Our "santa" picture

Yesterday we set out to get our Christmas tree. We started with our traditional breakfast & treats at Starbucks. Our kids won the "make-the-biggest-mess" award and then headed out to find a tree.

Usually we go to a favorite Christmas Tree Farm, but on a whim we decided to check out the Adopt a Stream foundation near our house because we saw a sign that said "Live Christmas Tree Rentals."  We headed there and found a crowd of people scouting out there picks for the perfect tree - one that is potted and can be returned or planted in your own yard.  The official shopping didn't start till 10 am so we had a few minutes to check out the trees. There were several small ones, and about 30 tall spruce trees which everyone was eyeing.  

We decided we were going to get in line (the 2nd people in line!) and wait for the big go.  While standing in line, I plotted with Jason how to get the kids quickly to our tree and decided I would carry Emerson and Jay would walk quickly with Elliott.

 Finally, at 10 am, they released us with our tags to basically run to your desired tree and tag it for yourself. Although we were 2nd in line, other people took off toward the trees (it was not nearly as orderly as I had imagined), and so Elliott and Jason picked up the pace a bit. 

Jay guided Elliott and told him to pick whatever tree he wanted. As soon as Jay said that, Elliott immediately stopped and said "this one". We were like, are you sure?  Yep, he was. He was totally happy. We tagged our tree, then went inside for coffee, cider, candy canes and of course to meet Sammy the Christmas Salmon.

Emerson wasn't so sure about Sammy. 

 We didn't have far to go home (maybe 2 minutes), so we just plopped our tree in the van and took off.

Now the trick is keeping our little tree alive for the next couple weeks!  We accidentally watered it like you would water a regular cut tree and pretty much drowned it. But we have adjusted and are learning how to take care of our little tree. I think we should plant it and dig it up to use again next year! How frugal is that?! Jay suggested getting a tree every year there and then planting them behind our deck and gradually increasing our privacy barrier over the years....it would be so slow and subtle the HOA probably wouldn't notice....

First rain

After the first rain of the fall, we found our rain boots and went to make sure our puddle was still there.  

This summer, our roads were recovered with asphalt and I was really tempted to call the company and beg them not to take away our puddle. For two days, our complex was blocked off in random ways which resulted in us being unexpectedly trapped at home one day as they repaved. It looked like they were just laying a coating on top of our asphalt and not fixing any of the bumps, cracks or sunken areas (really, what was the point of "repaving" our roads I wondered?). 

So when it finally rain after such a dry summer, we went make sure our puddle was okay. 

And it was!

Within minutes, both boys fell into the puddle. Same body language, very different reactions!

And we played and played and played. And in-between pictures taking and Emerson screaming "car coming!),  I read my kindle (boy I love that thing).

Pumpkin Time!

It is truly fall when we get to bundle up, drive way far out into the country (you know, Snohomish) and then play at a real farm!  On Saturday morning, we meandered out to Bailey's Farm with our good friends and enjoyed a hay ride, a hay maze, kettle corn, toy tractors and of course, searching for pumpkins.  

Clearly the adults in the pic above know how to follow instructions. They are all looking at the camera.

Running on the hay bales. Brave (Elliott) and fearless (Emerson) boys!

Eco Spaceship

Elliott built an eco-spaceship this evening.  His explanation:  "the trees grow grow grow and control the ship and the lights turn on when its dark at night and and and and also um and also and the walkie talking can talk if there are any bad guys in trouble."

  

First Day of Preschool

Today was Elliott's first day of preschool. He appeared by my bed at 7 am already dressed and ready to go.

Emerson was really excited for preschool too...he didn't quite realize that only Elliott got to go.

He went right in, hung up his bookbag, sat on the carpet and told me it was time for me to go.

The only tears were from Emerson (although I did get a little choked up).  He was not happy at all to discover that he didn't get to go to preschool yet.

Budding Artists

We've been painting a lot around here ever since Emerson got some more paint for his birthday and Elliott had an official painting lesson from Aunt Kristi. Here Elliott is practicing mixing colors...and I guess Emerson is too in his own way.

In the next pic, Elliott just said something like, "hey, Emerson, did you know you have paint on your hands?" 

And Emerson was apparently shocked. And even more shocked to find out he had it on his stomach, legs and face. (not sure why he was so shocked as it happens every.single.time)

Klamath Falls

Fun from our trip to Klamath Falls