The Hefford-AndersonsTyler, Jennifer, Samantha, Finley, Declan and Saviah

Tyler had a quick morning off so we headed up to North Bend and picked out our Christmas Tree at Christmas Creek Tree Farm. We have been going here off and on for about 5 years. When we arrived a lot of the trees were already picked over (we went the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend) and we didn’t think we would find a tree. Finley just loved running through the field. It was pretty cold (about 27 degrees) and snowed while we were there.

Here is the tree we picked out.

In Front of our tree. Finley is fixated on cutting it down.

Tyler walking the tree down the hill while the boys and I drove down to meet him.

While we were getting our tree it started snowing. Finley was SO excited, but wanted to play in it. So Tyler and I decided to take him to the summit where he could play for a little bit and then we headed home. It was a long adventure, but lots of fun.

Here is a video of when it started snowing:

Finley climbing a hill of snow at the summit

He looks so tiny in this picture.

Decker Boo hanging out after we got home from tree hunting.

For one of Finley’s advent activities we decided we would build a gingerbread house. I should have known this wasn’t going to turn out to be a magical experience. Don’t get me wrong it was fun, but very messy.

I should have pre-built the house, but forgot so Finley was upset he couldn’t decorate right away. Once it was built:

Finley just wanted to eat it. When it was time to decorate I put everything out on the table. Finley said, ” oh snacks, but what will we decorate the house with?”

He spent a majority of the time licking, tasting and eating the house and it’s decorations.

Finley had mostly finished the house when the wall came down.

Then I tried to fix it.

Gingerbread Houses and Toddlers don’t go well together. It was a fun experience and I have many fond memories. Finley definitely has a sweet tooth.

We headed downtown Seattle the day after Thanksgiving for our annual shopping/playing day. We started the day with Banh Mi from the Seattle Deli – it was YUMMY. Then headed to Westlake to ride the carousel. We decided that this was our 11th Christmas heading down for the tree lighting. We have been going since Samantha was 3. Then walked around, shopped, watched the tree lighting, had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory (Finley’s choice), saw the amazing gingerbread houses at the Sheraton and then spent the night downtown. It was a great day. Too bad the night was so bad – both boys up all night long, an uncomfortable bed and a noisy bus area out or window. Oh well. We had a good time as a family.

**Warning this post has a lot of pictures**

Cool Street Performer

Tyler with the street performer.

Samantha on the Carousel

Declan on his first Carousel Ride

Finley on the Carousel

Finley fell asleep waiting for the tree lighting for the 2nd year in a row.

Declan's First Tree Lighting

The Tree at Westlake

The Macy's Star with Fireworks

Muppet Christmas Carol Gingerbread House

Peanuts Christmas Gingerbread House

It's a Wonderful Life in Gingerbread

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A Christmas Story

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Polar Express

There was a people’s choice award at the end of the display and I was torn between A Christmas Story and Nightmare before Christmas. They both were absolutely amazing. If you get a chance to check them out take it – it was worth it.

This is what happens when a 2 year old finds Mascara.

Finley’s friend Brett hosted a Blues Clues Movie night. So we dressed up in our jammies and headed over a movie and popcorn. Finley had a great time playing, dancing and of course eating popcorn. We are looking forward to many more movie nights.

Watching the movie

Dancing

Getting Tired

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving (I took only a few pictures). We spent Thanksgiving with Tyler’s parents – had a great meal, wonderful conversation (as always) and game time afterwards. Then on Saturday we celebrated with my family for another wonderful dinner.

Here are some of the only pictures I took. Declan on his First Thanksgiving.

I have a picture of Finley in this same First Thanksgiving outfit, but I can’t find it right now.

I can’t believe my little baby is 5 months old already. Declan turned 5 months old on November 20th. He is such a happy baby. Always laughing, playing, smiling and absolutely adores his brother. He had had rice cereal and we are hoping to start some fruits or vegetables this week. He is such a joy in our lives.

Declan in his Canuck's Outfit

We decided at the last minute a few weeks ago to take the kids to Northwest Trek. The weather held out and we had a great time.

Finley and Samantha looking at something cool

Tyler and Finley looking at the Bear

Finley's hand in a bear print

A moose up close and personal

Declan and Samantha on the tram. (Photo by Finley)

Finley has been obsessed lately with him and Declan wearing matching Jammies. Here are our little monkeys in their jammies.

Our silly monkeys

Daddy and his Boys

Finley wearing mommy's glasses

My mom, Finley, Declan and I went to the Night of 1000 Pumpkins at the beginning of November it was sponsored by the Burien Interim Art Space. It was a lot of fun, but a bit cold. Finley enjoyed the Plinko Pumpkin game.

Finley rolling his pumpkin down. It took three tries before it was ground up.

Declan and Nama dancing

Finley and Mommy