carol so seeing Scrooge was cool. He was also pretty impressive. How can they stay in one position for so long. I would totally mess things up because I sometimes have to scratch my head or cheek or get something in my eye. Lol. Riley just stared at him ... probably wondering if he was real or not.

The last holiday window we saw was Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. The babe was a doll. Can you imagine if they had a real baby? Lol. When Riley saw them he said, "aw, look, there's baby Jesus". So happy he knows who they are.

We had to go to a store in Tacoma and after we stopped along the water to let Riley play for a bit. He wanted to throw rocks in the water. It was windy so that made the cold wind feel more frigid. It was cold!

This is cute! Thank goodness for good daddies that like to pretend play.

We made it to church this past Sunday. Riley didn't want to leave Sunday school. I believe I've mentioned a little girl named Gracie before that is in the same class as Riley. Well, they're like frenemies. Sometimes they play nicely together other times Gracie is a little bully. She's even pinched Riley a few times before and this is partly why we're not regulars at church. We've expressed our concerns to the class leader but I guess sometimes people tend to overlook things. Still bothers me though.
I guess this time Gracie was being nice and so Riley wanted to keep playing with her. I think he thinks that the other kids stay at church all day. I have to remind him that they don't. That all the little kids go back home. He was a bit insufferable for a while.

On the rare occasion I let Sydna bring Libby along when we have to make a quick stop to the grocery store but I really prefer not to have her because I'm allergic to cats and any fur that happens to fly around will definitely make me sneeze. That's why Libby is all wrapped up in Sydna's blanket so her dander wouldn't get all over my truck.
By the look on her face you can see that she's not at all used to being in a car. She lets out that annoying deep ugly meow. We have to constantly talk to her so she can feel comforted.

Sunday night my sister facetimed with the kids. My dad was there and was talking with Riley. Funny to see dad using face-time because my parents are so not into modern technology. lol.

Looking forward to our Thanksgiving feast next week. 

Yum!! Can hardly wait.

Rainy Weekend, Joyful Mood

Slept in a bit on Saturday.
Jacob and Riley are usually the first ones up, probably up by 6:30-7:00. I get a text from Jacob around 7:30 am asking me what I would like to have for breakfast {unless we've established this the night before}. I shower and get ready and by the time I go downstairs my breakfast is ready, waiting for me. He's the best.

I especially love our mornings when it's just the two of us. Riley is usually watching Little Bear and already done with his breakfast, Sydna is usually still asleep and Nathan is usually playing games on his computer. It's not always like this so when it IS just the two of us I really relish our morning time together. We talk about all sorts of things and it feels good to make plans and talk about where God is going to put us next ... because I don't feel like this is where we'll stay in the long run.

We finally got a chance to visit several vintage shops in downtown Sumner. Saw tons of things that drew inspiration and several that I want to go back and purchase. Lovely shops.

Best sign I've seen ... it would go perfect in Riley's playroom. -"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn".

This one made me smile ...

Riley couldn't of cared less about seeing old things for sale. He was super whiny but good thing daddy took him out the store to distract him. I was able to look around without rushing. I did end up purchasing a few candles and a book.
Now happy that we're in the car and leaving. Sigh.

And to wind-down we stopped for some pizza and beer. Pizza is a favorite around here.

These are the candles I bought. If I like the way my house smells I'll go back and get more. These two are After 5 and Fleur de lis. The company that makes these candles is located in Tyler, TX. I know exactly where that is.

Sydna made chocolate cake to have with some coffee in the evening ... and Riley trying to get into the frosting.

One of my favorite shows is showing on Saturday nights now instead of Friday nights. Not really digging it but oh well. So that's what we do now on Saturday nights. We watch Ghost Adventures. I'm sure it's super scary investigating haunted buildings at night with no lighting but one of the guys, Nick, is such a big baby and whiner. It's almost becoming a bit of a joke with him because he freaking complains too much. He needs to stop being a baby and record the darn show. After all it's not about him.


