Jingle Bells!

It is our favorite time of the year! Did I say favorite? Because...it is. Seriously. Traditions. Family. Friends. Who could ask for more? Not us.

Our favorite tradition is going downtown Seattle for our annual ride around the carousel and picking out a new ornament for our tree. This year, we added Red Robin to the list. My kids' favorite place to eat is Red Robin. Usually the only time we go there is if we're with my side of the family visiting and my Mom doesn't feel like cooking which doesn't happen often OR when Grandpa Eddie takes them for their birthday day out. Isa added Red Robin to our Sunday trip downtown Saturday night at the Christmas party we were at with Grandpa Eddie. Sneaky, those almost 10 year olds can be...suggesting to the Grandpa that we eat there knowing that the Mommy and Daddy would say "we have lunch made in the car...PB and J!"

Did you see me running? Oh...I'm right there. No, right there. Look harder. Not. Although, Husband mentioned we should do it together next year. Then said "I would want to run fast and win." Can someone give him the memo that it isn't about winning? It's about running for a cause. I think we will do it and I hope he STAYS with me. Don't ditch me, honey!!

Our Ornament from Fireworks at Westlake Mall. Should you stop there stop at Dilettante for a white chocolate mocha - you won't be disappointed. Promise.

O Christmas Tree. O Christmas Tree. We used to go to the tree lighting. Until Dev's first Christmas we hoofed it with a 5 year old, a 3 year old and Dev. Husband looked at me through the sea of Seattlites and said "never again, this is NUTS!" Never again it's been...until Madi proves to maneuver through a crowd better I suppose. In 5 years you'll see us at the tree lighting again. :)

The finish line. We didn't race but they gave us free shirts for the kids anyway. SCORE! I was trying to hang out in front of Westlake Mall longer to see what else we could score but Daddy and Grandpa Eddie told me to keep it movin'.

Yippee! Time to get our ride on - we have a family picture that Grandpa Eddie took...when he sends it I will post it. Another good reason to ride the carousel and a good cause, the $2 suggested donation goes straight to the charity, the Treehouse for Kids.

Isa!



Madi's first time...I don't think she actually got on the horse last year.



Neither did my lovey...nor did he this year. He sat on the bench with me. He was fine with that...although I think he'd have more fun if he'd just get on the horse. Next year, we might suggest more strongly that he get on a horse and just try it.

I turned around and leaned way over to snap this...Nana was next to impossible to get from where I was sitting and it was moving + I was having vertigo flash backs. So, I snapped this and that was it! I sat still with my lovey next to me enjoying our ride!! Nana is in the pink hat with orange hearts next to Daddy, Madi and Grandpa Eddie! Sorry, Nanny that I missed ya!

There was a band off. There was this huge band here and another 2 person band around the corner. We watched them for awhile and enjoyed their music. I just love love love love downtown this time of year. I sang along (I think some of the kids did too couldn't tell because I was singing loudly) and loved every moment.

We created more memories with our kids and Grandpa Eddie. That I KNOW will last their lifetime. Thanks, Grandpa Eddie for coming with us every year for our annual ride on the caraousel and being a part of our memory making!