Making Christmas cookies with GG

On Thursday December 11th, we spent the day with GG, Auntie Krissy and Danielle making holiday cookies. We made sugar cookies, thumb print cookies, almond roca, peanut butter kiss cookies, and fudge. We spent a lot of the morning rolling the batter out and cutting out cookies. The girls had lots of fun pouring ingredients into the mixer, rolling out the dough and cutting the cookies. We spent a few hours frosting and decorating. The girls LOVED this part and made a few masterpieces. We will definitely make this a family tradition to do every year!!

Avery in her cute gingerbread apron and hat. She was helping GG stir the frosting.
Using the kids rolling pin

Cutting cookies shapes out with Danielle

Natale watching the activities from her high chair. She was entertained very well and loved when the girls would come by and say HI

The grown-ups doing the rest of the cookie decorating
Thanks Mom!! We had a great day and we can't wait for next year!!

Santa's Lap

We arrived at Alderwood Mall at about 10 am. I found out while I got in line Santa starts taking pictures at 10 am. We got in line and waited....and waited and finally Santa!! Avery ran right to Santa. Natale didn't smile, but she was very interested in him. Avery shared with Santa she wanted a Barbie and a horse. She took her coloring book with pride and we headed to the cashier. As I took my receipt I looked down at my phone and it was 11:30. The girls did great and thank God for other children in line helping to distract my kids during the wait.

Christmas Tree Hunting!

On Saturday morning, Joe got up to researched local Christmas tree farms. We headed toward Monroe and stopped to have breakfast. After our favorite breakfast in town, we headed to a tree farm. The first farm was the "chosen one", but they were rude....long story. So we followed another set of signs and found the tree farm. We got out and bundled the girls. We looked around for about 15 minutes and finally found it.....the Prince Family Christmas Tree!! Joe was more prepared this year with his saw. Joe hauled the tree to the truck and we went to pay. We enjoyed some cookies and cider and looked at some handmade crafts. It was really nice family run tree farm and maybe we will go back!!

Looking through the tree farm

Natale and Mama looking for the perfect tree

Chopping down the tree

TIMBERRRRR!!!

Our 2008 Christmas tree!!

Uncle Jonny with his favorite girls!!

The girls LOVE Uncle Bubba!! They had lots of fun jumping on his bed and he had fun throwing Avery into a body slam.....she loved it!! She would get up and ask for more and he even tried a gentle lift with Natale and she giggled too! Danielle didn't like the lifting part but she sure is great at jumping on the bed.

Avery getting the body slam......giggling the entire time

Natale was helping Uncle Jon do the dishes

Jon with his favorite girls!

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hansons

After breakfast, we headed to Kirkland for Thanksgiving dinner and some Hanson family time. The girls had fun playing and watching Barney while the adults watched the Seahawks get their butts kicked, read the black Friday ads and talked about the upcoming holidays. We all had a wonderful afternoon and the food was yummy!!
The Turkey....yum-o!

Reading all the ads for Black Friday....any deals??

Natale enjoying the green beans and jello

Family photo!

The family minus Krissy (taking picture), Danielle and Natale (sleeping)

We all hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving Morning with the Paduanos

On Thanksgiving morning we headed to Grannie and Pa's house for breakfast and to visit with the family. We had eggs, ham, hash browns, cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast. The girls enjoyed seeing the family and we had a delicious breakfast.


The girls enjoying the fruit and pastries

The girls playing the piano....we might have a Mozart in the family

Avery saying CHEESE!!
On my knees and grinning from ear to ear

The girls wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Celebrating 4 years of Marriage

Thanksgiving was also our 4th Wedding Anniversary. We have had a wonderful 4 years of marriage and 2 beautiful daughters. Its been full of lots of love with a few bumps in the road, but I am looking forward to the next 50 years and growing old together!! I love you, Joe!!
Our wedding day 11/27/2004

Toasting to our anniversary 11/27/08

The Happy couple!