Polar Express

2011, the year Finn took to Christmas. I would guess in most children the age of three brings about a string of years in which Christmas is pretty darn fun for most parents. The local paper published the listing of Christmas themed shows and most every night if supper and baths went well we had a choice of old favorites to watch with Finn.


We went to Green Bay to ride the Polar Express. Like our summer visit to see Thomas the Tank Engine, this was hosted by the National Railroad Museum.


Though much less popular than Thomas, the lack of popularity meant better parking. We rode 3 laps around the rail, two too many times by some accounts, and then waited in line for Santa.


Our previous excursions to see Santa with Finn have all resulted in quickly snapped awkward photos of a Santa trying to hold a horrified, crying Finn. The poor kid. I thought with certainty we would get the same result here. However, once at the point of being next in line we told Finn that Helaina would probably be a little scared to meet Santa and could he be brave and help his sister. With a deep breath and a stern mouth Finn marched up to Santa and sat on one side while Helaina was put on Santa's left knee and for the first time ever Finn told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. A Diesel Ten (A Thomas character) and a combine. No one cried and we couldn't have been more proud.

Finnisms

When asked to go get something for me, Finn responds "on it" and takes off running.

Finn informed me tonight that he couldn't sleep because piggy (his stuffed animal) was talking to him. He then proceeded to have a talk with piggy explaining to piggy that he needed to be quiet so he could sleep.

He will frequently comment..."that's odd"

"Daddy, let's get our play on"

"Dad, I have great eyesight, I must be a tyranosaurus rex or something"

"Let's stop to think"

Helaina update

Helaina has been growing by leaps and bounds. She seems to be stretching out and has shot up to the 90% for height at her last well check. She is now rolling like a pro and sitting fairly well on her own for brief periods. She has a heart warming smile and adorable giggles. We are making our way through several foods and so far her favorite seems to be brocolli...let's hope that continues! Her hair is starting to fill in and still has the cute "peacock poof" in the back.

Halloween 2011

Buzz Lightyear and the Cupcake!!!

Finn's fishing trip with Bob

Helaina's first meal

rice cereal

sweet potatoes

toe jam

Finn flies a kite