The Polar Express

Today we got on the Polar Express Train and rode all the way from Iowa to the North Pole to see Santa and his elves. It was a long trip, but it was worth it. The train was a wonderful old steam train and had a great loud whistle just like in the story. Riley was super excited to see all the trains and play with the train sets. He also really enjoyed seeing Santa and Santa's pocket watch which had tiny trains running in two directions. He also got a silver bell as a present just like in the movie. Max was a pretty good sport about it and didn't make too much of a fuss about not really going to the North Pole. The Polar Express was a fun start to the Christmas season. Tomorrow we go to get our tree, hopefully we can pick a good one.

Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family! My Canadian family celebrated on Oct.14th, so we here "state side" are WAY behind. It does feel like we are a watch running a bit slow with Thanksgiving being almost at the end of the month. I think I'm going to have to work like crazy to get everything done before Christmas. This year I decided to try something a bit different and bake a Pumpkin Cheesecake instead of a pie. I always bake my caramel apple pie for my sister Clare, but I found this great recipe on the Sweetest Occasion blog and had to try it. It was amazing! Of course we had all the traditional favorites, casseroles and potatoes, and we all ate more than we should. 

Since we were all together I figured this was a good chance to take some family photos. They turned out pretty well for no planning involved. So in the spirit of today, I would like to say that I am thankful for my wonderful family and I am grateful that we could spend this time together today and everyday.  

Riley is Four

On Saturday Riley turned 4! When I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he quickly said a doughnut party with lots and lots of sprinkles. To say the least I was excited! Finally a non-cartoon character party theme, and I can definitely work with doughnuts and sprinkles. 

I made the invitation for his party with a simple doughnut picture with lots of sprinkles.

For the party I made some simple party hats with confetti in the shape of a number 4. Brunch menu was many different kinds of doughnuts and even I used doughnut holes dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles for a cake pop like treat.  There were also some not-so-sweet choices, a mixed fruit tray and some cheese and spinach quiches.

For drinks we had white, chocolate, and strawberry milk served in milk bottles with paper straws. The milk bottles were just recycled Starbucks frappe bottles with the labels removed. Basically free and super cute glasses. There was also coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles (of course!).

The table decorations were made from white powdered sugar doughnuts, with confetti poppers, and thank you gift bags. We also had clear balloons filled with confetti. The birthday "cake" was just doughnuts with white frosting and sprinkles stacked on a cake stand with candles.  

It was a super sweet party for a super sweet boy. Riley is a happy and gentle guy with lots of love for everyone. Four has to be my favorite age.

Day of the Dead / Halloween Recap

Halloween was a bit wet and very cold this year, but we still dressed up and went out Trick or Treating. As today is November first, it's appropriate that we all dressed as skeletons and Day of the Dead costumes.

I really like the whole look of the sugar skulls, and the costume is so simple. Wear black, make a crown of flowers, and paint your face. Jered's costume was just as simple with a black hat, a skull tie and face paint. 

Riley and Max had masks they decorated and colored. (Though Max is not wearing his mask in his photo). 

Basically the whole Trick or Treating went like the photo below, a blur. The kids all had a great time and ate way too much sugar. Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween!