Winter Walk

Despite a little bit of cold, it has been a pretty nice winter so far.  We decided to take advantage of some sunshine and head out to one of our favorite low land walks along Lake Whatcom.  All bundled up, we had a great time getting some sun, walking Gus and enjoying this beautiful place we call home.

Gracie waving 

What a ham.  Wonder where she gets it from?

Luna walking Gus

Lighted Boat Parade

We headed down to LaConner again this year for the annual Lighted Boat Parade.  Uncle Ken & Auntie Steph were kind enough to host us in their hotel room so we could visit and eat inside and pop out on the deck when the boats were parading past.  The highlight of this year's parade was the singing reindeer with Santa Claus (Luna's favorite).  In typical fashion for me these days, I completely failed to get any pictures of the boats or of our time hanging out with the rest of the family.  I did manage to get a few shots of Luna goofing around on her quick loop through LaConner though. She had fun checking out all the festive decorations as we window shopped.

Posing for Mom in front of the lit up Santa train

Luna was dancing and talking with this mechanical Santa that sang and moved in front of one of the local shops.

Eating crab legs

Sorry, Luna.  This was too funny not to include.

Giving some love to Rudolph

Christmas Lights!

Growing up, one of my favorite holiday memories was piling into the family station wagon with blankets & hot cocoa, then driving around looking at Christmas lights.  Luna is in LOVE with Christmas lights and so we decided to head out in search of the ultimate Christmas light displays in the 'ham.  Luna & Gracie got into their PJ's, we brought blankets & hot cocoa and set out in search of the ultimate Griswold extravaganza.  I think we will make this an annual event:)

All snuggly and ready to go!

Luna trying on the way-cool Christmas light glasses in preparation for our trip.

Gracie's growing so fast!

Gracie is now pulling herself up on things, especially her crib.  What happened to the last 8 months??  Before we know it she will be walking and talking!  In the meantime, we had to drop the crib mattress down to its lowest setting so she can't flip herself out.  She is quite proud of herself, though.  Even if it means big sister Luna tries to push her down through the slats in the crib.....

Gingerbread House

Luna's preschool made gingerbread houses at the beginning of December and entered their "village" into the Port Festival at the Ferry Terminal in Fairhaven.  We decided to head down to check it out with the Hinderman's and found out the kids won first place in their division!  Future architects, maybe?

Luna's house on the corner

The whole gingerbread village

Blue Ribbon, baby!

Luna & Marcus posing with their creation

Avery was along for the ride, keeping the hungry caterpillar away from all the gingerbread houses

Swiper, no swiping!  Luna kept trying to eat her house

We walked down to the beach after the festival

Luna & Marcus throwing rocks

Gracie chilling in the Ergo.

O Christmas Tree

We got our Christmas tree up and decorated rather early (for us).  Each year I think our tree is great, but this year I think we got a real winner.  It was fun pulling out all our decorations (many hand-me-downs from my family growing up).  Luna loves the ornaments and is excited to show it off to anyone who comes over.  I tried to get a sweet picture of the girl in front of the tree..... hard to get the girl to sit still these days.

Christmas Tree Farm

To kick off the holiday season, we took a trip out to Stoney Ridge Farms and romped around their Christmas trees.  After we got home and decorated our tree, Luna just sat and stared at it for a long time (and kept trying to touch all the ornaments).