James Turns 2!

James had his "golden birthday" (turning 2 on the 2nd) last Friday, 12/02/11!

The last two years have gone by so fast! It's hard to believe our little baby boy is already two.  He is growing into such a sweet, kind, funny, happy little boy.  He brings us such great joy!

We went out to Red Robin on James' birthday. 

Smile, birthday boy!

"James, how old are you?!"

"TWO!"

Now every number is two.  Instead of counting "1...2...3" when he jumps or runs, he counts "2...2...2!"

Very cute.

His birthday meal of choice: french fries and a chocolate milkshake!

I wasn't sure how he would react when the Red Robin team sang him happy birthday.  He was in awe!

After dinner we went across the street to the mall for some fun rides.

And the carousel!

Back home, James got to open his birthday present, a Caterpillar truck.

Love this little boy!

Some wrestling with Kona and time for bed. 

 A great second birthday!

Kona's Haircut!

Twice a year we take Kona for a haircut, once before summer and once during the holidays.

Doesn't he look great!?

Kona always struts around the house after his haircuts. He must feel handsome!

James also liked Kona's new look!  

They spent extra time playing on this evening!

Kisses for Kona!

Holiday Festivities

I posted our picture with Santa earlier.  As you can see from the photo, James is still not a fan!  

Last year was the same:

Oh well, maybe next year.  

Matt and I got in the photo this year to hold Mikayla, like we did when James was a newborn (2009):

Aside from the Santa picture, our holiday traditions have been enjoyable!

With Thanksgiving behind us, we were excited to get ready for the Christmas season.

Starting with decorations for the house!  It was fun to pull out all of our Christmas things.  Last year we had just moved into our house, so we didn't completely decorate for the holidays.  This year is a different story!

Matt also put up lots of pretty Christmas lights on our house.  This was a must, because our neighborhood really goes all out!

Sunday after Thanksgiving we headed downtown to take in some more festive fun.

First stop: The gingerbread houses at the Seattle Sheraton.

The houses were amazing! Made entirely of delicious treats.

Incredible!

Next stop, the Teddy Bear Room at the Fairmont Hotel.

James loved it!

This polar bear was his favorite.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Tutu's Birthday and Meeting Uncle Brett

 Mikayla was born while Uncle Brett was away at the Naval Academy.

His first trip home since leaving in June was for Thanksgiving.  

Brett was able to "meet" Mikayla over Skype, but was able to hold her for the first time over the holiday weekend!

Nothing like holding a cute little 2 month old!

The Van De Weges were also in town for the holiday and loved holding little baby M!

While Brett was home, we went to visit Tutu and Papa.  

Tutu turned 81 on November 26th and we threw her a little birthday party!

 Happy birthday to my sweet Tutu!

Everyone enjoyed celebrating such a wonderful woman.

James had lots of birthday kisses for her. :)

After the party we headed back to my parent's house for more family fun. 

"James, are you touching your brain?!"

Family Christmas card photo!!

I love the holidays!

Oh How I Love Them!

My happy girl.

And my sweet little prince!

Peekaboo!

Exploring fingers with Daddy.

Filling our home with laughter...

And chocolate :)

So many smiles!

I love this not-so-little boy too :)

Happiness is contagious!