Santa Claus

Saturday night we went to SLC to visit with Jared and Lynnsey, ate at one of our favorite restaurants and took the kids to Discovery Gateway. Last visit to Discovery we opted to buy a family annual membership - and I couldn't be happier. Every time we go we find something new and exciting that we haven't seen before. There are toys in an area specifically designed for kids 18 months and younger for Gavin. And, Autumn just loves it all!
Santa was at Discovery . . . straight from the North Pole with a $13 picture that suckers like me just can't resist.

Gavin's Smiles

Future Cheerleader

Autumn: "Mommy, can I be a cheerleader when I grow up?"
Mommy: "Sure, honey."
Autumn: "Ah, thank you, Mommy."

I love that in her mind right now, I can make all things happen.

"I'm just taking a quick bath, Mommy"

Every parent knows that when it gets too quiet for too long, you better go find your kids! In Grand Junction, Grandma and Grandpa Peterson have a big house where grandkids can get into plenty of trouble. I was just getting out of the shower when I found Autumn taking matters into her own hands. She said her hair was "funky" and that she was just taking a quick bath.

The Polar Express

Last year we started an annual tradition of riding Heber Creeper's Polar Express train to pick up Santa from the North Pole. This year was even more magical for Autumn than last . . . aided by the fact that she watched the movie Polar Express for the first time the night before our big adventure. She was almost as excited to talk to the Conductor as she was to visit with the elves and Mrs. Claus and even Santa himself. Of course, we were able to enjoy hot chocolate and one of Mrs. Claus' magic cookies while singing carols and listening to the elves tell us Christmas-related jokes - all while we traveled to the North Pole.
To be honest . . . this is a somewhat pricey tradition (for those interested) . . . but, the look on Autumn's face when she sees Santa, bundling up in our warmest pajamas, sipping hot chocolate and singing songs is worth every penny.



Santa is waiting at the North Pole for the kids to see out the window. This is Autumn catching her first glimpse of the big man himself. He then boards the train and takes a moment to visit with each child and gives them a special present . . . a silver bell to remind them to always "believe."

"Smile for the Camera"

So, I have a nice camera, I love to take pictures, and I have what I consider to be excellent-looking subjects. Here's the issue . . . that flash has snapped in Autumn's little face at least 10,000 times or more in her young life (I wonder if I should look into the long-term effects of flash photography on a growing mind). I view all the pictures on Rachel's site of her beautiful little girls, hair curled, posed perfectly . . . and I get these crazy notions in my head that perhaps I, too, can create those same memories on film with my children!
And, not that I would ever complain . . . but, I thought it was only fair to share what I am working with . . .
Autumn refuses to have her hair fixed (she rips it out of her head immediately on the rare occassion that I am able to slip in a bow or rubber band), she is obsessed with her binkie, and tickles herself silly with her "camera smiles."
Rachel . . . count your blessings :)