Happy Holidays Part 2

Mackenzie has been filling our home with the sounds of Christmas, singing every holiday song she knows, and making up new ones (last night at bedtime she sang "this little poodle" to me).  This year's edition of Kenzie's Christmas pageant was especially joyful, as she actually sang!  In years past she has been content to just stand peacefully while the rest of her class mates sang the songs.  But she has steadily been gaining confidence, and this year she sang and gestured all of the songs.  Steph predictably teared up throughout the performance!

Pretty angel ready for her big performance!

Sleep in heavenly peace!

... and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 I took Friday off so that we could take the kids to see the Nutcracker for the first time!  Steph came up with a brilliant idea to take the kids to lunch at the Space Needle before hand.  It was a perfect day for their first trip up to the top (the weatherman had called for all day rain, so of course there wasn't a cloud in the sky).  They had a nice lunch of space noodles, enjoyed the views, and had a very fun time watching the ballet.  Jackson was pleased that there were plenty of sword fights, and of course Kenzie enjoyed the dancing.

On top of the world!

Nutcracker!

With Mom in front of the fountain at Seattle Center

The rest of our Christmas vacation has been devoted to family time and fun holiday activities and crafts.  The kids made cookies with their mom, and decoration Santas with Dad.  Today we are making a rice crispy holiday choo choo train and decorating a little wooden Christmas tree.

Cookie time!

Holiday crafts...

Waiting in line to see the boss.  Jackson wants a Wii and a yellow and gray Anakin Skywalker lego ship.  Kenzie wants a Belle dress.  Both want silly bands.  I want an orange.  The kids and I got into a huge "discussion" as to whether or not Santa could procure an orange.  In the end we decided to agree to disagree.  But the kids were at least kind enough to relay my wish to Santa.

Jackson and Smokey have been having a special holiday break together. Here, Jackson scratches Smokey's belly.