We spent part of our Sunday in lower Queen Anne. Parking is always an issue here and after driving around for what seemed like forever we finally found a parking spot. And when we're in this part of Seattle we tend to go in Jacob's car. Makes it easier to find a standard parking spot as oppose as a large one that will fit my truck.

It's been cloudy for a couple of weeks now. We've gotten a bit of sun here and there but it doesn't last longer than 10-20 minutes. At least not where we live.

We saw Journey to the South Pacific. I find it extremely amazing of the life those island children live. Their life is so pure and innocent. Those people help each other out in everything. Everyone has their own responsibilities and fascinating how at such a young age those children know the basic essentials of survival. Such a simple healthy way of living and being one with nature.

All Riley cared to see was the sharks and fish ... and to drink his milk.

After the film was over Riley wanted to go see the butterflies. So we headed over to the tropical butterfly house. The temperature in there is in the 80's and humid. I immediately became hot as soon as I entered. Jacob and the kids said it felt glorious. This is where we're totally the opposite. Walking into this building reminded me of how much I can't stand this kind of weather ... especially humidity. It's plain horrible!!! I took a few pictures and I walked out of there as fast as I could.

It was lunch time by the time we were done looking at butterflies. I was craving breakfast for lunch and since we were in upper Queen Anne not too far from the Original Pancake House that's where we went. We had been eyeing this place for several months but never passed through in the morning or early afternoon, we've always driven by in the middle of the afternoon and this place closes at 2:30 pm.
The portions were huge. The omelette filled up the entire plate and their apple waffles were so good, super soft and cinnamon-y. The one thing Jacob and I didn't like was their coffee. It was way too strong. Maybe we'll get milk next time.

Jacob and the kids always look impressed by the fact that I can speak fluent Spanish {which I admit I don't speak it hardly at home because then I have to translate what I just said in Spanish into English and it just takes longer, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to start though}. The lady serving coffee was hispanic. Since the coffee was so strong Jacob asked her if she could pour some out so he could add more cream but the lady didn't understand him so I translated. Jacob and Sydna just looked at me with a smirk on their face ... and I smiled back at them. I guess it is pretty neat.

We had a nice weekend. Sydna and Nathan even tagged along.

Although it's been raining so much lately and we've hardly seen any sunshine I am not letting this long stretch of gray clouds put a damper on my mood. I think I've complained way too much about hot weather that I shouldn't be complaining about not seeing Mr. sun. It wouldn't be a bad thing if he shows his warm bright face every now and then though. But, I still wouldn't want to be having 80 degree weather in February.

This verse always comes into mind and it stops me from complaining about certain things.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born , and a time to die ; a time to plant , and a time to pluck up that which is planted ; 3 A time to kill , and a time to heal ; a time to break down , and a time to build up ; 4 A time to weep , and a time to laugh ; a time to mourn , and a time to dance ; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together ; a time to embrace , and a time to refrain from embracing ; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose ; a time to keep , and a time to cast away ; 7 A time to rend , and a time to sew; a time to keep silence , and a time to speak ; 8 A time to love , and a time to hate ; a time of war,and a time of peace. 9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

This is also the one reason why I don't rush time. I really hold back in saying, I wish it was Spring or Summer ... or I wish I didn't have to chauffeur anyone to school ... or I wish it was the weekend so I can sleep in. These things will happen no matter what so I want to make sure I enjoy every season of my life because before I know it it'll be me and Jacob at home, alone and I know I'm gonna miss my kids so much. 

Have a good week.

Santa ... Winter Train & Village ... and Lights

12.15.12

We had three festive outings planned out for this day. We were up, ready and out the door by 9:15am. To some it would be overwhelming but for us it was exciting. You have to expect delays, crowded streets and venues, and having a plan b {just in case} during the holidays. Other people just like you are out wanting to join in on the Christmasy fun too so if you want to enjoy yourself you've got to mentally prepare.

