The Holidays part 3: the Santa Express.

We were lucky to go on a train ride to the North Pole with the Waldons.  We all headed up to Horseshoe Bend bright and early on the 23rd, and loaded the train.  It was decorated and played Christmas music and Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with us on the ride.  Our party took up 3 tables!

Emmy and Ben

Clara doing some Christmas coloring

Will eating something :)

Oma Opa and Will with his candy cane

There's most of the crew!

We rode on the train for about 30 minutes and finally made it to the North Pole!  We got to take photos in Santa's sleigh.  Will wasn't very happy to sit with Mrs. Claus!

All of us piled in for a quick pic!

Then we had some time to wander around the North Pole!

Clara loved the inflatable reindeer and snowmen.  She was in everyone else's business and ruining their family photo ops.  She was just that excited!

See what I mean?

After hanging out at the North Pole and leaving carrots for the reindeer and getting milk and candy canes, we boarded the train again for the return trip.  I thought it would be a great time to take Clara to the bathroom.  As we waited in the aisle of the train, some people boarded and needed to get past us.  One thing I'd love to forget but will probably remember forever was Clara's huffy response when I asked her to move to the side so the people could pass by: "I HATE PEOPLE!"  What?  She sometimes forgets to be polite to others in public!  I need to get her out more!

We missed Kurtis (he had to work) but had a grand time on the train!  Thanks again Oma and Opa for this fun holiday treat!

The Holidays part 1: gearing up.

We did a few things to get in the holiday spirit around here!  First off, we went to the Optimist Football lot by our house and got a tree.  There was just too much snow in the mountains to go cut one down this year in our usual spot!  Clara loved helping pick the tree out, but the temps were close to ZERO that day, so we chose quickly and got the heck outta there!

Here's the little girl at the tree lot.

Another thing we always do is have mother/daughter brunch with my girlfriends Jessica, Teri, and Katie and their moms/sisters/kids.  Sadly, my mom and sister couldn't make it that day.  So it was just Clara and I representin'.  Here we are in our glory (hehehe - it's a fab picture, right?).

And here we are with Jess and Elliott.

Another thing we did to prep for Christmas was bake cookies.  I didn't bake as many kinds this year.  I just couldn't find the time.  Finishing up handmade gifts consumed most of my weekends before Christmas this year.  But we made do!  Here is Clara frosting a bell sugar cookie.  She loved that part of the job!

It was so much fun getting in gear for Christmas this year with an almost 3-year-old.  She remembered everything about Christmas, and was such a big help with decorating the tree, wrapping presents and putting them under the tree, and baking cookies.

The Holidays part 2: a festive night out.

This picture has nothing to do with our festive night out, but I couldn't forget to post it on the blog.  So cute!

The Brooks family always has a night out during the holidays.  This year we went to Fork downtown, and it didn't disappoint!  Here are Kurtis and I.  Isn't he handsome?

And here are Clara and I.  She is sometimes so difficult to take pictures of/with!  She was actually giggling and cooperating here with me!  Silly little girl!

Here are Clara, Pop, and Uncle Brad!

After dinner, we went to the Botanical Gardens Aglow.  We saw the reindeer again.  She wasn't very eager to have small hands petting her.  But we still got to see her!

And here's little miss thing leading the way in the "treehouse" in the gardens.  She hiked all the way up to the top of the gardens and saw the statue of Sacajawea and wouldn't take a single step further.  She was completely freaked out by "that big lady".

It was such a fun night and is always a treat to spend time with family!  Thank you again Arlen and Jeff and Janet for the wonderful evening!

Clara Convos

Clara is a kick in the pants. A couple weeks ago, Kurtis' aunt asked what Clara would like for Christmas.  So we decided to ask her.  She thought and thought, and then said,
Clara - "A car."
Mommy and Daddy (laughing)- "A car?  Like a toy car?"
Clara - "No.  A car like Mommy's, only blue."

We were laughing so hard, to be interrupted with,
Clara - "And a sister."

Really?

And just as I was writing this post, I must have had a serious look on my face, because Clara just eyeballed me and said, "Cheer up dude.  It's Christmas time!"

Who is this little girl?

Clara Convos...

The other day, Clara was reading a book with Oma.  The book was all about the possible jobs a child could have when he/she grew up.  So after reading the book, Oma asked Clara what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Oma even offered some suggestions, but Clara wouldn't commit to anything Oma suggested (which is just like our strong-willed and independent Clara).  Finally, after many long moments of thoughtfulness, Clara answered, "When I grow up, I want to be...sunshine".

first snow.

We had our first good snow last night!  Clara just loved playing in it!  I opened the garage door and Clara flew out into the snow.  By the time I could retrieve the shovel from inside the garage, she had made a snow angel and was laying in the snow piling snow on top of herself like a crazy person!  She used her shovels and buckets to build castles while I shoveled, and then she decided she wanted to get her bike out and take it for a spin.  I was a little worried the consequences would include tears and owies, but each time she skidded and fell, she just giggled.  It was hilarious to watch!

She's got a look in her eyes like she's up to no good in these next few pics!

After tipping over for the umpteenth time, she gave me some great poses for pictures!  I was giggling like crazy, and she ate it up!

And here's the maniac at work!

What a fun and snowy day!