The North Pole



Once in a rare while you find real magic... Yesterday was that day for me, the boys, Grandma W, Uncle Dave, Owen and our friend Nathan.  

 

We got up early and piled into the car for the long ride to the North Pole!! It was raining when we started out, then turned to ice and finally snow.  The drive took us through a remote winter wonderland surrounded on all sides by frosted evergreens and mountains. It was beautiful (although a bit scary).  And, the boys were convinced that we were headed to the real thing. 

 

We finally arrived and they weren't disappointed. There really was a pole of snow...

 

 They found a hidden slide in the back of the toy shop.

The whole place was beautiful covered in a thin layer of snow.  I'm sure that mid-summer it shows its age, but it was perfect while we were there.

This is the chapel where the elves marry.  Ryan would like to know why elves marry.  Can anyone answer that question for me?  I tried, but he's not accepting my answers.

This boy makes me smile.  He had such a good time.

I'm not sure what is going on here... maybe they were sick of stopping for pictures.

They even got to pet a reindeer!  But, we forgot to ask which one.

I couldn't get Owen to turn away from Tannenbaum, the talking tree. Too funny! The boys asked the tree questions including if he liked being decorated.  He does, by the way, and thinks he looks good!

It was finally time to go inside Santa's House.

The loved checking the place out.

And, even sat on Santa's bed!

Then it was time to see the man himself. Owen was up first and I think he was a little nervous.  Santa asked his name and he said "Guitar."  Ha ha!

I removed Owen's elf hat for this picture because he was whacking Santa in the face.  Santa felt bad so he shared his hat with O. Very special.

Ryan couldn't remember what he wanted.

Santa said he could text in his wish.

I was so focused on putting the boys in clothes that would be comfortable under winter clothes all day that I didn't consider how this neon shirt would look in this pic.  Oops.

The boys had a great time.

They even enjoyed some of the rides.

This kid cracks me up.  Could he smile any bigger?

It is really hard to take a pic while on the coaster.  Hopefully that cheek is enough to remember the pure joy on Ryan's face.

I think we made this trip just in time. They are 9 and 10.  And, are convinced we were at THE north pole. Maybe I should have told them to keep it a secret for when they go to school tomorrow.

 

They're already talking about a trip to the pole in the summer just to make sure it is really frozen all year.

 

This trip was exactly what I had hoped it would be.  As we were leaving, we heard Ryan in the back of the car say "we finally met the real Santa."  Perfect.

Do you see that bag in Tyler's hand? While we were there, the boys saw the "Genuine Elf on the Shelf" sign outside of a shop. Genuine being the key word. They have wanted an Elf for a long time, especially Tyler, but I have always told them that mom has to ok the elf coming into the house and I said no because I didn't want to be spied on.  I held firm.  Until the North Pole.  Because it was the real one. They seemed so sincere. Yup, I got suckered and that was confirmed tonight.  Dan read the boys the book that came with the Elf and afterwards Tyler told him that he has wanted an Elf for a long time and mom kept saying no, no, no, but he broke her.  Seriously, he said he broke me. 

We made some special memories this weekend. 

Professional Pics

We met a photographer at a local park in mid-October at 8:30 in the morning because I have a picture obsession and never fully trust my own pics. 

The light for outdoor pictures is best early morning or just before dusk so we went for early morning before the boys are covered in random bits of the day. We didn't fully anticipate the cold factor, though.  These poor boys did their best for me while freezing their ears off.  These pictures are in the order that they were taken.  Watch the ears turn red as you scroll.  Their coloring overall was a challenge in the frigid air and their hands did a disappearing act in many of the pictures.  Sorry boys. 

When the photographer posted the pictures on Facebook I was really disappointed.  Actually, I hated them and hid some of the pictures from my timeline.  But, I got the full disk today and the pictures that she didn't post are better.  Check them out.

Meh.  Hopefully I got that out of my system for a while.  It did prompt me to buy a new lens.  We'll see if I can improve the quality of my own pics enough to stick with just those. 

I wish there was a way to take a picture of what it feels like to hold their faces in your hand.  Or, kissing them goodnight after they are asleep.  Or, getting that hug in the morning before they're really awake.  Now.  I don't want to forget now.

Halloween



It started with Tyler wanting to be Uncle Si.  Then he asked Dan to be Willie and Ryan jumped on board as Jase.  I knew I couldn't pull off one of the wives so I tried to be Miss Kay.  (Yes, I know I failed) Put it all together and you have quite the scary duck dynasty family.  Please keep in mind that this pic was after trick or treating in the rain for two hours!!

 



The boys really got into character. 

The cub scout Halloween party is always a howling good time and this year was no exception.  Games, treats and more!

I took a 1/2 day again this year and participated in Ryan's class party plus the school parade.  I love being able to be there for things like this. Dan was able to participate in Tyler's party too!

He was particularly proud of this craft. And, I'm counting the days until I can throw it away unnoticed.

It is mighty convenient when your beard flips up!

We did our trick or treating with our usual crew.  I have to say that I really miss the cute costumes.  Wasn't he just dressed as a duck?  Now he's a beard from duck dynasty... not happy. I have no idea what Nathan is supposed to be!

Can't you see the happy in this picture.  House 1 was a huge success.

Skipping and hopping the whole way.  What could be better than filling your bucket with candy?

Nothing, except eating it!!

This was funny... shortly after Halloween, Dan left town for a work convention and check out who he saw!!

 

I seriously hope this dynasty is out of our system now.  Maybe I can convince them to do one more cute Halloween for mom next year.