Hide your wallets......

Cadence surprised Betsy and I while shopping for our mom.....

As it turns out, not only does Cadence know how to remove debit and or credit cards from one's wallet, she knows how to slide them.....

I'm not sure if this is a proud or concerning moment, but thanks to Betsy for capturing the act!

Snowflake Lane

A few weeks back, we took Cadence to Snowflake Lane in Bellevue to see the nightly parade at the Bellevue Collection featuring drummers from a local marching band, lights, music, dancing, and fake snow. She was unfortunately a little too young to enjoy and appreciate the festivities, but she ultimately enjoyed her candy cane tootsie pop and the cupcake after braving the crowds for the parade.

There's always next year....



Cupcake Royale makes everything better.



Dance party, anyone?

Because sometimes, you just want to dance.....

Santa Photos

I must be lucky. Our 2nd annual trip to visit Santa went extremely well. Contrary to last year, going just days before Christmas, and likely a weekend, I decided to go mid-day on a weekday. Defiantely a good idea. Parking at Bellevue Square was a nightmare, as I anticipated, but we did find a spot after only 10 minutes of searching.

I had been prepping Cadence to see Santa. We'd look at books and I'd point out Santa and tell her that Santa says "Ho! Ho! Ho!". I never got her to repeat it, but she knew what I was saying. Conceptually, though, she doesn't have a clue who Santa is or what he does. We didn't even wait in line 5 minutes for our pictures but I pointed him out every time I saw him and I'd get her to point at where he was. She seemed happy and interested in her new surroundings. She's on the verge of walking so she was cruising along the gates near Santa's sleigh. When it was our turn, she was a little confused, she had been waving at Santa and blowing kisses but upon me placing her on his lap, she was hesitant, albeit briefly. Thankfully, there was no wailing, screaming, back arching, high pitched screams.... She fussed for a second and then was more interested in the elmo the photo assistant had been playing with. I got lucky and she smiled not only for the official photo, but for a few that I took on my camera. I choose not to see the signs that said "no personal cameras". Santa even asked if I wanted to take more.... I guess he knew I was on the nice list. :)

Cade got to have her first lollipop today, too. In the past we got candy canes, but this year they gave candy cane tootsie pops which turn out to be awesome! I didn't think Cade would like it, but she happily sucked on it and said "mmmmmmmmm!" and was happily occupied with it for quite some time until she dropped it, shattered it, cried, and asked for more. (I grabbed a few extras). The lollipop created the worst sticky mess I've encountered as a mom, and certainly not the last.



freshly showered, hair done and ready do go!



Santa!

Time flies!

Molbak's

I'm sure my mom will be quick to correct me, but I have no recollection of ever visiting Molbak's prior to this year. For my non WA readers, Molbak's is essentially a home and garden store that specializes in seasonal items. They have a garden cafe by chef Russell dean Lowell (who's awesome!) and lots of gift ideas as well as exquisite displays which we took advantage of.

We attempted our family photoshoot the day after Thanksgiving since everyone was still in town from the holiday. I, for one, love having my picture taken almost as much as I love taking them, but not everyone enjoys the same. Note to self, next photoshoot, do Starbucks and food first, THEN pictures. People will genuinely be happier. All that said, I enjoyed the trip to Molbak's, as did Cadence. I don't think we were there longer than 20 minutes. I could have easily taken more pictures and spent more time eyeing displays, but Matt's level of patience mimicked his blood sugar.... low, really, really low.

Cade smooching the reindeer

Cade loves the "woof woofs"



Barely staying out of the dog house



Thanksgiving....belated.

Most of my posts these days revolve around an event....normally a week after it's happened. This post is no exception. I'm not "without words" regarding Thanksgiving, but after a long holiday weekend, a busy work week, and it being late at night.... its easier to let the photos speak for themselves.

Few can gorge themselves on food without first doing their "justification workout". Thursday morning was football themed Bodypump..... We were thankful that we don't workout in football gear often. Even the jerseys were hot.

Thanksgiving 2010 with a Wee little Wee. Look how itty bitty teeny tine she was! I'm now thankful that she sleeps through the night.

Family Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2011. Good food, good friends, good family, good gym. Good grief. 



Cade and Uncle Pete



Cheeky Grin



Uncle Pete and Aunt Kelsey



Mama and Wee



Nana and Wee



2nd Thanksgiving Family Photo



Cade and Auntie



Ice cream is good!



Everyone from dinner. Kelsey, Pete, Diane, Martha, Tom, Matt, Bets, Rach, Cade, and Jen.



Cade LOVES coffee!



Coffee + Cade = Mmmmmmmmm!