Thursday, December 20, 2012

SANTA!

We went and visited Santa at the Santa Clause House in North Pole, AK. This is the 3rd time Tanner has went to visit the big guy. The first two times he seemed rather indifferent to him. This year he was shy and needed lots of coaxing to go anywhere near him. Dillan, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the scary guy dressed in red.








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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tanner Turns Three

On this Day that Tanner turned three, he chose not to get out of his Thomas the Train PJ's. I can't say that I blame him. He did look cozy as well as cute all day long!

Started the day with balloon play.
Today we played play-doh, played with balloons, played hide and seek, played tackle chase, read, did puzzles, went for a car ride in -45F temps, watched cartoons, and took naps. We did our best to keep Tanner busy so he could enjoy his day without feeling restless or destructive... It almost worked. Those emotions must come along with being three. :)

I asked Tanner a few questions during breakfast this morning;

How old are you? Three

Favorite color? Blue

Favorite toy? Caillou cowboy toy (doesn't have one)

Favorite food? Toast

Best Friend? Dillan

Favorite thing to do outside? Shovel

Favorite drink? Juice

Favorite TV Show? Caillou

Take to bed at night? Scout (singing dog) and Airplane (mobile)

What do you want to be when you grow up? Little

Favorite Animal? Giraffe

Opening gifts from my family
Used Saturday left over birthday party cake
Sweetest smile
Dear Tanner,

Happy birthday to you!!! You had a great 3rd year of life, filled with much change and growth!

This year you became a big brother, and what an awesome big brother you are! Dillan truly looks to you to get approval and mimic your every move. Heck, he's even trying to copy your looks. :) You and Dillan love to give each other hugs and kisses. I soooooo look forward to watching you two grow up and be best friends for life.

This year you went from having your own room to sharing a room with Dillan and now you're back to having your own room again. I think you prefer sharing a room but you and Dillan both sleep so much better when you aren't together at night.

You make it to the bathroom to pee 95% of the time now. Pooping in the toilette is a bit of a challenge still, but we'll get there.

You get around AMAZING on anything with wheels. You love your scooter that your gram got you, and your bike that "Meema and Beeba" got you. I predict by next summer you will not need training wheels!

You are so great at doing puzzles. You love doing them on your own with me or daddy there to offer encouragement. Your favorite one to do is the one with all different trucks on it even though its missing two pieces and other pieces have been chewed on by Dillan.

You are a bit of a cartoon junkie. Your favorite ones are Calliou, Mickey Mouse Club House, Dora and Diego. I can't wait to live in a climate that doesn't keep us trapped indoors for months on end. You won't have such easy access to those cartoons when we spend more time outdoors!

You, my Little Love, are fun, challenging, hilarious, frustrating, sweet, loving, stubborn, and kind. I love you so much I get an achingly good feeling in my chest and tears in my eyes each night when we cuddle each other in your cramped little bed. I am so thankful to you for teaching me to love like this.

Love, Momma ❤

 

Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Birthday Party for Lucas and Tanner

This year we did a combined birthday party with Tanner's cousin Lucas. Lucas turned 7 on the 14th and Tanner will be 3 on the 17th. We celebrated at Glow Putt Alaska, which is a glow in the dark indoor mini golf course.

Tanner got up at 5am, after not sleeping well most of the night, and arrived to the party a little tired. He managed to have a great time none the less. We all played, ate and opened presents for 2 hours. Tanner refused to let us help him with any aspect of the golfing. He was Mr. Independent.

The 18th hole has a Plinko-style board, at the end of a ramp. Tanner got first prize which was a free mini golf session. He was the envy of all the kids!

Tanner
Lucas
Plaid!
Mmmmmm
 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Home Free

As of 12/12/12 at 2:00pm we ceased being owners of a home in North Pole, AK.  What a huge relief.  Brandon and I were beginning to fear that we were going to leave Alaska  with a house payment weighing us down.  Thankfully, our prayers were answered and that is no longer a concern of ours.

One of the last times that we stopped by the house to clean and fix a few things, I snapped a few pictures of the boys dancing and playing in the empty rooms. 

Hide and seek in their closet

Running in the living room

Posing in their 1st bedroom
Ready to go

Last look at our North Pole, AK home...