Merry Christmas!

Christmas Countdown

Christmas is coming! 

Only two days left. 

We're continuing to enjoy all things Chistmas-y. 

 

Family parties & celebrations.

With some Santa encounters...

 

Reindeer hugs.

Two Skurski Santas...

Four friends!

Making cookies for Santa.

Candy Cane Lane.

 

Space Needle

The birthday celebration continued with a trip to the Space Needle.  For a long time Carmen has been wanting to go to the tippy-tippy-top.  She finally got her wish.  It started with opening the 'Wheedle on the Needle' book.  She was so excited.  With Grandma & Papa 'Son' we took the 41 second ride to the top and checked out the sights.  It was a pretty neat experience.  Then, off to a birthday lunch to round out the festivities.  Happy Birthday to our little girl (who's not so little anymore)!

 

Celebrating 5

To celebrate Carmen turning five, we had a snowflake party, a party on ice.  Friends and parents strapped on skates and took to the ice for some skating.  It only took a little warming up and then everyone got their bearings and their balance.  It was fun to be surrounded by so many friends.  Thanks to everyone for making Carmen's 5th birthday one to remember.

Getting the right-fitting skates.

 

Fun on ice with a little help.

 

Hand-holding was key to staying up-right.



 

Getting the hang of it. Then, he was off!

 

 

Mother-daughter duo.

 

The buddy system.

 

In the zone...naturals!

 

Pro in the making.

 

Family fun.

 

What would a snowflake party be without snowflakes?!

 

Best buds.

 

Hooray for Grandma & Papa 'Son' being here from AZ to celebrate.

 A break from skating.

Happy birthday snowflake style.

 

Making a wish.  Here's hoping it comes true!

 

Amazing, generous friends--thank you!

F-I-V-E

Five today.  An entire handful.  Unbelievable. 

You continue to amaze us, test us and surprise us at every turn.

Still shy at times, unsure but at other times you have all of the confidence in the world.

You are still stubborn, like things your way, and know exactly what you want.

There is little room for negotiation with you.  Our steadfast little girl.

You have a silly side.  Love to dance and sing and make up stories and songs.

You are an artist through and through.  Coloring, drawing, painting, creating.

Gluing is your favorite.  No scrap of paper, cardboard box or wrapper is safe.

You glue and construct all of the time!

We have to hide the recycle from you.

You blow us away with your creativity.  Your wheels are turning at all times.

You love to write and are beginning to read.  Certainly big girl stuff.

You are kind and loving to your brother (most of the time) and if you get something you always make sure to ask 'where's Max's'--you look out for your brother.  Keep it up.

You are sweet and rough and tumble. 

You have your own sense of style.
You can't get enough of 'house shows'--you like watching HGTV!

You love the Incredible Hulk along with all things purple, pink and sparkly white.

You love to build and will play with legos for long periods of times. 

Constructing and reconstructing.

We are in awe at the girl you are and the girl you are becoming.

You make us laugh, can make us frustrated, but always fill our hearts with joy.

Thank you for being ours.  There is no one else like you.

Can't wait to see how you take the world by storm.

5 years down and a lifetime to go.

Happy 5th birthday to our Carmen James.

 

Hat Day

In honor of hat day at school, a new hat!

 

 

Holiday Checklist

Tree...check. 

Lights up...check. 

Village up...check.

Elf on the shelf...check.

Christmas spirit...check.

 

The Skurski house is in full holiday swing.

 

Our little light helper.

Mostly just wanting to climb the big ladder.

Gingerbread house creating.

There was lots of candy consumption but

also lots of concentration to decorate to candy-perfection.

 

Santa visit.

Carmen writing her name on the 'nice' list.

 

 

It was amazing Max even came near Santa. 

For over a month he's been insisting Santa is a 'bad man'

and doesn't want anything from him, only something from the store.

Thank goodness he decided to keep quiet and smile.

Carmen was great this time. No pouting.  Just smiles.

She shyly told Santa her special request for this year is a whistle.

Whistle?  Yes, just a plain 'ol whistle is on the top of her wish list.

I think Santa will deliver.

Giant Nutcracker

Giant wreath

Next up, reindeer and camel feeding.

Blitzen the reindeer and Curley the camel were a big hit.

  

 

So was the sleigh, electric train and an unexpected St. Nick sighting.

 

 

Then, Snowflake Lane.

Drummers, dancers, music and falling snow--

what could be better?

 

 

Just a few things holiday things checked off so far.

There are many more to go!