NOW THE FUN PART

The construction is basically done. There is some trim that goes on the back splash and that's the last of the cutting and nailing to do. I finished painting the burners today. Those too aren't nailed down yet. We had to bring it in from the garage because it's to cold to paint. I started painting the inside of the stove this evening. It's orange. I hope to at least have the back splash done and have it primed tomorrow.

BIRTHDAY CAKE

Here's Chris' birthday cake. I guess we haven't had any cake since Violet's birthday, so she wasn't to sure what to do with it.

I stuck her finger in the icing and told her to lick her finger.

That was all it took. Then it wasn't so much about eating the cake as it was licking off all the icing.

Violet saying 'cheese'. Every time she sees the camera now she says cheese. She does this weird thing where she sticks out her bottom jaw. So if you see more photos like this you'll know why.

VISIT WITH SANTA

We went to see Santa at Bass Pro last night. It was awesome. Best set up I've seen in years. Real "stuffed" deer, animated elves, log cabin, fake snow... the works.


Violet was very excited about the train and watched it for about 20 minutes while we waited for Santa.


Violet was super excited when he came out of the little house. Every body cheered and Violet waved and pointed. Then when it was time she tensed up. No crying or screaming and a brief reach out for help. But she did really well. I was expecting crying. But we've been talking about him and looking at pictures of him and playing with the giant stuffed Santa we have in the living room. So she knew who he was.

You can take photos yourself and they take a photo too, and it's free. No $20 fee for a crappy pic. And the pic they took was pretty good. We were super impressed and will be going back next year.

This pic shows off her elf costume really well. You can see how tense she was. But she took the candy cane from Santa and even said 'bye-bye' too.

Sitting by the giant fireplace after our visit with Santa.

FLASH(WAY)BACK FRIDAYS

Chris's Gr. Grandma & Grandpa Schillion

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

BRRRRR!!

It was very cold yesterday. 15 was the high. I decided to get out the mittens that go with Violet's hat, knowing full well that she was just going to pull them off. I was wrong. She loved them. Loved them so much, that she got up set when I tried taking them off once we were indoors.

LOST PICS FROM THANKSGIVING

Forgot I had these on my other camera.

CHIRSTMAS IN THE PARK

We went to Christmas in the Park at Longview lake again this year. The video doesn't show a whole lot. But it's cute hearing Violet get excited.

DECORATIONS ARE UP

Here is our tall skinny tree. I love how it doesn't take up a lot of room.
Not that you can see them, but there are lots of birds on the tree. Violet is obsessed with the birds. I also hid two nutcrackers in the tree and I tell her go find the man in the tree and she gets very excited.

The singing snowmen don't really fit in with my 'classy' decor but Violet likes them so there they sit. Violet also gets excited about our 'Elf on the Shelf' elf. She points to him when we ask her to find the elf. The elf has no name yet. Maybe next year she can name him.

Uncle John spotted this at an Antique mall in StL over Thanksgiving so I had to get it.

All warm and cozy.