ho...ho...ho...pictures with santa

The time had come, it was time to see the big guy dressed in red. The hubby and I have been reading stories about Santa for several months to Little Miss L. in hopes she would better understand who the jolly man in the red suit was. We woke up bright and early Sunday morning, got dressed in our winter best and headed to the mall to meet Santa Claus. We have learned over the years that if you don't want to wait in line for hours, then you must be there 30 minutes before Santa's arrival.

As soon as we arrived, Little Miss L. lit up with excitement as she saw Santa's workshop all set up. As we were walking around to keep the little miss occupied, Santa made his grand entrance. It just so happened that Little Miss L. caught his eye and Santa made his way over to talk to her. Santa asked if he could have a high-five and Little Miss L. obliged. He continued on to his big chair and Little Miss L. got in line so she could have her picture taken.

Little Miss L.'s turn finally arrived - as she slowly walked up to meet Santa, her emotions got the better of her... she decided that she did not like Santa anymore and did not want to sit on his lap. After mommy and daddy told her everything was going to be okay and that Baby D was going to sit on Santa's lap as well, the mood changed. I guess Baby D was a comfort because as soon as he joined the party, Little Miss L. was ready to tell Santa all about anything and everything. Little Miss L. informed Santa she would be leaving him treats which consisted of cookies and milk. Santa than gave the kids a little gift and we were on our way. I have to say we are improving each year (you can look back at the last two years here) Even though it has been days since we met up with the big guy, Little Miss L. is still telling everyone about seeing Santa and giving him a high-five.

All dressed-up and ready to see Santa.

Look, there he is!

Where? Over there mom!

Umm, maybe I don't want to sit on your lap.

30 seconds before the crying started.

Look, Baby D is coming to join me.

I guess it isn't as bad as I thought.

Well Santa, do you have all day because I have a lot to talk about.

Please smile for the camera... no way!

Baby D meets Santa for the first time.

"Look, Santa gave me a prize" as Little Miss L. puts it.

weekend catch-up

I love love love this time of year! I love that every weekend is full of fun things to do with family and friends. I love the way our house smells of yummy home-baked goodies and cinnamon ornaments. I love going for a drive and seeing all of the twinkling lights at night. I love turning on the radio and listening to the Christmas music as I clean the house. I love attending all the Christmas parades. There are so many things I love about this time of year, and this past weekend was no exception. We spent some good ol' quality time as a family, headed to our local Christmas parade, and even had time to do a little baking with the Little Miss L. I love weekends like these...

Saturday we met up with our newly-engaged friends to enjoy one of our local Christmas parades. They make such a beautiful couple and we are so happy for you two!

They also brought along this cutie.

Little Miss L. fell in love. She found a new best friend.

Where do you think you are going?

Yippee, the parade has begun! Little Miss L. was prepared with her candy bag in hand.

Little Miss L.'s favourite part of the parade... receiving all the candy.

I loved these beautiful ponies.

What's a parade without the big guy making an appearance?

Little Miss L. was pleased with the end result...

...a bag full of candy!

Our little angel sleeps through another family outing. One of these days he will join in on all the fun.

Little Miss L. and mommy decided to make some goodies.  I think someone enjoyed cleaning up afterwards. Tomorrow, I will post our recipe for haystacks.

it is starting to look a lot like christmas...

I have been a little MIA and for one reason and one reason only - I am sleep deprived! I can't remember the last time I slept for more than 4 hours in a row. It just seems like we can't catch a break around here. Little Miss L. was up for days because of her throat infection, and then Baby D has decided that he would like to wake up every 2 hours on the nose. I am surprised I was capable of writing more than one sentence! With that being said, my brain is fried... here is a quick look at what we have been up to around here.

This past weekend it was time to pull out the Christmas decorations. Little Miss L. found a stocking and thought this was the perfect place to put it.

We have seen this face several times in the last month.

This picture was taken 20 seconds before our daughter starts her fake crying session.

Time to put up the Christmas tree! Little Miss L. loved handing mommy all of the ornaments.

Daddy and Baby D had to get in on the action too.

Baby D love love loves the sparkling ornaments and lights.  

Thanks mom and dad for coming to help us put up our lights and tree. I love love love  Sunday family dinner.

This is what happens when someone doesn't take a nap.

Little Miss L. loves when her uncle comes over because it means its time to wrestle. 

Watch out little girl- the tickling is going to begin...

These two like to goof around.

I love love love Christmas lights.

Little Miss L. was so excited to see her front yard lit up at night.

breakfast fun for the holidays

I love pancakes! There is nothing like waking up on a Sunday morning to the wonderful aroma of  homemade pancakes. If you are looking for a way to make this Christmas morning special for your little ones, whip up your favourite pancake recipe, pull out your holiday cookie cutters and let the fun begin! This is a fun and creative activity you can do with your little ones and they will enjoy helping you make them.

This is my favourite pancake recipe to use. You can also make the batter the day before and refrigerate overnight. Keep plain or add seasonal fruit for a burst of flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1 1/3 cup milk 

Preparation

• Preheat a lightly oiled griddle/pan over medium-high heat.
• Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, beat together egg, olive oil, vanilla, and milk. Pour milk mixture into dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. If you would like to add fruit, mix at this stage.
• Pour or scoop the batter onto the hot griddle/pan, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Flip pancake when you see the top start to bubble. 
• Add your favourite topping, serve hot and enjoy!

Note: If you notice the batter is thick, add a small amount of milk until you reach the perfect consistency.

You can use butter or oil.

We decided to go with blueberries!

The end result after using our Christmas cookie cutters.

Little Miss L. decided she wanted the candy cane pancake.

Yummy!

 
Happy Holidays everyone from our family to yours! Thank you to everyone who has continued to support in love with the small things.