Tree decorating

After Jason and Jeff got the trees in the stand, Jack and Lauren began decorating their tree. They actually did a great job!! It was so cute watching them enjoy the beginning of the Christmas season.

All finished!

We got our Christmas books out and Lauren enjoyed reading to Santa. SO CUTE!!

Getting our Christmas Tree

On Saturday, we headed out to get our Christmas tree. Jason was nice enough to let me get it really early this year! Each year is more and more fun as Jack and Lauren get older. They liked tons of trees and were happy with the two we cut down.

Uncle Jeff came to help us. We needed his man-power to get the tree in the truck.

Jack liked this one.

Pls. note the hammer that is in Jack's hand. He thought he could hammer his tree down.

Lauren found hers as well. She also has a hammer in her hand.

We found it! The perfect tree!

Jason and Jeff driving away with our trees in the back. Thanks guys for getting the trees cut and set up for me!!

Macy's Day Parade

As tradition has it, we went to the PDX Macy's Day parade the day after Thanksgiving. The kiddos love parades and really enjoyed the floats and people walking by.

Gunnar is excited about what he sees coming down the road.

Lauren and Nana watching

Gunnar and Papa being silly...and Jack is enjoying each moment of it!

The Carl family

Waving to Santa at the end of the parade!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am especially thankful for the two cuties you see below!

We went to Jane and Johns for a great meal on Thanksgiving. Lauren enjoyed opening MORE presents from her aunts and uncles. Spoiled lucky girl!

Snow day

A dusting of snow and the whole city about shut down today. The kids were so excited to wake up and couldn't wait to get outside to play in it. By 9:00 this morning, we were outside trying to make snowballs and playing around.
They loved getting bundled up. I am just glad their snow stuff from last year still fit!

Jack ready to get me with his snowball.

When they had enough, we came inside for some hot chocolate to warm us up. They loved drinking out of their new mugs from their Nana. Thanks!!!

Wedding

Jason's cousin got married on Saturday. What a beautiful wedding! Here are some pictures from the big day.

I curled Lauren's hair for the wedding. And, I caught her in the bathroom checking herself out. I think she thought she was looking pretty cute!

Family picture. (Lauren didn't have a nap that day and I don't know if you can see her, but she was NOT interested in taking any pictures. She was a bit tired.)

Cute newly engaged couple, Liz and Jeremy.

Another cute couple, Michelle and Adam.

Yep, that is Lauren refusing to look at the camera for a picture. We all love naps in this house and are not as happy as usual when they get missed. =)

That's a bit better Lauren!

Even Jack was getting tired at the end. But, he was excited to dance. He danced with Michelle, Jane and John. That and the candy bar at the wedding were his favorites!

Happy Birthday Sweet Lauren!!!

Happy happy birthday to my sweet little girl. It is amazing that you are already 3 years old. Time truly does fly by. You bring so much joy to my life; it is amazing. I am proud of you and think you are a funny, smart, friendly, smiley, and determined little girl. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for you. Thanks for making me smile every day, Lauren. Love you to pieces!!!This is Lauren after her birthday party at school. She chose to bring in ice cream bars as her snack. She loved wearing her crown.
On her birthday, Lauren had soccer and after that we went to lunch with Grandma and Grandpa. They came over so Lauren could open presents after lunch.

She is a bit excited about opening her first present from Jane and John.
Just before we headed to Red Robin (Lauren's choice) for dinner, she opened gifts from our family. Jack was so cute on her bday. He was SO excited for Lauren and was so sweet to her all day. Aren't they the cutest???

Jack and Lauren looking at the card that Jack picked out for Lauren. Jack and I went to pick out Lauren's card and present from Jack. Jack took this responsibility very seriously and was very thoughtful when he chose the gift and card for his sister. Look how excited he is showing her the card. =)

Again, Jack very excited while Lauren opened her present from him. He is cheering her on!

Lauren kissed baby a thank you after opening the present from "baby."

She loved her new bike from Jason and me.
Lauren wouldn't stop riding her bike around our kitchen. She did really well!

Next it was off to Red Robin for dinner.

Ice cream sundae for dessert. I think she thought the people who sang to her were crazy! She was smiling, but had this look on her face that read..."what are they DOING???"

I think Jack was worried I was going to eat his ice cream. So, he ate it as fast as he could. =)

On Sunday, we had a small birthday get together at our place. Lauren and I made the cupcakes. She told me her favorite part of her party was decorating the cupcakes. Yeah, sprinkles galore. It was a hit with all the kiddos.

Lunch time! Makena, Jack, Fin and Piet.

Lauren, Alexa and Allison

Tyler and Carter
Decorating cupcakes!!

Alexa had about two inches of green sprinkles on her cupcake. It was so funny.

I think Lauren celebrated her birthday five different days...wow! I think she is a bit spoiled, but she deserves it, right??