Someone is ready...

Cael informed me that "this is where I am going to sleep, Mommy."  Really?!?!  Where does he get these ideas!  I gently reminded him he needs to sleep in his bed, and he reluctantly agreed!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Dreaming of a White Christmas

We may be wishing we had a White Christmas, but since the weather has been more mild than the average December in Minnesota, we have been able to enjoy outdoor festivities!  We went downtown Minneapolis to watch the Holidazzle parade.  Cael wasn't sure he wanted to go, but both kids were really interested, and actually kept their attention the whole time!  (Thankfully because we were in the front of about 6 rows of people behind us!)

We also went to our Church to the Live Nativity Scene, complete with a live "baby Jesus", caroling, and animals (including a camel!)

We are excited about the Christmas season and what the season in all about! 

"Santa talks"

Cael was thrilled to finally MEET Santa!  We walked into the room at Macy's in downtown Minneapolis, and there he was...Cael said "Hi, Santa" in a shy little voice.  When Santa responded "Hello, there, young man", Cael ran over to Santa and jumped onto his lap.  Kiera, a little skeptical, went along with everything, I'm sure thinking "well, if he is ok for Cael, then he must be ok with me".  Santa asked Cael what he wanted for Christmas, and all Cael said he wanted in his stocking was "Candy".  Guess he will need a really good toothbrush, too!!! 

Cael

Cael has grown up a lot in the last couple months.  He is potty trained (something I never thought would happen!), and he loves to be a big brother...very protective of his little sister!  Hard to believe he is turning 3 in a couple short months!  Looking forward to his appointment to find out how tall this 36 lb boy is getting!

 Any description needed?  Cael just being his curious self!!

Cael has found a new love for the "big piano", and loves to play songs and give concerts! 

Lutsen with Gramma Debbie and Grampa Jim

We were finally able to get Jim and Debbie to the North Shore of Minnesota to enjoy some hiking and the fall colors (in October).  The weather was perfect, and everyone had a great time!!

 

Cael showing Kiera how to throw rocks into the Lake.

Cael and Kiera enjoying a nap during our hike on the Superior Trail.

Cael and Grampa found matching walking sticks.

Kiera after a long hike, still enjoying the backpack!

Took a Gondola ride to the top of the mountain, for a picnic lunch!

Cael rode back down with Gramma and Grampa, and LOVED it!!

An afternoon at Grand Marais was a cold one, and windy! 

 Cael wants me to mention that he was throwing rocks into Lake Superior...like I said, one of his favorite things to do!!  We can't wait to go back to Lutsen this winter to enjoy the skiing with Molly and Jarod!  It is a much different scene in the winter!  We have had a beautiful fall, and getting ready for the winter! 

Downtown Minneapolis

We decided to take the train downtown Minneapolis for breakfast, and make a day of it.  We went to Loring Park, the Sculpture Garden, and found random playgrounds along the way!!

Bundled up!

 

Kiera

Kiera is definitely learning to hold her own, even when Cael tries to tackle and wrestle her!  Kiera has been busy being herself!  She is taking a few steps, but not really running around yet by herself.  She lives to hold hands while walking and tears up the floor with her walker.  We haven't had her 12 month appointment yet, but I am curious to see how much she has grown over the past 3 months!! 

Teething, too!

It was a really good restaurant!!  She is off the bottle now, too!!

Fall

Cael has enjoyed "helping" us rake leaves...more like playing in the piles!  Kiera didn't like them as much!!  Somehow the blue ball helped her relax in the leaves, and it wasn't so bad!  She much preferred to play on the grass than in the leaves!

 

City hiking

We have been keeping busy exploring some of the city parks and state parks within the metro area.  Here are a few pictures of the fall hikes we have done at Minnehaha Falls, and Afton State Park.

 Throwing rocks continues to be a favorite!

 Climbing...

 Kiera got quite comfortable in the backpack!