A toddler Jam session at the end of our Potluck evening with friends. I just love catching up with these people. Every time we get together it’s just so comfortable and natural and now the kids are at an age when they’ll go off and play nicely together for a couple of hours – the older kids anyway. At this point we thought it was time to start winding down so my friend Meaghen turned on some music and let them in a sing-a-long complete with instruments.

We have two new babies since last time we met. Another boy (of course) who’s name is Iver and the one pictured below is Nora Jane. Once again my friend Danielle is keeping the world populated with girls. Just look at those eyes.

We’ve dipped our toe in the world of video games for Thomas. I justify it because it’s the Wii which means Thomas has to be actively involved in the process. Here he is playing the “trumpet” on Wii Music – a Christmas present from my Sister-in-law. Kei wanted to open it early because they opened our gift early and…well…I was feeling guilty that Kei’s birthday went by without much fanfare.

We have extended daycare this Friday so we’re planning to go out to dinner. Not sure where yet but I’ve had so much going on that I haven’t had much time to think about it. Seriously – no one should be allowed to have a birthday in December.

I wasn’t sure if we were going to get photos with Santa this year. I hate paying to get photos taken and they always seem so staged and a little risky. Who knows how the kids will react? But then Kei mentioned the Santa at his work and we just had to drop by and meet him. Thomas is so excited about Santa this year and there were no lines to wait in, so it was the perfect opportunity to get some photos.

When he actually saw the man in red in real life though, Thomas became a little shy. Santa gave him a special little gift – a silver bell from the movie Polar Express which we had watched just a few days before so it was pretty perfect.

Of course Samuel had the chance to meet him too.

And here’s the Christmas card picture – if I was organized enough to actually send Christmas cards that is.

Our tree is up. We stopped short of putting lights up on the house, but at least our living room is looking festive.

I didn’t buy any new ornaments this year, but I think I like the less-is-more approach. This tree is about a foot taller than the one we had last year. The only thing missing? Something for the top. May have to check out the post-Christmas sales for a star or angel so the tree is topped off nicely next year.

Of course I didn’t forget the candles. I really should light candles more often. I used to burn candles all the time and I really miss it.

Thomas helped me put up the decorations. He’s very good at following directions like “move your head a little that way so I can get more light on your face while you’re pretending to hang the ornament. It makes a better photo” 🙂

And there I am – look VERY closely.

Here are the stockings my Mum made for the boys. I bought some good stocking holders this year. They’re very simple, but safe. I looked at some really beautiful holders at Pottery Barn but they were so heavy that I was scared one of the kids would pull it down on their head. They were also a lot more expensive.

Oh, and here’s some validation from an anonymous observer. I found this little message written on our path the morning after we set up the tree. I guess it looks pretty through the window.

Thomas is so into Santa this year. I bought he and Samuel a Santa hat each and Thomas has barely taken it off his head since. Oh, and see those cute pajamas he’s wearing? He has barely worn them since I bought them about a year ago. The reason he wears them now? Because they have buttons like Santa’s outfit, and if it’s good enough for Santa…

It’s not really Christmas until you get the tree. Thankfully we live in Oregon where Doug Firs are plentiful and, to be honest, I really wanted the tree more for the fact that I would have somewhere to put the Christmas presents rather than anything to do with the Christmas spirit. I have to say though, that when Kei carried the 7 foot tree into our house and the smell of fresh pine completely took over, it made me want to reach for the mulled wine. Christmas has come to the Ishida house.

I did not colour correct this photo. This is really how the sky looked a few days ago. Isn’t it beautiful? We have been so lucky with the weather this year. It doesn’t even feel like winter has hit yet with most days still in at least the mid 50s. Don’t worry though. The weatherman is predicting snow on the weekend and you know what that means?… 2 inches of snow and Portland will shut down. Can’t wait. Good thing I got all my packages shipped and my Christmas shopping done because if the snow starts we may have trouble leaving the house.

It’s been a while since I posted a picture of myself on the blog…so…well… here it is. Haven’t changed much have I? This picture was taken in our new upstairs bathroom. You can tell because the walls aren’t a horrific shade of lavender.