MERRY CHRISTMAS, 2009

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas

and a Very Happy 2010!!!

Christmas Kids!

O' Christmas Tree

The Cutest Nativity.....

Norah made this little Nativity set in her Kindergarten classroom.

I think it might be my new favorite decoration!!!

I think it's so adorable.....

Pictures with Santa

It's always so much fun to visit Santa!!!

The Polar Express

Over the weekend, we traveled to Durango for one of the most magical experiences a child could ask for...... we purchased tickets to travel on the "polar express" that took us to the North Pole! We kept it a secret from the kids until the last minute and I am so happy we did. They really couldn't believe that we were boarding the polar express! It really was so amazing! There are a ton of pictures, but none of them even do the experience justice.

It's one of those events that is very difficult to explain......

it was a long drive to Durango, but it was well worth it!

~A special little memento~

~Our Round Trip Tickets~

~We had to go back in the daylight to get a better look at the engine...~

~Such anticipation... the music was playing, everyone was singing.....~

~ALL ABOARD~

~We rode on the Alamosa Parlor Car~

~Gracie couldn't believe her eyes~

~Norah was ready to go....~

~Jack was loving every minute~

~The conductor even punched all the tickets~

~Gracie said she feels like we jumped right into the book~

~Hot Chocolate~

~CHEERS~

~The hot chocolate was SOOO Yummy~

The train took us to the "North Pole" and the conductor came through the train saying that the loudest car was going to be the one that Santa visits. Everyone was screaming, singing, etc... hoping that Santa would come on board. As soon as we started moving again, Santa and an elf came onto the Parlor Car!!!! I think my kids still really believe he only came on our train car ;0) He visited with every child and gave them their own little magical bell..... I don't think my kids will ever forget this magical experience!

~Norah with Santa~

~Jack with Santa~

~Gracie with Santa~

~It was so beautiful~

~What an amazing experience, hopefully we'll be able to do it again sometime~

Surprise Visitors

Last Friday evening, my parents flew in for the weekend to come with us on a little "surprise" adventure with the kids. The kids knew we were going away for the weekend, but didn't have a clue that we had guests coming with us..... When I got home from picking them up at the airport, my parents rang the door bell and the kids were shocked to see Nani & Poppi standing on the porch!!! It was so fun to see their little faces, what an awesome treat!!!!

Thanks for making the trip, Nani & Poppi!!!

We had such a wonderful weekend with you!

Fun in Aspen!

After lots of Thanksgiving fun, Grandpa took us all down to the family ranch in Redstone. We went on a little snowy sleigh ride! The kids had such a blast with the horses and just running around the property! After the ride, we had a great lunch at the Redstone Inn.

It was a great day!

The World Cup Ski Race was in Aspen over the weekend,

They put on a wonderful Fireworks display to celebrate!

John's mom lives in a condo at the base of the mountain,

so we had a great view right from her little patio - It was awesome!

I always love the fireworks in Aspen! They are especially beautiful

against the snowy mountain.....

~ ~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING ~ ~

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Aspen with John's family.....

~Happy Thanksgiving~

~Jack fell asleep on the couch right after dinner, too funny!~

~Norah is our little artist~

~Gracie made little name cards for everyone~

(She loves writing in cursive now....)

~Beautiful Thanksgiving Colors~

WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES,

WE FEEL SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED!

WE HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING TOO!!!