Our ride on the Polar Express

We just got back from the North Pole!  It was a great trip! 

Our train left at 5PM this evening.  It was almost dark and you could hear the steam whistle coming before you could see the light.   

Before boarding the train.  (We left Carson with Grandma Vancil so we could enjoy our trip with Parker)

Sitting in our car...the penguin car... 

I was super excited when I looked up and read that the car I was sitting in was the same train car used in Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman...I LOVE that show!

The conductor came and punched our tickets.

And before we knew it...we were at the North Pole.  We were very fortunate the North Pole has a a brief string of 50 degree weather! 

There was much to do!  Parker met with the Snow Princess and got a winter silly band.  He posed for some photos with a winter backdrop.

And he climbed on the back caboose with his buddy Carter Nelson.  

There was time to make a craft in a heated room with Daddy....A cool ornament to hang on our tree... 

And then it was time...time to see the big man himself.  We did an impromptu dry run this morning at Sandburg Mall.  Didn't go terribly, and we were thankful we had the chance to get the first experience of Santa out of the way before this one.   

Santa was sitting inside his red caboose with Mrs. Claus.  We waited in line for some time....

 

The Nelson family was just ahead of us and it definitely helped to see an older, much wiser, "pro" talk to Santa first.  Carter did a great job!

When it was Parker's turn, he did GREAT! 

He talked to Santa, he told him he wanted "presents".  We helped Parker be a little more specific on what he would like Santa to bring.  Then Santa gave Parker a shiny bell.  

Parker inspected it with Santa and then graciously gave it back to Santa...

We had to explain that that was his gift from Santa to keep.  Once he understood, he wouldn't let go of the bell!

After having our turn with Santa, we were able to let the boys play with some train tracks and pieces before our train began boarding to take us back to Iowa. 

Parker thanked our conductor and rode like a big boy all the way back talking about "big Santa"

This may be a trip we hear a lot about in the coming weeks!

Pre-Thanksgiving

What?!? Tomorrow's Thanksgiving?  We better go to the Festival of Trees to get into the holiday spirit!

Come on guys!

Can you believe all of these TOYS?!?

I want....that one!  Do you think they'll miss just one? Have you ever played Jenga? Dad says we shouldn't play with this stack of toys...

Choo-Choo trains are so cool!  I could stay here and watch this all night...

no really, mom and Carson, go ahead and look at the trees...dad and I are good here.  

You didn't tell me there was a SPIDERMAN tree! 

I got my picture taken with daddy, Carson and the "Go-Bears" tree.   

We made one last stop at the train station before we left the main hall.  It was sooo cool!  The train was even cooler than the "barn" (the gingerbread houses) although I wanted to see the barn again too, Mom said no. :(

This crazy tree talked to me on the way out.  I didn't know what to say.  I wasn't sure if I was amused or bewildered.   

But, by the end of the conversation I had made a new friend and I told her "See you later". 

She said, "See you next year"

I hope so, I had a lot of fun at The Festival of Trees! 

My brother, Carson, however, was ready to go...we had overstayed our welcome according to him.

Festival of Trees Parade

Last year we went to the festival of trees parade...photo left.  This year we made it a tradition by going back..photo right.

It was another great weather year and we had a lot of fun.  Making new family traditions is as good as keeping old family traditions!

  

This year Grandma Kay joined us.  We got to the parade almost an hour early.... 

So Parker entertained himself acting silly... 

and it wasn't long before little brother joined in!

Big Tuesday

Today was a big day of firsts at our house!

Today was Parker's first experience at "pre-school"

OK...not true pre-school, but that's what we have told him.  Our local pre-school has a Try it on Tuesday program where children pre-preschool age can come on Tuesdays to play games, read books, and make a craft.  Luckily it goes until 5PM so even working families can take advantage of it! :)

I wish there were more things that went into the evening for us!

So tonight right after school Travis, Parker, Carson and I all went to Pre-School.

Parker was definitely taking it all in.  He didn't wander far, but before we left he had already made friends with the instructor and was talking all about the toys and the craft.

Today's craft was noise shakers...

Look what I made!!! Look how they move!  

Listen to the sound!

Next week...Turkey hands.......with PAINT!!!!

The other Stecher boy also had a big day...tonight was his first experience with cereal.  After weighing in OFF the charts at his 4 month visit on Friday (19lbs. 4oz.) we got the approval to start cereal.  Tonight was the first chance we've had to play with it.  

I'm ready mama! 

First bite... 

YUM!  I like it! 

After a little while, and most of the bowl...Carson started to get full...however, he ate the whole 5 tablespoons full! 

I get to have this again tomorrow?!? 

Ugh...I'm full

He is now sleeping...I wonder how long he will sleep with a belly full of cereal...

Happy Birthday Mommy

My birthday was last week...however, I spread the event over a two week period. 

We had dinner with friends the Friday night before, Adults only at our favorite causal restaurant...SOOO FUN!

Then we had a family dinner this past Sunday with my family.

And on my actual birthday Travis and the boys cooked dinner and cookie cake for me. 

What a fabulous birthday!

Carson must have done something funny here...I'm surprised and Parker is cracking up!

 

Happy Birthday Mommy!  Let me help you blow out the candle. 

I WANTED TO HELP BLOW OUT THE CANDLE TOO!

Grandma and Parker coloring  

Everyone just hanging out at my dad's.  I loved this!  Just hanging out together on a Sunday evening.  No on rushing here or there, no one leaving to go meet friends or having to run errands.  Just being together as a family on a non-holiday.  LOVED IT!  Hopefully we can do it more often, but if not, I know what I'm planning for next years birthday....

The exact same thing as this year!