Gingerbread Houses

A few days before Christmas Bo wanted to make a gingerbread house. So, I took Bo & Colt to the store to get one. They were all out so we decided to buy some graham crackers and candy and let their creativity go to work.  These were all a bit of a rush job but it is still fun to see what they created.  And at least we did them this year. 

 

Christmas Eve Service

 

We went to the Christmas Eve service at Crossroads. Thankfully my friend Jen remembered to take a family picture.  

 

Bourbon

About a week ago, Brad joined some of the baseball dads for a brunch. It turned into a day long bourbon tasting event.  They had a lot of fun but that was a lot of bourbon for Brad.  I rescued him at the QFC.  (Although he didn't really need rescuing....just needed someone to remind him of his other commitments that day because he was having so much fun).

 

Starbucks Stop

 Ollie, Darby & Brody have been working for Brad.  They have put in some long days but they are making some money.  On their way home they stopped for a little treat and Brad snapped this picture.

Napping

 

 

Oops!  Bo must have snapped this picture of me resting my eyes.  :)  

Live Nativity

My absolute favorite Christmas activity is the Live Nativity at Calvary Chapel.  They didn't have it last year so I was so excited when I saw they were having it again.   They did such a great job and we are always impressed with the event.  

 

Sushi Dinner

After a couple of basketball games we decided to have a forced family dinner. We stopped by the house to pick up Brody, Colt and Ollie and headed to isushi. Brad and I go here often for date nights so it was fun to take all the kids here this time. Most of them have had sushi but it was fun to watch them try different kinds.  And always a treat to have our whole family together.

 

2023 Christmas Tree

We picked out our Christmas Tree at Home Depot. It didn't take us too long. Colt was at home because he hurt his ankle and wasn't feeling awesome.

 

Let's Go Kraken!

We weren't sure if we would go to the Kraken game because it is always so late and then we have to decide who is going to go. I committed earlier in the day to going, although when it was time to go I really didn't want to. I was tired. But I went anyway and Colt & Ollie joined us. 

 

When we got there Brad had to go to the bathroom so Colt, Ollie and I went to our seats.   Sitting right next to our seats was our friend, Andy.  Neither one of us knew he would be there.  He just randomly bought them through his work and was there for a work function. 

 

So, we decided not to tell Brad and when he came back from the bathroom.  Andy had his hood up and as soon as he sat down, Andy started jabbing his elbow into his side.   He could tell Brad was getting super mad and he finally revealed who he was.  Thankfully Brad did not punch him in the face and it was a super fun evening, especially since the Kraken won 7-1!

 

Fans

Darby's friends came to cheer her on at her middle school basketball game. So fun that she has friends who support her like this.

 

Popcorn

 One of Darby's favorite things to do is make popcorn.  She got a popcorn maker from Elise with the Basketball Secret Santa.  So, Darby tested it out.  Her only complaint was that it took too long to make.  Maybe she needs to learn to be a little more patient. 

Sport Teammates

Darby played basketball against one of her soccer teammates. It's so fun to watch these two play each other. Tanna is a VERY good basketball player so it was a really fun challenge for Darby.

 

Nutcrackers

Last year Brad wanted to change our Christmas theme to Nutcrackers. To be honest, we really didn't have a theme but I guess we do now. When we were in Michael's the other day Darby saw these giant nutcrackers and wanted to get them. They were buy 1 get 3 free. I said no. Darby went home and talked to Brad and how could they pass up such a great deal. So now we have something to keep them busy or something that is messy.

It is actually fun to see their creativity. 

 

Haircut

I have been trying to convince Darby to get a haircut for a while now. She was resistant because she likes her hair long.   She finally wanted to get it done and it's still long but it definitely looks a lot cleaner now.   

 

Band Concert

Darby had her first band concert.  She was a little nervous but had a great attitude and although she said she played terribly we couldn't tell.  :)  

 

Sounders Playoff Game

The Sounders made it to the Western Converence Semifinals and we were able to get tickets for all of us and one friend. Darby brought her friend Brynn. It was a great game by the Sounders but unfortunately they lost 1-0. It was such a bummer. But we had a fun time going as a family.

 

Ball Girl

 Darby was the ball girl for the high school team, along with her friends Tatum and Elise. 

Thanksgiving

I was sick a few days before Thanksgiving and even though I was feeling better we weren't sure if we should spread potential germs to the rest of the Barquist family.   So, we decided to stay home.  After getting over my pity party and embracing the idea of something different we enjoyed our Thanksgiving.   

The kids played a lot of football in the cul-de-sac.  

Since Brian, Angie and Shirley had already made all the Thanksgiving food (minus what I was bringing) they needed to pass some on to us so it would be eaten.   We were all thankful that we could still have a Thannskgiving meal and of course it was delicious.  

It is always hard to adjust plans especially when it comes to the holidays or special events but we are so thankful for all that we have.