North Pole Visit

Last week we made a quick trip to the "North Pole."  Maddie and Luke both received a personal invitation from Santa to visit him in his workshop.  We were told to wear pajamas with a warm jacket and to meet at a special location up north.

Dad, Luke and Maddie wait by a warm fire before boarding the trolley to the North Pole

Once there, we joined lots of other children on a trolley ride to be transported through a magical portal on a cold winter night.  We arrived at a huge workshop in a snowy field where we were greeted by lots of elves.  Maddie and the other children helped Santa's elves make toys. 

Maddie and an elf aboard the trolley to the North Pole

Maddie and the other children enter Santa's workshop

Maddie (far right) and other children help dress stuffed animals

Maddie finishes her "toy making" duties

Maddie prepares to launch a foam dart across the room - kids (and elves) like to mix work and play!

After some hard work and play, the kids enjoyed some fresh baked Christmas cookies and "reindeer soup" (hot chocolate).  The kids also attend E.U. (Elf University) where they learned some Christmas trivia from Professor Mistletoe.  Finally they wrote letters to Santa and personally hand delivered them to him in his office!  It was a great and memorable night.

Maddie and other children prepare for a snack after some hard work

Luke enjoys a Christmas cookie with lots of red icing

Same cookie... 1 minute later!

The children listen attentively to Professor Mistletoe

Maddie answers some trivia questions at Elf University

Writing her letter to Santa

Our visit with Santa in his office

Alabaster (Santa's #1 elf) with Maddie the next morning at breakfast

Mrs. Claus reads a story

After our night at the North Pole, we took some time to play in the snow the next day before returning home.  It was a quick trip, but it really got us into the Christmas spirit.  We hope that your Christmas is as magical and spirit-filled as ours.

Mom, Luke and Maddie on the cabin porch, snow falling behind them!

Dad gets Luke dressed to play in the snow

Our little snow angel

All smiles and bundled up for some playing in the snow

Luke gets a sled ride from Dad

Catching snowflakes

Taking a break from sledding

Mom, Maddie and Luke in the cabin

Luke enjoys an Oreo in the car on the ride home!

Trick or Treat - 2011

As much work as Halloween can be to prepare for (costumes, candy, parties, decorations, pumpkin carving, etc.) it's SO worth it when the day arrives and the kids are so excited.  Once again this year we enjoyed a Halloween party with our neighbors and friends and trick or treating a couple of nights later.  As usual Maddie had a blast filling her bucket with candy (don't worry - she didn't eat all of it... donating most of it to her school the next day to raise money for charities) and Luke was old enough this year to start making his own memories.  Enjoy the snapshots of our "Tribal Spirit" and "Incredible Hulk"!  Also a witch and her broom... Maddie said "Dad, you're an accessory!"

Maddie (Tribal Spirit) and Luke (Incredible Hulk) are almost ready to start a night of fun

Even The Hulk needs a little love from his big sister

Angela joins the kids... where's the witch's broom?

Dad's not winning any costume awards this year... but the family photos still looks good

Cutest (and least scary) Hulk in the world!

Hugs anyone?

Maddie and friends having fun at the party

Maddie and neighboorhood friends

Another Hulk pose

Luke and Maddie pick out some treats after a hard night of trick or treating

Dad introduces Luke to a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (he liked it)

Awwwww...

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Maintaining our annual October tradition (6th year in a row!) of attending a local pumpkin festival, we once again spent a wonderful fall afternoon "down on the farm". As usual, Maddie enjoyed the rides and having Dad chase her through the hay bale maze.  Luke enjoyed the dirt, rocks, sights and sounds.  He also enjoyed riding on the Honey Bee ride with Mom.  We all enjoyed some yummy snacks and the fall weather was beautiful.  Once again the setting provided a beautiful backdrop for some photos and a day filled with memories.

Maddie and Luke pose on some hay bales

Dad joins the photo too

All smiles in the pumpkin patch

Luke sits surrounded by pumpkins

A pumpkin is the perfect chair for Luke

Maddie balances as she walks across pumpkins in the field

Family photo... smile Luke!

Maddie Goat and Luke Sheep smile with their farm animal friends

Maddie and Dad get ready for the swing ride

Halloween facepaint art

Luke finds some rocks

Move those rocks Luke... great job!

Maddie feeds the deer some corn

Luke and Mom on the train ride

Maddie rides a swing

Luke explores a playground tunnel

Luke loves the farm soil (a.k.a. dirt)

Maddie by the koi pond

Mom and the kids enjoy the carousel