we're not the traditional "santa" family. we've told eli about the real St. Nicolas and how he gave gifts to the needy and helped the poor. And how the guy dressed in red with a white beard at Christmas time is a representation of the real St. Nicolas.
then there's Noah. the arc. the animals. the white beard.
the other day eli saw a toy he wanted. he said, "i'm gong to ask Noah and the reindeer to get me that..."
it's about that time of year again, i think we need to reteach that lesson. poor Noah, going from captain of a boat that held the worlds offspring - to commanding a sleigh of flying reindeer.
we hit lucky peak on a pontoon boat last week. it was a beautiful day on the lake. under the boat is always a hit...and a little creepy.
these two shots crack me up. lyla had a smashing time with haily this visit.
i find myself taking pictures of the back of his head a lot. i must like it.
we got a tube this time to pull behind the boat. the boys loved it. haily went with jesse, but closed her eyes the whole time. but i think i see a smile...
shane turned 7 while vising us. i really can't believe he's seven. i so vividly remember flying to texas to see him for the first time. oh, the anticipation! he was so cute. and still is, just a bit bigger with more hair:)
we went to the fair yesterday with the fam. the kids had a blast on the rides. this girl behind eli cracks me up.
the wild and crazy kangaroo ride.
the very sad lyla when the ride stopped and she had to get off...
the round in circle car ride...
lyla enjoying the wind in her hair
very sad lyla at the conclusion of the car ride being comforted by daddy
peek...i love his little eyes
we were "bomber jets" and "fighter jets"
how cute is he...holding on for dear life with a squinted smile...
talk about holding on for dear life, lyla would not put this slushie down even to feed the animals. eventually, when her little brain was frozen solid, she gave it up to feed a goat...then immediately asked for it back.
eli and lyla checking out the baby quail...this makes me laugh.
and i don't know, do you think we should see a doctor for this?
the so-cal camps arrived yesterday for a fun filled week. we went to the train depot today for a ride up the bell tower and to feed the koi.
the final four...
eli has been waiting all summer for his "favorite person in california" to visit. yesterday before they got here he said, "when shane gets here i'm just gonna cry."
with our husbands working late and out of town, suz and i were both flying solo for the evening. so she came over for dinner and a play date. we ate pizza and ice cream and played in the kiddy pool. i'm so thankful for good friends:)
if you can't tell, eli is in that "must-make-a-silly-face-in-every-picture-that-i'm-not-frowning-in" phase.
