Erickson Christmas

Wait. It's 2013 already. Shoot. Here's an end of 2012 recap.

We went to up the shore for Christmas with the Erickson clan. It was fun to be on vacation so close to home. There was much laughing, wine and food. And some walking outside. But man oh man was it cold. So there were more of the other things.

Pre-Christmas

Enjoying the newly fixed fireplace. 

First sip of hot chocolate. Awesome.

Jake and Emily came to visit and we hit up Bentleyville with the Pearson boys. 

"There is a Christmas tree in our house!" - Lucy, Age 2

Boulder Tree Cut was a little squishier than in years past but a great adventure nonetheless. I think the tree selection team is getting better at eyeing up the tops of the trees from afar. We emerged from the woods with three trees, a bunch of greens, 6 adults, 2 toddlers and a dog. Success! We also ran into other fine folks we know, had a snack and then rocked on into nap time.

The beginning of great memories.

We built up the tree adventure for the week before. I think Lu had a great time. And now has been sharing with folks that there is a tree in her house. 

This evening we put the ornaments on after a pretty crazy day. Pink eye has hit our house and Lu is kind of a ball of goo. We spent 3 hours at urgent care through what should have been nap time. Well if that isn't the recipe for an awesome afternoon, I don't know what is. Lucy was a rock star though, let the nurses/doctors do their thing and even took a nap when we got home. 

This photo is hilarious. Nothing like a holiday sweatshirt glamour shot.

 

Well hello Santa. We've left this wide angle. Don't zoom in. Lu's face is not at her cutest or cleanest. Santa didn't seem to mind.

  

Ladder? Check. Ornaments? Check. Band-aid on your booty which was applied for a minor head bump earlier? Check.

Santa pruning like a champ.

Angel up!

The toddler decorator was going for a more clustered arrangement.

The finished product. Oh Christmas Tree. I'm so excited for the holiday season. 

This is what I'm thankful for.

Family memories like the flavor of thyme on carrots, family outings on the shore, pretending, art, my daughter laughing at my husband's antics, anticipating the holiday season full of friends, family, christmas carols and snow.

It's been a good good day.

Art time. Ryan was even invited into the gluing. 

Yes, you guessed it. We were discussing how the clouds were reflected in the puddles. It's about light refraction and reflection don't you know.

There were a lot of puddles to stomp in. Lucy is grateful for those.

She doesn't know it but she's grateful that her parents didn't let her jump in this one.

Casual rock throwing. She's more into size and splash than beauty. Lots of agates were left behind. But there was quite a bit of splashing.

Box forts are still fun. Especially when there is a cardboard rocket ship involved also.

Lucy friendly Thanksgiving! Someday she'll be grateful and excited that I made a vegan-nut -soy-coconut free pumpkin pie. Right?

What the ?!?

As I said, it was a good good day.

November mashup

Thanksgiving? Really, it's Thanksgiving?!

Here is a peek at Halloween/Grandparents visits etc.:

Watch out at the Holy Rosary School playground. There are dragons there.

Twin skeletons smiling.

Lucy loved trick or treating. She did a wonderful job handing out candy to the "kidz".

Helping make the bed.

Sunday mornings are awesome.

Puzzle time with Grandpa.

Reading. Reading. Reading with Grammy, Peter-baby, puppy and Snicks.

Christmas City of the North Parade with Frank. The marching bands were a hit. The Aquarium's dancing otters were not.

A Boo at the Zoo trip with Frank and Erin. 

Sniffing trees with Grandpa. Is this a Minnesota thing?

Scooping out a mini pumpkin. 

Happy Halloween! And Happy Thanksgiving!