Christmas Shopping

Brad was ahead of the game this year and went shopping 5 days before Christmas. He took Colt with him (which made for some challenges such as buying presents for Colt) but they had a great time. 

I'm glad Brad enjoys shopping because it still is my hell on earth. 

 

Live Nativity

We went to the live Nativity at a nearby church. I think it might be my favorite Christmas tradition. 

They do a fantastic job!

 

Andresen Family Christmas

We had our Andresen Family Christmas party the week before Christmas. It's always wonderful seeing this family.  Uncle Roy & Aunt Vicki hosted.  Papa Bob, Grandma Shari, Uncle Butch, Aunt Delight, Great Grandma Joyce, Taylor, Kristi and their two boys (Jax & Jace) were there too. 

It was so fun to watch Darby & Bo become instant best friends with Jax & Jace. 

They played, we sang, and the kids opened their presents.  

Such a fun evening!

Ice Skating Birthday Party

Our neighbor had her birthday party at an Ice Skating Rink. This was perfect because my kids had been asking to go ice skating. It took all of us a little while to get used to it but we did have a lot of fun.  Brad and I were glad we didn't have to say in the ice skates for long.

Colt's Nutcracker

Since the boys missed school for the Sounders parade, Colt missed out on making the infamous Nutcracker. His teacher sent home all the pieces and we put it together at home. He told me I was supposed to take a picture and send it to his teacher. So here he is. 

It's adorable! 

 

Snowflake Lane

We went to Snowflake Lane last week. We have loved this event but it is getting a little crazy. It's supposed to start at 7:00. We got there at 6:56 and it was already going plus it was packed.  It is a very lively, festive and fun event but I'm not sure if its worth the effort.  It makes me a little sad. 

The kids still had some fun dancing to the music.  And it's always fun to see it through the littlest ones eyes. 

Waffle Helper

If it was up to my kids we would have waffles EVERY single morning. But it's usually a production and takes a lot of time. So sometimes I make them have cereal. Brad was able to get these cute videos of Bo helping me make waffles. 

Sunday Ski Day

Brad took Brody & Colt skiing last weekend. It only took them 2 1/2 hours to get ready but it's nice to have the first day up to the mountain out of the way. Hopefully we can cut down that time for the next ski day. They had a great day and we are thankful we can go up there so quickly. 

Sambica & Santa

We went to the Sambica Christmas Carnival so we could get our free Santa pictures and so the kids could win some candy. The older ones are getting a little too old for the carnival games but Bo sure had fun. 

I don't know why Brad's head is cut off in this version.  

Bo knocking over the pins. 

Snow Hike

A week or two ago there was snow, but not at our house. I took Darby & Bo up to Lewis Creek Park which is 2 miles up the mountain and we found snow. They were so excited! There wasn't much but enough to make for a fun adventure. I was just glad I got them outside for a little bit.

More from the Sounders Rally

Here are a few more pictures from Brad's phone.

Brody getting ready for his interview.  Look at that big smile!

Sounders Parade & Rally

Last week the Sounders won the MLS cup. It's a big deal! Especially in this house. It's fun to know that Brad and I have been season ticket holders since their first game as an MLS team. When the Seahawks won we went to the parade and even though it was the craziest thing we had done we said we would do it again in a heartbeat.

So when the Sounders won we stood by to see when the Parade was going to happen.  

We took the kids out of school, couldn't find a babysitter for the youngest two and turned it into a fun family day.  It was fun, but cold.   We are so glad we went. 

 

By far the highlight of the whole thing was when we spied a TV reporter. I  asked the boys if they wanted to be on TV and tried to get his attention.  He noticed us and asked the boys.  Brody was excited to say something.  He did such a great job even though I only heard a very small part of it.   It was a classic case of the Barquist boys.  Brody answered the questions, Colt stood by and watched and Ollie jumped up and down yelling "Go Sounders."  

Thankfully my friend saw it on TV and got a few pictures.  

We haven't been able to track down the video.  

I absolutely love making these fun family memories (even though there is a whole lot of work to make it happen). 

Sunset Singers Winter Concert

Brody has been participating in Sunset Singers, the school's choir. He goes early every Tuesday morning for practice. (And thankfully one of my friends picks him up....makes it so much easier for me)  Of course I don't know what it is like for him so it was fun to finally get to see a little bit of what he has been working on.  

We are so proud of him.  

Winter Gymnastics

Darby had a winter Gymastics performance.  It was so much fun watching her.   

She is a little turned around here. 

A few videos for your enjoyment.