Santa take 2 and Zoo lights

We ventured another visit with Santa at the Log Cabin Museum on Saturday. Frances did much better, but she wasn't going to sit on the Jolly 'Ol Elf's lap. We did, however, manage a nice family picture.  

Lucas asking for a drum for Christmas.

Warming up to the big guy.

As good as it gets.

Merry Christmas!

Thursday night we went to Zoo Lights. It was better than ever this year, the weather cooperated and the displays were amazingly beautiful.

Sea Shell

This picture was taken about a month ago at the zoo, it's one of my favorites, so I had to share.

Thanksgiving 2013

Turkey Day this year was pretty mellow. We had lots of yummy food which we consumed as it came out of the oven. It was just the five of us (Jana included) most of the household was (is) sick. So, the biggest event this long weekend was cutting down our Christmas tree and decking the halls. Here's hoping for a healthy December!

Lucas made this beautiful turkey light in school. 

Turkey day was ham day. 

Finding the perfect tree. 

And cutting it down. 

Watching the excitement. 

Wanting to participate. 

Just too many cute smiles. 

Had to post them all.

We did it!

Dragging her out (the tree, not Frances)

Ready for ornaments. 

Topping the tree.

Oh beautiful Christmas tree!

...I can't believe this tree was only 10 bucks. 

...yes, one more of my beautiful tree. 

And a pictures of Ol' St. Nick...

 

Here's to the beginning of the Christmas season!

Birthday party for Lucas

Lucas celebrated his 6th birthday on Saturday. We rented the Active Club building so Lucas could invite his class and have a reptile safari! We hired Dr. Dave, a veterinarian, who does a reptile safari kids show. He was fantastic and the kids loved it! He was very hands on and all the kids got to see and touch whatever critter they wanted. Best of all, he made Lucas the star of the show!  

Snapping a few pictures before the party



Cuties

pizza, coloring, and stickers

The group

Birthday boy!

Ready for the show!

first critter -  a skink

Listening intently

up next - the Tortoise

Learning how to hold the tortoise

Checking them out!

Little ham

The disgusting Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Go away bug!

Snake!

Do you think it's poisonous?

Who's he going for?

Brave little boy!

Leopard gecko

I think Frances wanted to hold him too.

Yep, I think so.

Chameleon

He's a rescue, so only Lucas got to touch him.

Frogs

I'm a tree!

Receiving a certificate for bravery and a stuffed snake while the giant toad looks on.

Making friends with the snake

Time for cake!

...and presents!

After the party everyone piled out of the building and played on the playground for a while.

Always loves the slides

The reptile / ninja cake (had to put ninjas somewhere in the party!)

The room before the kids arrived.