Polar Express 2013

This past Friday we headed to French Lick for a ride on the Polar Express. This was our third year. You would think after three years it would get old, but it has only gotten better as the years go by. I think it is because the girls (Ella and my niece, Autumn) are at a great age for these kinds of things. I dread the day they think they are too old.  If you have never been you must go! It is a magical experience, and the best way to kick off the holiday season. 

This year we had tickets for the 7:30pm train ride. We went early so I could be sure to get our family picture by the train and a few of Ella.  I love this picture of her.

 We went to the French Lick Resort to check out the Christmas trees. Ella requested that she ride on the "excavator." One of her favorite parts is riding up and down the escalators at the hotel. 

We also went to the West Baden Hotel to check out their giant Christmas tree. The West Baden is beautiful. It's a must see if you are in French Lick! 

 The best part of the West Baden is the fact you can bring your dogs. These two dogs were hanging out in the lobby attracting all kinds of attention.  

 After dinner we headed over early so we could get in line. It was FREEZING! We were smart and brought Ella a blanket this year. She is always cold waiting in line. Thankfully, they let us on early. 

 My favorite part of Polar Express the movie is the hot chocolate song. I love the hot chocolate and cookies they hand out on the train. 

The kids love to get up to sing and dance.

My mom seems to have endless amounts of energy. She didn't feel good, but she was still singing and dancing away on the train. Adam also didn't feel good. They sat across from each other, and we were able to get these funny pictures. I am not sure if my mom knew this was going on or not, but these pictures just make me laugh:) 

It was another great time spent with family at the Polar Express. Thanks mom and dad for taking us again. We are already looking forward to next year! 

Thanksgiving snapshots

We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving this year. I used to dislike Thanksgiving, but I have grown to appreciate it. It's a day about family, giving thanks, and my mom's dumplings. What more could you ask for!? 
I am so thankful for these two. They make my life complete:) 

Autumn was so proud of the little pumpkin pie she made. 

Brody was most thankful that this was the last day he had to wear his turkey scarf. 

Wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the Macy's day parade. 

I had to beg and plead to get a picture with Adam and Ella. They both dislike pictures equally. It's a good day when I can get a picture with Ella, and she actually smiles. 

It was a great day spent with family, eating lots of yummy food. :) 

Decking the Halls

Last Sunday Ella and I both had colds so we stayed home in our pj's all day long. I decided it would be fun to put up the tree and decorate it. Ella LOVES to put the ornaments on the tree. For the past few years I have sat and watched her put them on all by herself. She doesn't do it perfectly (I usually fix them when she goes to bed), but she tries her best. 

She was so into it this year. I think she did such a great job. Not one ornament was broken, and I didn't even have to move them around. 

Putting up our tree makes me so happy. There are so many memories, events, and trips preserved in the ornaments on our tree. I have been buying ornaments since Adam and I went on our first trip together back in the day. I have ornaments to commemorate our wedding, honeymoon, first house, baby, and now our second house.  We have ornaments from New York, Las Vegas, Florida, Gatlinburg, New Harmony, French Lick, and Holiday World. We also have Woody, Buzz, Hulk, Iron Man, and Spiderman on our tree. 

Let the Holiday Season begin!!