The Hutchinson Family

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Thanksgiving & Santa

Thanksgiving weekend was relaxing and full of fun! We had a wonderful meal for lunch and then headed to see the lighting of the Great Macy’s Tree! The weather was perfect and it was a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. After the tree was lit there was a wonderful fireworks show! Fun Stuff!

Covering their ears from the sound of the fireworks

The Great Tree!

On Saturday, we brought up all the Christmas decorations and got the whole house decorated inside and out!

We are still using the shatter proof balls. I’m hoping that by next year we can bring out the “real” ornaments. I wasn’t quite ready to chance it just yet!

That night we went to see Santa at Phipps Plaza. This is their 4th visit to see Santa. Considering we were in the picture with them last year, we weren’t sure what to expect. But, they did awesome! There were no tears, but they seemed scared to death while we were watching them talk to Santa, but when it was over Riley exclaimed, “mommy, that was so fun!” Riley asked for a Barbie, Dora doll and new puzzles. Ryan asked for a “toy named Shrek”, choo choo train and new books!

we snapped a few photos before visiting with Santa
Family Shot!

they put their arms around each other on their own!

they allowed us to take our own photos, but only without a flash, so most of our photos are blurry… but we got a few great shots!

waiting for our turn to visit with Santa

This is a little blurry, but it is my very favorite photo! I like it better than the “official” photo we paid for! Riley’s expression is priceless and we captured Ryan’s great smile!

2010

We’ve come a long way…

2009

2008

2007

And the official 2010 video!
I LOVE this video. You can jump to the 3 minute 45 second mark (to skip the reading of the night before Christmas) to see Riley and Ryan’s visit with Santa!

Riley & Ryan–Santa 2010

Web Albums Added:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20101125Thanksgiving
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20101127DecoratingForChristmas
http://picasaweb.google.com/hutchinson.heidi/20101127Santa

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Let the Holidays Begin!

Almost every day for the last week Riley and Ryan have been telling me it’s Christmas time. And my response to them is that we have Thanksgiving first and then it will be Christmas (even though I’ve snuck in a few Christmas songs already). Well – Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we kicked off the holiday season with the Open Arms Thanksgiving Feast! When we arrived, they asked the parents to wait outside and when they let us into the room…this is what we saw! 11 3-year olds sitting at the table with their hats and homemade placemats ready to go! They each had a full plate of food, but not one of them took a bite until the blessing was said. Impressive!

Ryan came over to me as soon as I made my plate and announced he was done….and he was. He literally took 2 bites of food (if that) and threw his plate in the trash! For a kid that loves to eat, I was baffled…but not really, since he did the exact same thing at our Thanksgiving meal last year. I’m hoping he will not repeat this ritual on Thursday…but I wont’ be surprised if he does!

On Saturday morning we went to our friend, Avery’s 3rd birthday party. It was held at a gym and everyone got to do gymnastics! They both enjoyed themselves, but I think Riley convinced us in about 5 minutes that we need to put her in gymnastics class. Not only did she look SO CUTE in her leotard, but she was a natural on the beam and bars!

There were lots of dress up clothes for the girls and Ryan really wanted to put on the Snow White dress, but thankfully, we found this fireman’s coat!

After the party, we headed to Ursula’s Cooking School for a Candy House class. I went to Ursula’s for cooking school for several years and learned a lot of my cooking skills in this very room. I have always heard of this class and dreamed of the day I could take my very own children…and this was the year!

Ursula dressed as Mrs. Claus! She is 77 years old and still teaching class!

Riley looking out for Ryan – making sure he can see…

We came home and crashed. We were so tired from the day, but once we got up, we ate some dinner and then headed to Atlantic Station to see the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Luckily, it was not very cold and we were able to sit right by the tree!

While we were waiting for the lighting, Kevin took each of them on walks. They found some snow and magic wands that light up!

We even got to the point of silly faces!

We all look tired… I hope this isn’t a sign of the times for the holidays. My wish is for us to participate in all the fun festivities of the season and teach the kiddos the true meaning of Christmas, but not be so tired we don’t enjoy them! Is that possible with 2 3-year olds?

I am the most excited I’ve been about the holidays in years. It is truly heartwarming to see Christmas through a 3-year olds eyes. They are so excited about the magic! I might be one tired mama, but I’m determined to experience this holiday season to the fullest! Let the holidays begin!