What Does the Fox Say?

Train Ride with Santa

Gramps and Jen arranged for us to ride the Christmas train with Santa while we were in Kansas City! We road through town singing Christmas carols and the kids had the chance to sit on Santa's lap during the ride (though Isaac was the only child to cry in protest, invoking a collective "Aw," from the train passengers). And afterward, we could enjoy cookies and hot cocoa and another chance to sit on Santa's lap. 

Daddy, Isaac and the conductor.

The train car.

Family photo.

Tess and Santa.

The aftermath of the first Santa encounter.

Singing carols.

Santa and Mrs. Claus dancing.

Another family photo.

Gramps and Isaac.

We thought Isaac might be more interested in sitting on Santa's lap with his mama, especially since Santa was giving out presents after the train ride. We were right: Isaac warmed up to Santa as soon as that present hit his hands. Of course, we asked Isaac to say thanks for the gift, to which he joyfully responded, "Canks, Santa!"

And after Isaac got off of Santa's lap, he turned to face him and said, "Canks so much, Santa," and walked on toward the exit. If you ask me, Isaac was thanking Santa for much more than that gift. (And so were we--Isaac is very excited about Santa now!)

Gramps' Tractor

If Isaac remembers anything from this trip, it will be riding Gramps' "tractor." He couldn't stop talking about it all weekend.

Cousin Play

Kansas City Zoo

Jen, Lizeth and I took the kids to the zoo today, and it turned out to be a really great day to visit. There were hardly any other visitors and the animals were really active! Isaac's favorite animal was the polar bear, which consequently was the first animal we saw. From there on out, all he wanted to see was the polar bear when asked. Or the zoo train, which came by every few minutes. My favorite animal had to be the squirrel monkey who took a liking to one visitor in particular, and played and fought with him through the glass. So funny! Finally, everyone's favorite exhibit was the new penguin exhibit. Very cool.

You would be correct to look twice at what this orangutan is doing here.

So long, Kansas City Zoo. So long, brand new sunglasses. I hope the patron who found them somewhere near the gift shop enjoys them as much as I did. (For anyone counting, that's two pairs of sunglasses lost and/or stolen in six months. I have lost my expensive sunglasses privileges.) 

He Wakes

Remember the times as a child when you would wake up and lie in bed wondering what excitement and adventure the day would hold? When your only job was playing? As a parent, my mornings are still spent thinking about the day, but in a more practical way, planning meals, errands and naps. For this little guy, though, each day still offers the opportunity for that wonder, so as his mother I have the good fortune to be able to create an environment that will foster such learning and adventure for him. And for me too.

We'd all be wise to return to those carefree days of our childhood once in a while.

Stella's Birthday

Happy birthday, Stella!

Tire Swing

Oh, the simple joys of childhood. 

Thanksgiving Hay Ride

Daddy, Uncle Matt and Isaac

 This is what happens when you ask Isaac to take one too many photos. Can you sense the annoyance?

Prepare yourselves for a photo overload in the coming days.

Amira, Tess and Isaac

Thankful for a quiet morning (and these cuties) at Gramps' house before the wild Thanksgiving rumpus.