Christmas Countdown

We have been very busy this month. Allie keeps track of the days by playing her "Santa Game"....and I can't believe we are already on December 15th. It is going to be 2010 before we know it! Today we went to Colusa to see Santa at Rotary with Grandma Ganne and Paka. Allie was a little shy and didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but loved her gift and candy cane from Santa. We look forward to many more fun times this month with family and friends!

Christmas Tree Hunt

Today we found our Christmas tree at the lot by our house....we have had good luck there since we moved to Woodland, and the trees come direct from Salem, Oregon so that is kinda neat for us since that is where we met! It was fun for Allie to look for the "perfect" Christmas tree. When Geoff put it in the house she grabbed a few things that were around the house and started "decorating". Once she is done napping we will decorate. It will be lots of fun. She is enjoying all of the Christmas festivities this year.

Santa's Secret Adventure

Last night we had a great time with the Eathornes at Santa's Secret Adventure. Allie and Carter had a wonderful time. It is a great place out in Penryn and I am glad Jenn found it! When the kids arrived they roasted marshmallows by the fire. Then we were greeted by Mrs. Claus and we had cookies and hot chocolate while we sang Christmas songs and she read us a story around the fire. Mrs. Claus talked to each one of the kids and Carter introduced "his girlfriend Allie" to Mrs. Claus. While singing, Allie said "sing a little louder Mrs. Claus". It was so cute to see all of the little ones look for Rudolph up in the sky (daddies too). After singing songs by the fire, the Elf Jilly Magillee took us up to see Santa Claus in his house. He was sleeping at his desk and all of the kids yelled surprise to wake him up. Allie and Carter were a bit nervous when we first walked in, but then they all sat in a circle and Santa had each of the kids come up one by one. Carter and Allie were very patient while waiting for their turn to see Santa. But Carter did kiss Allie a few times and she did not mind a bit...this was about the 10th time! I guess they were sitting under mistletoe (or at least they thought they were). Allie told Santa she wanted a talking doll house and some running shoes so she could run in the sun. She also told him all about her critter house and how she plays with it every day. It was too cute. I tried to take a video but I think it might have been too dark. Allie and Carter warmed up to Santa and even gave him a hug before we left. After our Santa visit we were off to ride ponies. Allie is not of fan of pony rides (tried it at the Farmers Market) but when we entered the barn she went and put on a helmet and was ready to ride! What? Is this Allie? Geoff and I just looked at each other and smiled....she was sure a brave girl last night. The nice helper girls let her pick which pony to ride and she chose Jingle Bells. She got on and was a bit hesitant but rode all around the arena. She said "gidee-up Jingles...c'mon" it was fun to see her. Next we rode on the horse drawn carriages and saw the pretty lights on the ranch. We had an awesome night and I hope we can add this to our list of Christmas traditions each year.

Roasting Marshmallows

Meeting Mrs. Claus

Looking for Rudolph

Kisses from Carter

The little ones cracking up at Mrs. Claus

Acting like reindeers

Wake up Santa... we are here to see you!

Allie talking to Santa

Allie making sure Santa is writing the right toy on his list

Carter and Burke talking to Santa

Big hug for Santa

See you later Santa...thanks for visiting with us

Allie is a brave girl riding Jingle Bells to pony

Taking a break in front of the tree

Jenn, Burke & Carter Eathorne on the carriage ride

The Hulbs getting ready to go on the carriage ride

Bo the Elf

Last year Grandma Ganne and Paka got us the Elf on the Shelf story. Part of the tradition when you get the story is naming the Elf. We named ours Bo and the little Elf comes out every year at the beginning of December. Bo shows up in a different spot each morning and watches to see if you are being naughty or nice, then he reports to Santa every night! We will have lots of fun with this each year!