One thing I can say I have done since becoming a mom is to take a lot of pictures. I have about a dozen albums of my daughter from when she was a newborn to her first three years of life. If it wasn't for all those pictures I would have forgotten half of what we've done. There were also times when I didn't take pictures and you know what? I regret it because I missed a lot of special moments. One can still be behind the lense and also partake in the festivities. Now, I've learned to do both.

We first drove to Sumner, WA. We were told that there's The Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse that decorates their store for Christmas and where Santa visits on the weekends. They don't charge for the picture you take with him but they do suggest you leave a small donation. Besides selling furniture this warehouse also sold lots of sweet goodies including fudge. We were also told that if we were planning on going to get to the store an hour before Santas arrival because the line gets pretty long.

You will see these type of bridges throughout Washington. I especially find them neat looking because I had not seen let alone driven through one in my life until now.

I totally fell in love with several furniture pieces. I love unique furniture. I loved the sleigh table and benches, the sleigh coffee table, and the cart looking bench ... this one would totally look cute in a front porch. They also had awesome outdoor furniture and stools.

 

These vintage art pieces are cool!

 

We purchased several flavored fudge squares. Jacob and the kids love anything with peanut butter. I'm not a peanut butter fan. I was in the mood for some chocolate caramel fudge. It was delicious!

Making our way towards the back of the store where Santa hangs out.

Once we got to the back of the store Jacob went and stood in line. We had about 45 minutes to kill before Santa arrived. The neat thing was that there were several things the kids could do to entertain themselves while we waited. They had three train sets and villages, a coloring and toy area, and a little theatre area where they were showing Polar Express.

Peeking over at Santas house.

Jacob keeping busy ... playing bejeweled.

 

These were some huge stuffed animals. Riley didn't care to pose infront of one. He was more interested in playing with the penguins.

 

A few minutes before Santa was set to make an appearance. The line sure got long fast. Thank goodness we didn't have to wait for hours.

 

Up next.

Priceless ... and not surprising.

He cried last year so when he freaked out this year it made me laugh. I don't mind it one bit that he's crying in this picture. I think it's hilarious and once he's grown he'll get a kick out of it. I'm hoping he'll get better each year and eventually stop crying. It would be embarrassing if he would still cry after four years old.

Look at his face. Looks like he just got done getting shots, lol. He looks spent.

And as we were walking out we saw a horse drawn carriage. Isn't it neat?!

The day seemed to get colder and colder by the minute. Riley needed a diaper change. Good thing it was only pee. Don't know about you but I personally prefer to change my child in the car or stroller instead of in the public restrooms changing table. Even though I carry my own disposable liners I still cringe when I lay him down to change him. I think I've only used a public changing table like three times. So since I have a truck I had to open the tail gate, I place a thick throw or blanket down on it that I always keep in the truck and I change him. I remember this particular diaper change. It was super fast ... like twenty seconds fast since it was so cold. Time to head over to downtown Seattle.

*****

It was very congested in downtown as you can imagine. Not only because of people being out and about for the holidays but because there was construction going on and some streets were closed. But after we got out of that mess it was a lot better. Also, it was our first time to drive in this area so it was a bit confusing. We stopped for gas and as I looked to my right I could see the Space Needle. It's so neat to finally see it in person, from the ground that is.

It was lunch time. Jacob is a huge fan of the McRib and you know it's only around for the holidays so he wanted to get one and that pretty much meant that we all had to eat at McDonald's. That's fine. Only if it's once in a while. Riley had never had a happy meal so we got him one. I was more excited than he was ... because I love happy meals even now as an adult. But my little guy is not me. He ate a few bites of one fry and about three hamburger pieces I layed out for him, after that he didn't eat anymore.

