A Photo with Santa is Never Free

Every year we drive out past North Bend to the same Christmas tree farm because honestly they have the best Santa ever! While Daddy was having the tree bailed Otto and I took a hay ride (free) on the tractor around the tree farm. It was neat to see families searching for the perfect tree and fathers bent over sawing away. The excitement was just what we needed.

While I waited in a medium sized line to sit on Santa's lap, Otto rode the hay tractor again with Daddy (did I mention it was free).
Then we entered the warm cabin and were offered hot apple cider (free). We got to stand by a warm crackling fire inside and then... Santa appeared. Oh, he's the best Santa ever! Otto hesitantly sat on Santa's lap (free) without being too uncomfortable because I told him that Santa would give him a candy cane (free). It was so cute!

Here's our second annual family photo with Santa (did I mention it was free). He is the best Santa ever!

Congo Visits Otto

Grandma Kathee came for an evening with Otto and brought, Congo, her hand puppet ape. I'm not sure if ape is correct, so I'll have to check the species with Kathee later. Anyway, they had a fantastic time and it was lots of fun watching Otto interact with Congo. He really thought Congo was real. Congo spent some time sleeping so Grandma Kathee could have a rest and play some more with Otto. I'm sure Congo will visit again sometime and Otto will be happy to see him again.

Seattle Half Marathon

So, after weeks of pushing Otto in the baby jogger I was finally ready for the Seattle Half Marathon. Believe it or not this is only my second half marathon since Otto was born. I better get moving! This is a pre-race photo and below is a post-race photo with Otto.

I had the best cheer squad! My friends Frances and Ian cheered me on around mile 11. Then my mom was making lots of noise for me around mile 13 (with balloons, roses and a camera in hand). Then as I was about to cross the finish line there was Andrew and Otto cheering for me. I'm one lucky lady! This was officially my slowest time ever :( but I felt great, the weather was great and I had a great time, so I can't complain.

Thanksgiving Turkey

I know these photos are one holiday too late, but I want to keep Otto's blog up to date so someday he can read about his childhood. Otto's 2nd Thanksgiving began by painting a turkey. He really likes to paint, but only has about a 10 minute attention span. After the turkey painting dried I cut it out and hung it on our front door to help welcome our family for Thanksgiving dinner.

During part of the big dinner preparations Grandma Kathee whipped up some whipping cream for the pumpkin pies. She spoiled Otto and Daddy by letting them lick the beaters. This was Otto's first beater licking extraveganza, so of course Daddy had to show him how it's done. Proud Opa is looking on.

We enjoyed the company of our families this year again making it an official tradition. My mom and Ron came up from Olympia and Andrew's parents came over from Kirkland. Andrew's sister and friend also joined us. It was a real treat having all our loved ones under one roof. After stuffing ourselves with a delicious meal we stuffed some more with three different kinds of pies. Otto liked the whipped cream the best. His look in this photo isn't one of distaste, instead it's one of 'stop taking photos and let me eat.'