Lost Tooth at Hockey Game

Kellen lost his tooth yesterday afternoon at the Winterhawks hocke

y game. This is the first of the two top front teeth. He was super proud. Later he even got to say hi to the mascot Tommy Hawk.

Zoo Lights Photos

Kristin under the waterfall or jellyfish... we couldn't decide.

Kristin and her favorite lights at the zoo - Swan Lake

Kristin and Ellie

Kellen and Danelle on the Zoo Train!  Finally!

Ellie Visits

Ellie has come to visit!  She came in to town on Friday night.  The kids where so excited all week.  On Friday we had dinner and early bath/shower time and headed to the airport.  We met Aaron there, since he has a deadline he is working on at work.  Ellie was surprised to see us all.

Yesterday we went to the NW 23rd neighborhood in Portland... a trendy shopping area.  We had lunch at McMenamins and walked up and down 23rd stopping at the toy store and doggy store.  After resting at home for awhile we headed to the zoo for zoolights. It was rainy and busy, but we still got to see the lights.  Kellen was determined to ride the train, so Aaron and Kellen waited in line while Ellie, Kristin and I walked around the zoo looking at lights.  We rejoined the boys in line and all rode the train.

Today, Kristin had a futsal game.  We met Uncle John there and had fun watching the game.  Kristin ended up getting a goal at the end of the game and almost had another prior to that goal, but it bounced off the post.

Indoor Soccer Practice

Yesterday was a normal day with school and soccer practice for Kristin.  I am thankful practice has moved indoors for the season.  The weather has not been so nice. At this practice they had a running coach come in.  They ran a bunch of drills and even ran lines... made me think of basketball practice.  :) 

Kellen stayed home with Aaron.  Kellen came home from school happy and very excited to say that he got an A+!  He got a sticker on his homework from the previous week that had A+ on it.  He was very proud.

This afternoon, Kristin's friend came home with us for a playdate.  They had fun playing in Kristin's room.  Kellen got to tell me about his day with a substitute teacher and how he got to Eagle Eyes and a pencil.  The pencil is a Christmas pencil, so he was excited.  Good job Kellen on the Eagle Eyes!  These are little pieces of paper that teachers can give to the students for being responsible, respectful, safe or other.  Not sure exactly what he got them for... he didn't share and they didn't come home today.  Today was pretty nice and sunny for most of the day.  Bella and I got a walk in and I even opened up the house for a bit.

No School Day

Today was a no school day for the kids... grading day for the teachers.  The kids and I ran some errands and worked on cleaning up the house.  We are getting ready for Aunt Ellie to visit.  We are excited to see her! 

There was enough breaks in the rain today, so we also got Bella out for a walk.  Kellen rode his bike and Kristin rode on her scooter.  Bella could use a bath about every day right now as our backyard is a big wet and muddy mess.  One running lap and she is covered in mud.  I gave her a bath yesterday for this and now she is a mess again.  Baby wet wipes seem to do an okay job.

Christmas Preparations

We have gotten the house decorated for Christmas inside and outside.  The kid did a great job decorating the tree.  I just had to put a few ornaments at the top where they can't reach yet. 

On Friday night we took the kids to see Santa at the mall.  They both put in their requests and ended up with a magazine (National Geographic Kids) and a small candy cane.  Wow!  They already got things from Santa.

Visit with Santa.

Saturday was a day to watch football and play inside.  Kellen also delcared this day as pajama day for him. In the afternoon, Kristin and I went to Canfield Place (assisted living) with our Girl Scout troop to decorate the Christmas tree in their dining hall.  The girls made some ornaments at an earlier troop meeting to place on the tree.  They also got to help put on one of the resident's collection of ornaments from the White House!  These ornaments are supper cool and very detailed.  The girls got to go around and share them with the residents and then put them on the tree.  The girls also served the residents cookies and punch.  The residents always look forward to seeing us and we always have fun.  Oh, the girls actually decided to sing a couple songs too!  They sang Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. 

Kristin with ornament from the White House collection.

On Sunday, Kristin had 2 soccer games.  The first game was to help out a team that was short handed.  The second game was the game she was originally scheduled for.  In the second game Kristin had some great plays and passed for some goals (assists).  Good job Kristin!