Christmas Tree -New Mock Tradition

This year we decided to buy a permit to cut down a tree from National Forest land. The permit is only $5!! (Anyone else think that's is ridiculously cheap!!??) So, we set out up Brackett Creek on Saturday- the weather was beautiful, sunny and lots of snow. The whole family got out and it was so much fun. (This is a trail Kyle and I used to cross country ski quite often.)

Last year Madigan extremely disliked sledding when we took her. I was concerned we were traumatizing her forever. Well, it turns out this year she loves it. She's a little taller now which helps with the snow in the face thing.


Cutting the chosen tree:

The sled was a great idea of Dad's. Madigan rode the whole way and it was so easy I could even pull her. See that belly? I keep thinking my coat won't fit each day and then somehow it still zips!..Granted it rides a little high, but I'll take that for the warmth of my down jacket any time.


Our tree isn't the fullest tree, but it's the one the family picked out. We decided cutting a tree will be a Mock family tradition every year. It was such a fun family outing for all of us!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. We were home in the morning and talked and video'ed with family, made a dish to take with us (made desserts the night before-ah ha such a smart idea), watched the Macy's parade and just hung out until about noon. In the afternoon, we joined the Nelson's for the rest of the day and evening- we made a thankful chain with the kids, ate a dinner made for royalty, watched movies, did a little knitting- you get the just.

Here's Dad & Madigan making some festive window decorations with our window markers.Kids table:
Thankful chain:

After each addition, Madigan wanted to hold it up to see how big it was:

Ballet Parent Observation Day

Last week was Parent Observation Week at the ballet studio. ...that meant the moms got to sit in the room during class and listen and take pictures. The girls loved having us as an audience. Madigan is starting to really enjoy class. She's still pretty serious at times, but you can tell she's having fun.

Artwork

I had to share a couple of pictures Madigan drew at dinner the other night! The person is the top right of the below picture is a person who in addition the normal legs, arms and eyes, also got boobs and a belly button (in Madigan terms of course). I just thought that was so awesome!!



And this is a picture of our family- always including the baby and the dogs! I did draw the ovals for the dogs, but the rest is Madigan's own artwork.

At Madigan's 3 year doctor appointment, our doc seemed pretty impressed that she could draw people. Of course they're my favorite thing she draws!! At last night's dinner she also drew a hiking trail and geysers.....

misc...

I finally "made" some homemade kleenex 2 weeks ago. I just cut some flannel and called it good. Madigan picked out a ballerina print (of course). Here she is folding them all up after washing. Anything we may call a chore or work or cleaning, she likes it! Lately she's also been crushing eggshells in the pestle and mortar. I love these little tasks that she can help with, but also take her some time to do and give me a break...


BOTH dogs took a nap with Madigan the other day. She was so happy to cuddle with Naya as well. I should sneak in there one of these days and snap some pictures-Barnaby lays right next to Madigan with his head on Kyle's pillow. He never misses a nap time or bed time.

31 weeks done, 9 more weeks to go...

We're 31 weeks along, only 9 more weeks to go. I think they're going to go pretty fast since we have 3 holidays between now and the due date. I'm feeling so big already, but the doctor's appointment yesterday said I'm right on track....I'm actually 7 pounds less then I was at the same time in Madigan's pregnancy! I'm getting so excited to meet this new little person. This baby is so much more active then Madigan was int he womb--I can only imagine what we're in for....Of course, Madigan needed to take some pictures of her own as well:

And Madigan talking to the baby is a norm around here. Mostly she just says "Hello baby, I'm your big sister."...She says she's already a big sister and is so excited about her sibling. She says it's a surprise (the sex of the baby) when anyone asks what she's having.

Kyle's Birthday

Each year, Kyle requests a boston creme pie as his birthday cake. It's never very pretty, but oh it is so delicious. I think I am going to start requesting this as my birthday cake as well.
And Madigan being 3 this year, of course she thinks birthdays are the best. Can you see the happiness in her face?Before Dad got home:
We had a nice little surprise on Kyle's birthday. Our electricion called to say he'd being started our new lighting installation that day! We have had very poor lighting (2 lambs and a bad fixture hanging from the kitchen ceiling) since moving in. A couple of weeks ago Kyle decided it was time and we got it! What a different life it is on the main floor now!

Some random photos:
Madigan's new hat Mom made: