Baking Christmas Cookies

A little late in baking cookies this year, but with Grandma driving out on the 23rd we had some time to fill on Christmas Eve and what better way to spend time on Christmas Eve than baking?

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The North Pole Adventure!

Last weekend, we took the girls on a North Pole Adventure train ride to meet Santa.  It was kind of like “The Polar Express” train ride to the “North Pole.”  The Charlie Russell Chew Choo is a summer time dinner train that the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce utilizes in December to allow kids (and adults) to meet Santa.  We all had a blast!  Maggie was so excited, but got nervous once Santa got on the train, so no family photo with him.  Jessie got very very excited to see Santa once he came out of his house and headed to the train, saying “It-ta! It-ta!” and pointing at Santa.  At one point, she even asked him for shoes (again!)

Our friends the Jenkins came along and we all had a lot of fun, enjoying the start of the Christmas week together in Lewistown.   

It was a beautiful drive to Lewistown as well, though it would have been better with a little bit of snow (it was nice to wait in line for the train in no snow!)

The Bestest Bug Christmas Pageant EVER!

Maggie’s school Christmas show was this past Thursday, December 15.  She was so excited as she got to be a Lightening Bug, dressed all in yellow (fun to try to find in December!) and got to carry a flashlight. The show was at the high school’s auditorium and she got to be backstage with her friend Ainslie before the show.  Rocky & I took turns entertaining, or trying to entertain, Jessie while we waited for the show to start.  Next year, we’re getting a babysitter for Jessie!

It was an adorable little program and very well done.  All of the kids were different kinds of bugs and ,if I followed the story correctly, the lightening bugs saved the day by  getting the Christmas tree to light after the Termites ate it.

It turned into a long evening and right after the Kindergartens big number, I think Maggie was done.  A big kid took her spot on the riser and she had to be in the front.  The show was at 6:30, and we only had a snack, not supper, before.  After, Maggie told us that she was kind of nervous and that’s why she was upset.  We told her it was okay to be nervous before a show and that Dad gets nervous sometimes before he has to teach a class.

We went to Applebee’s after and Maggie just barely made it through supper without falling asleep!

18 Months Old

Jessie is still a little peanut! 22 lbs 2 oz and 33 inches long, she's right along the 25th percentile. But even as a little peanut she is all over the place! She doesn't really walk, but runs EVERYWHERE. She loves to climbs over and on EVERYTHING, including poor Wiconi.

Her vocabulary is really growing. She can identify and say nose, eyes & toes, but also knows ears and hair. She has started her transition into the Toddler Room at daycare and loves it. The drop offs are a lot easier as she likes starting in the toddler room and loves Ms Cheryl & Ms Monica.

The Christmas Tree is a very curious sight to her and most ornaments have been moved up out if her reach.

Jessie loves her big sister and loves to copy whatever Sissy does. She typically calls her Sissy but can also say Maggie. She still loves to give hugs and kisses. It's about the only time she stands still!

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ZooMontana Fantasy of Lights

Last night, we visited the Zoo to see their annual Fantasy of Lights. You drive through the backside of the zoo to view the displays. My favorite was the tigers. Maggie really wanted to see the Rudolph display which was not part of the drive, but inside the zoo.

After completing the loop, we went inside for hot chocolate, crafts & Santa!! Maggie wasn't sure about visiting with him again, but did sit on his lap so we could get a picture with Jessie. Which ended up including me (we'll get a copy of it on Monday). Later while Maggie was enjoying her hot chocolate Jessie decided to check him out again. She had to show him her shoes and I was able to get a quick photo!

Maggie enjoyed the crafts, but was very excited when we FINALLY went outside so she could see the Rudolph display. One red light led her to him.

It was a nice way to spend a Saturday evening and a kick off to the Holiday Season. This may become an annual event for us.

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Dancing Queen