Cougar Mountain Zoo.

Last Friday I got a wild hair and decided to do a little searching for something fun and festive to do with the boys. I looked online and found that they had a Reindeer Festival going on at the Cougar Mountain Zoo and since it wasn't too far away, we decided to go for it. We packed up and headed to Issaquah to see some fun animals including Santa's reindeer. Admission was not cheap, but it was a really neat place and there were only about 3 or 4 other families there, so it was perfect. We saw cougars, tigers, alpacas, kangaroos, and many other cool animals. The highlight was for sure the reindeer and Santa was even there to visit with! Such a fun morning with my boys and up until we left there, I was oblivious to what had happened in Newtown CT. Kind of put a sad damper on the day, but I felt grateful that I was able to have such a special day with my boys. I can't even begin to imagine what those poor families must be going through! So very sad. Just another lesson to not take life for granted and to treasure as many moments as we can with our kiddos.

making a wish in the fountain on the way in.

pretty cougars.

all 8 reindeer were there to see!

this guy was trying to get at a family with a little one! Kind of scary. He was able to get his paws in between the metal wires pretty well. The worker told them that they may want to go so he didn't get to riled up.

funny looking birds.

I was waiting to see if they would spit on me! ;)

mule deer. Good thing I left Orlin at home! ;)

pretty view of Lake Samammish.

me and my guys.

awesome tigers.

such a beautiful animal.

Snowflake Lane.

A couple of weeks ago Uncle Ty, Jaclyn and I took the boys to Snowflake Lane. Orlin had to work late and (honestly I don't think I could have convinced him to go again since our last experience was not a good one). When we went last year, we were stuck behind some people and really had a horrible view and before we knew it, the show was over. We were all like "that was it"? I was a little hesitant to go again, but kept hearing how cool it was and since it's free, why not!  We got bundled up, made some hot cocoa for the road and headed to Bellevue for some festive fun. We got there early and went into the mall to see all the pretty decorations and the cool Santa display there. The boys were very impressed! The show was really cute and the snow was a big hit with the boys. I think their favorite part was the candy cane suckers though!

Loving the suckers!

Drew was not real sure about this penguin.

We were literally right under the snow machine or bubble machine, so we were getting dumped on! The boys loved it.

Snowstorm came by for a visit and let the boys hold his drum sticks!?!

Christmas tree hunt 2012.

This year we got smart and got an early start on a Friday before all the crowds. We headed to Farmer Brown's Tree Farm in Arlington, which is where we went last year and had a fun successful trip. We literally were the only one's there when we arrived and even though it was raining a little, we were prepared for it and the hot cider and hot chocolate helped to keep us warm. We had a little mishap with the money situation and forgot cash, or checks, so Orlin had to run back the the gas station, but it gave the boys and I a chance to find the tree that we wanted, (or maybe I wanted) ;) and were all ready to cut it down when Orlin got back. He liked it as well and so the boys went to work cutting and hauling it to the truck. Got her all up and decked out and she's real purdy!

warming up with some hot cider before we venture out to find our tree.

and we're off!

so many to choose from!

found it.

good thing Daddy has such big helpers!

so strong!

these boys love their tractors and gators!

came home and warmed up with a bath. This claw foot tub is in the master bath and is so very lovely.

there she is!

getting real festive around here!

The new digs!

Well, it's been about a month now in the new place and it's actually starting to feel quite homey! Honestly, I think the logs help with the coziness of the place and we have all the space we need, (for now at least)! We painted from top to bottom, finished off the sheetrock in the master/master bath and put new carpet in the living room and all the bedrooms. I haven't taken pics of the completed mater bed or bath, but I will. It turned out way better than I expected.

living room. New carpet installed and lots of cleaning of the logs. They were just a little dusty!

HUGE laundry room! ;) At least I can throw in a load while I'm cooking dinner!

Drew's room with new paint/carpet. I'm always amazed what paint and carpet can do. The carpet in the rooms were like a blue/purple office carpet. Pretty terrible!

Noah's room. He's getting bunk beds and is pretty excited about it.

Master bedroom.

we installed the two windows as well since there was only one on the far left down low, which was a bit of a safety concern for us.

Cozy living room, at least Annie thinks so! ;)

far corner of the living room, which also is a small play area since we have no other space besides their rooms.

my little hideaway!

dining area, which has gotten a little makeover since this pic. Orlin did not like my arrangement, so he changed it while I was out. (pretty ballsy if you ask me)! However, I really like the new setup even though it was hard to admit at first. The table is now centered in the room and the entry table is against the window. Nice work honey!

cute little sign I found at Ross.

The kitchen. I had thought about painting the cabinets white, but I'm SO glad I didn't! Would have been a huge project and they are really just fine the way they are.



storage bins I found at Target which work great for holding sheets and towles. No linen closet, so I had to get a little creative.

the new arrangement.






coming together nicely!

Drew's room.

Noah's room, aka toy room/media room.

I am not a fan of having a tv in the kids room, but since we have no other area for an extra, this is where it ended up. It will have limited use and hopefully will be for an occasional movie or special show while we are entertaining.

view from the front door looking out. The boys are in heaven with such a big yard.