After we ate we made our way into Seattle Center. It's a big area where they have different buildings ... i.e. museums, the space needle, the Armory where we were headed and where there are more restaurants {that we didn't know about before we stopped at McDonalds}, the monorail boarding station, a fountain, large grassy areas, art work, sports complex, and other buildings. During the holidays they change it a bit and it is called Seattle Center Winterfest. It's six weeks of festive, fun filled entertainment. They have an ice rink, a winter train and village at the Armory center, warm roasted nuts and other fine foods, performers, ice sculpting on Saturdays, and live music.

We didn't go up the space needle. Waiting to do that on a different day when it's a nice clear day.

The {backside} of the EMP Museum - the world's first museum devoted to the thought-provoking ideas and experiences of science fiction.

There was a steady drizzle and it was breezy. In other words, it was COLD! I had to continously wipe the camera lense from drizzle.

Monorail station.

At the Armory Center. Glad to walk inside where it was warm. Brr! We got some Starbucks and walked over to the winter train and village.

I really liked the village. They did such a great job. It is a turn of the century village with garland homes and buildings, snowy streets and a moving model train. It looked so cozy. I would totally like to live in a village just like this one. Do you think some still exist today?

Riley liked it too. He loved waiting for the train to come around. He would get excited and pointed at it and blabber. All I understood was "twain!"

 

After spending some time looking at the train and village we walked around the Armory center. Saw several restaurants that we would like to try then stopped at this snowman photo op. Several people were also looking at him and smiled at him and that's when he covered his face in embarrassment.

 

 

Blurry but I captured a fun sweet moment between Sydna and Nathan.

 

We braved the drizzle and cold and walked outside again. We wanted to see what other things there was to see. There's a Catholic church nearby that we walked into real quick. I'm Christian Catholic so I felt the need to walk inside and say a little prayer and to thank God for his blessings and protection.

 

Then we walked past KeyArena. I believe this is where the Supersonics used to play when they had a basketball team years ago. Across the way from KeyArena there's a huge fountain called the International Fountain. During the summer months they have the Fountain of Lights series where they project film and video, add music to it, and a live DJ. They also have a beer garden {yeah!}. I really would like to come back for this.

 I love my husband!

 

International Fountain Pavillion

 

I asked Jacob and the kids if they would like to ice skate but none of them did. We are just not into that. We prefer tubing, snowshoeing {which I hope we get to do}, hiking, and sightseeing.

 

The Seattle Center is super neat and there is lots to do. Plus the Puget Sound is close by. Seriously, there is TONS to do here in WA! I like that ... a lot!! 

Upon researching on where to go see neighborhoods all decked out in Christmas lights we came across Candy Cane Lane on Ravenna Blvd in Seattle. So off to Candy Cane Lane we go. 

 

*****

 

When we arrived at Candy Cane Lane it was 6:35pm and there were quite a bit of cars and people walking to it.

Candy Cane Lane is a quaint village that consist of 23 houses built in the 1920's. An english country village with homes made of brick with arched doorways and tiny garages hidden in the back. We liked the neighborhood more than the decorations. Honestly, given that we've lived in several states and have been to other neighborhoods decorated with Christmas lights, we have seen better. CCL is cute but it lacked pizzazz. The younger kids definitely enjoyed them though. Nathan thought they were cool and you know what. Having fun together is what it's all about. Isn't it? I think so.

I took more pictures but some were either blah or blurry.

 

The day was long, cold but full of fun. Sydna and Nathan enjoyed themselves and Riley was actually pretty good. Now on our way back home.

 

 

*****

We had only eaten lunch and had Starbucks so we were pretty much hungry by the time we got home. Riley fell asleep on the ride back home so Jacob layed him on the couch ... he started a fire and we watched White Christmas while Jacob cooked dinner.

 

My husband made us Shrimp & Pasta Formaggio. First time of him making it and it's definitely a keeper. I love shrimp!

And the best thing about our day {well anyday actually} is hanging out in our living room and watching a movie together. I love the cozyness we've created and the cloudy/rainy weather we have now just adds more cozyness to our current mood. We love it!