Closing out 2013

With just a few days left in 2013, we finished the year strong. 

Riley had been going back and forth on whether or not she felt ready to get her ears pierced.  Then on 12/27, Val texted a picture of cousin Sadie with newly pierced ears.  Riley's mind was made and we went to the mall that night.  Afterwards she told me, "Mom, now when it's just us we will have to call it 'lady time' instead of 'girl time' because I am so grown up."

The kids favorite part of Christmas break is getting lots of time to play at home.

How do you spot amazing men? You see them smiling and getting their hair done at the Riley & Ben Beauty Hair Salon, that's how.

Iyer invasion of mom's office (we stopped by because it's near the ice skating rink).

Family fun at the rink.

Badamma's visit and Merry Christmas!

Badamma was here for a week visit for Christmas.  We had so much fun! Merry Christmas from the Iyers!

Snowflake Lane 

A day in Seattle:

Can you tell who just woke up?

the monorail

Seattle Center

The Children's Museum

Indoor ski lessons - they start outdoor lessons in January once there is snow on the mountain.

Christmas Eve brunch at Newcastle golf course

Christmas Eve pajamas

Tired parents on Christmas afternoon.

And here folks, is the most precious video capturing the excitement of Christmas Eve:

December Fun

Benny and Mom watching Santa come to our neighborhood.

Date night - dinner at Salish Lodge.

We volunteered with Nate and Riley's school at a retirement home.  The kids made and handed out Christmas cards. Here they are with Ri's friend Brennan.

Sometimes Belf forgets to move...sometimes he goes all out. :)

Ri all dressed up for school.

I lost my will power around the 12th. Whoops!

Santa at the aquarium

Snowman Ben

Riley and I had a great time at her school Winter party.

Gramps and Nate outing to Denny's

 First snow day!

Badamma arrives later today! Riley made sure the kids are dressed properly to give her a warm welcome.