Oh Christmas Tree...

We weren't sure if we really wanted to get a Christmas Tree this year, knowing the curiousity of our 2 year old boy. We did a test run with a small tree that lost all of its ornaments several times every day. McKenna would have it no other way, we were getting a big tree. McLendon's had a sale we couldn't resist and Saturday morning we found our way down to pick out our tree. It's not quite as exciting as our traditional trip, but the end product is the same-a beautiful tree that couldn't get decorated soon enough for the girls. (Following Monday's FHE activity.)

Tate likes it a lot too. So much that a week after getting the tree-he took a bite out of the top of one of the "glass" ball ornaments. It's a miracle he didn't cut a lip or something worse. He didn't think it tasted very good but apparently it looked too good to pass up.

That afternoon Tyler and I went to the Library to make gingerbread houses. We met some our friends and I learned an EASY way to make them with kids. Make a paper model then spread the frosting on the backs of the graham crackers and stick them to the the model then use the store bought canned frosting for the glue for the candy and such. Miss Annette was nice enough to let me take some materials home to do with McKenna and Tate.

When we were done we picked up McKenna and headed down to Sumner for their Annual Santa Clause Parade. It started out with a loud train passing right behind us. (Hence the hands over the girls ears).

It was a fun parade with lots of bands, cars, ponies, dogs, floats, more cars and of course...SANTA!

Happy #2 Birthday Tate

Tater Tot turned 2...although I wrote three...apparently it's been a long year? Just kidding!

The day started out early with him calling out, "Mommy..... Daddy...." over and over until I finally rescued him from his crib. While everyone slept in he discovered an early morning birthday gift, the Little People Garage sitting on the table. He was so excited and began playing with it immediately.

Tonight Leslie and her young brood-Tanner and Baby Bella came over to help us celebrate the grand occasion with Pizza from Little Casaer's Pizza (in Harris fashion), presents, cake and ice cream.

He loved his gifts from his Grandparents!! The girls did as well and have taken turns with him with all the toys.

The Cake-Carousel-His favorite thing to do at the zoo

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His sisters' helped with the cake. Tyler with coloring the frosting. Both helped color the carousel animals and McKenna came up with the idea to put the little people on the cake. My Very good helpers!

Tate was very excited abut his cake, from the moment he woke up from his nap and spied it. He didn't necessarily love eating it...but the candy he was in love with, especially the Skittles.

Goofy Tyler who "couldn't eat any cake because I had too much frosting earlier, only ice cream please."

Lil baby Bella-whom Tate could not get enough of this 4 month old beauty. Wanted to smother her in kisses...or rather snot since that is what covered his face today.

We Love OUR Tater Tot. He's the goofiest, happiest kid I know with a determination that he only could have learned from his Dad. He still loves his sisters and wants to do everything they do. Lately they've been calling Tate by fun names as they say good night to him. For the past couple of weeks, it's been, "Good night Poopy Tate". He loves it and giggles each time they say it to him.

We love Tate's curiosity, the enthusiasm that accompanies his curiosity when he discoveries new things. The "ooohs" and "ahhhhs", the passion of wanting to watch how things are made and wanting to help, especially in the kitchen. Although his words are not always clear, we are beginning to understand a lot of words he is trying to use. We love how he uses his whole body when nodding yes or no-which has been a saving grace in our attempts to communicate better.

He Still LOVES his blanket and binki and when one is missing he throws himself on the floor, lost without them. Cuddling in the morning with Mom and Dad while watching the Backyardigans (although you love watching them anytime), animals (especially horses and dogs), feeding the goats, eating rocks and dirt, tormenting Coco the Dog, to yelping at times when not caught. Tate also loves his cars, farm animals (which ride in the Little people bus and car) and throwing balls, playing at the park and riding in the swing. He is very good at cleaning up-and even put some books away yesterday without being asked while I was vacuuming. The Bath is another favorite pastime...although throwing of water and splashing is not either of his parents favorite. Favorite Foods are: Turkey Hot dogs, pizza, frozen go-gurts, suckers, popcorn, Special K with berries, Rice, Tacos, Taco Soup, canned corn and beans. Last but not least-pushing of any buttons. Keyboards, light switches, Power buttons-computers and tv's (which he has broken both in the last year). Tate is Busy, busy, busy! We love every small inch of your skinny lil body!

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning the kids found their jump-ropes. Everyone was having a lil fun. Even Tate and Coco.

Thanksgiving 2010-Wanstroms

After giving it much thought I kept coming up blank on what I did for Thanksgiving last year, I finally remembered it was spent at home with Tyler sick while John, Tate and McKenna had gone to a good friends' home. This year it was a little more memorable...at least for me and very relaxing.

The day began with a few snow flurries, but by that afternoon it was beginning to warm up...to 34 degrees, warm enough to melt the snow. We had mixed emotions...but have LOVED having the snow

We headed up to John cousin, Jill and her husband Bart's home up at Lake Stevens. We took some of our favorites: Green Bean Casserole and an apple pie, but mostly indulged in the cooking and slaving of others. We had a great time and the kids Loved playing with other kids. They even took a rondezvous to the backyard despite the sun being down and the cold.

Keith & Tracy Wood

Bart Wanstrom

Tate loved the Chocolate Pie-I believe it was the only thing he ate.

Tyler Wood

John & Jill and the Dessert Table. YUMMY!

Tyler and her discovery of yummy Olives

Tracy brought a lil craft for the kids. Benefits of school being canceled. :) She taught us how to make turkeys out of cookies, caramels and candy corns. It was a little late to make them when we got home that night, but first thing the next morning the girls were ready.

McKenna found out the turkeys were just made out of candy and not necessarily something to play with. She wasn't very happy about that as they fell apart.

Poor McKenna-not too often do I dare take a picture of that face. She may never forgive me for doing so. I sure do love that girl though!

Let It SNOW!!!!!

November has been a Stormy Month. Last week we lost power for 12 hours: 9-9. Always a good test run to find out if we have a working generator, enough batteries and working flashlights, candles, matches, blankets and such. Honestly I was surprised the kids slept all night without their running heater, humidifier and/or fan. It did get a little cold, but everyone did great. We did find out that our generator wasn't working, but John has since gotten that taken care of.

We knew another storm was coming in with chances of snow...and we were not disappointed. Sunday there were a few snow flurries and the kids were out on the deck playing in it, in their pajamas/snowsuits before church on the off chance it might melt before we got home.

Monday morning it was cold, windy and still a little snowy, but with only a 2 hour late-start and no reports of school closure we put McKenna on the bus and sent her in..while T&T and I played...for 4 hours.

I received a phone call that school would be letting out an hour early to avoid further ice on the roads.

After picking McKenna up we headed to Winco and stocked up on a few things and then we bunkered down for the big storm. John even came home early from work that night. Everyone was a little nervous...and we were not Disappointed.

Boy did the snow come, and come and come.

We never lost power, we loved our Propane fireplace, hot chocolate, movies, and playing with our Daddy over the next couple of days. Outside and In!