We Saw Santa Claus!!

Caleb and Lorelei on Santa's lap! This is the first time the kids have ever been to the mall Santa and if you can believe it...Caleb was a bit apprehensive about it! After he saw that it wasn't scary he was perfectly happy to sit on Santa's lap and give him a gift suggestion or two.
Once we were done with Santa we strolled over towards Lorelei's favorite Christmas tree and once again, pictures in the little face cut-outs. Better ones because I specificially brought my camera along for these very pictures. The one above is Dad with the kids and the one below is me with the kids.

This is the coveted mall Christmas tree. As you can see I didn't even really get the whole thing in the picture. It's MASSIVE! Lorelei wants one at her house when she grows up.
Of course, the kids always need to throw a little pocket change into the wishing well...
And Lorelei had to show me which sized ornaments she likes best.
Dad got creative and tried to get her smiling face in the ornament. It kind of worked out alright!
After we were done with our Santa visiting and picture taking at the mall we went over to Old Country Buffet for dinner. It's a win-win because the kids can pick what they want and so can the adults. No one goes home hungry! After dinner the kids made up some ice cream treats. Don't they look scrumptious?
Caleb (above) and Lorelei (below) enjoying their ice cream creations.
The End. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

We're going to try something new this week and particpate in Photostory Friday.

Cookie Decorating with Friends

Friends joined us for what would have been our Friday night family night this week. We decorated some gingerbread cookies, had pizza for dinner and then the kids played for a good two hours while the mom's had adult, uninterrupted conversation.

Family Night

I'm trying really hard to get in the habit of having a once weekly family night. Right now, Friday seems to be the best night to do this. Sort of an "end of the school week" celebration. Last week? Didn't go to well and the kids ended up in bed early for bad behavior. Tonight? Went really well!

This week I had a free movie rental from Redbox so we picked up Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. It was super cute and we all really enjoyed it. Daddy sprung for pizza and we had popcorn and juice for "dessert". Before pizza arrived the kids played a few rounds of their own made up version of Sorry! Sliders.

Can't wait for next week!

That darn swine flu...

Swine flu? Well, we don't have it, thankfully. BUT...there are cases in our state, county and city.

Tonight, the school is having a showing of Bolt for the kids and parents. A fun night for the family and just $.50/person or a clean soda can to recycle. Sweet deal. But, we aren't going. Because of swine flu.

I'm not paranoid about it, but they are suggesting to stay out of crowded places if you can -- and we can avoid this. In fact, we own Bolt on DVD. So, in an effort to still have our cake and eat it too -- we will be having family night here at home. Popcorn, root beer and a movie -- for nothing.

Another reason we'll be staying in? Caleb has a cold and a bit of chest congestion. So, since he's already a little sick, it's probably best not to have him around all those people. Obviously I can't keep him home for every cough or sniffle from school, but I can keep him from getting anyone sick at this particular family event.

Now, let's all hope that this swine flu business doesn't cancel his field trip to the Shedd Aquarium next Thursday. Not only is he really looking forward to it, I get to go along as a chaperone! And let's hope it's well controlled by the time summer vacation hits because I've found a ton of free programs for the kids to enjoy through the park and recreation department and I certainly don't want to have to avoid those!

{Oh, and mommy quit smoking 5 days ago. The kids -- haven't noticed. Despite being the ones who always told me I was going to die soon if I didn't give them up. Hypocrites!}