Santaland 2014

Just in time for Christmas we took Anders to see Santa. He hated it. Specifically the Santa part. 

Refusing to go near the man with the weird harness. 

Things devolved into a family picture as Anders tried to climb Ryan. 

He did, however, perk right back up as soon as we moved to the next room. 

Watching a train from the front window. 

Watching the kids behind him. 

We took the escalator 5 stories up and down for more laughs. And finished up our downtown adventure with a quick visit to Pioneer square and it's very large Christmas tree. 

I think it's safe to say that Anders has no grasp on why there are so many "Kristin" lights aka Christmas lights, who Santa is or why we have a tree in our living room suddenly. We're still all in on the holiday but it's definitely the last year we'll get away with no Christmas presents or stockings!

Mmmmm, good!

Anders loves a veggie scramble (for today at least). I got the highest and first praise of a meal from him, "mmmmm, good!" My heart just melted. 

Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas was in full effect this weekend. That and cleaning up our house so it didn't look like it should be on an episode of hoarders. On Saturday we popped up to the top of Skyline Blvd to find our perfect tree. 

Playing hise and seek among the trees. 

Then "we" decorated it. Anders didn't totally understand how to get the ornaments to stay once placed on the tree. Thanks god I bought some plastic ornaments last year!

(That's right. That's a lollipop. We buckled. Not our proudest moment.)

Rushin' to the Russian River

Ryan, Anders, Hazel and I headed to guernville, CA to celebrate thanksgiving with Meme, Joe, Greta and Gaga. We rented a lovely house along the river. 

It was a looong drive. We left at nap time on Wednesday and Anders quickly passed out. 

We drove to Blind Beach one morning,

and took in some amazing views. 

(Glamour shot)

Discipline on the trail. I'm waiting for and apology. 

The house had a couple kayaks. Ryan and I enjoyed a quiet trip upriver. 

Getting ready for bed and a game of Balderdash.

Anders wearing a sweater my mom made me when I was three. Greta was wearing a special sweater, too. 

Three generations. 

The very dry riverbed. 

In the foothills of Mt Shasta, with another 5 hours to go, we got out and raced around. 

Weekend at Nana & Doodah's

Helping sweep off the new deck!

Greeting dad in the Impala while out for a stroll.

Dooda taking Anders for a walk on the wild side.

Sliding at the park.

Dad time. 

Spaghetti and meatballs

Ryan was super dad this week! He made Anders this costume and even hand sewed the pants!

At LeAnn and Adela's. Where Anders, his baby and Hazel all had a special Halloween goody bag. We were spoiled indeed. 

We then headed to Colby and Rebekah's to hang out with Adrian and explore our busy and fun neighborhood. Ryan was taken by this guy. 

Happy Birthday, Greta!

Anders' Baby

Anders is really starting to share his personality with us, including his newest interests and increased independence. For instance, he happily hung out by himself, building a house, in Colby and Rebekah's closest yesterday, safely out of the way, as we helped unload their stuff from the moving truck. He also became obsessed with "his baby" as of late. He is carefully dressing, cooking for, feeding etc. 

Anders insisted the baby sit at the table and made a bowl of soup for the baby to enjoy. 

We all took turns feeding the baby. 

Handling be a balled up "dirty" diaper and wipe to "put in the garbage."

Anders insisted on a new diaper for the baby. 

And, as I type, Anders and the baby are napping together. 

 

A hard earned catch up weekend.

This weekend was the first in months during which we didn't have work, guests, travel or a million places to be. As fun as this summer and fall has been, we were thrilled to have some free time to catch up. We did have some out of town visitors and brunch with friends, but it was in balance with free time. Phew!

Anders revisited some of his baby gear. We lent a bunch of it to some friends for their first baby. Best thing about lending it all out, not having to find a place for it. 

Anders helped Poppi and Nonna make pasta for dinner. 

My Aunt Gayle and Uncle Charlie visited from Florida. We remembered to get a family picture just as we were headed out. Can you tell this is after a long and fun dinner?

Poppi found a tricycle that fits Anders and Anders is thrilled!

We had a long wait at the flu shot clinic. Anders was easily entertained watching all the other families. Ryan and I, less so. But, we're happy to get Anders all vaccinated and ready for flu season!

Anders loves to wear glasses, like Dada. Luckily Ryan has lots of safety glasses around. 

The weekend wouldn't be complete without a trip to the park!

The weekend Meme came to visit

It's almost tradition now for Meme to visit in October. Luckily the sun was out most of the time and we got to do some fun fall stuff

Reading and learning about catalogs. 

And more reading. 

Carving pumpkins. 

Stair hopping. 

Anders cooked us a "chicken dish." His outfit was also spectacular. 

Finished product.