Christmas is all about the kids

This year Christmas was all about the kids.  Well, I suppose it’s always about the kids.  But for me, this year was mostly about my two youngest grandsons LJ and Declan.  We had a full month of festivities and fun.

I started the holiday season going to “Twas the Night” with LJ, my 5 year old grandson.  I found that LJ loved plays when he was only 2 and we’ve been going every since.

Getting ready to watch a Christmas play

“Twas the Night” play presented by Studio East in Kirkland

Having fun on our “date”

Our next stop was to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens to look at the Christmas lights.

Sea serpent

A rainy but fun adventure

So many beautiful displays at the Botanical Gardens

Our last stop was to have dinner at The Melting Pot in Bellevue.  LJ wasn’t too crazy about the cheese fondue but sure loved the chocolate one 🙂

Chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot.  What a fun way to end the day

The next week-end I had a special day with Declan, LJ’s younger brother.  We also did lots of fun things!

First stop – Story time at Barnes and Nobel

Wight’s Home and Garden Center to look at all the decorated Christmas trees

And then off to Country Village in Bothell.  It’s always fun to go here.  There are ducks and chickens, a playground, little cafes and so much more.  And this time of the year there are lots of Christmas activities, carolers, and even reindeer!

Checking out the reindeer at Country Village

Declan loves watching the ducks

And after listening to “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” earlier in the day, look who we ran into!

Declan and the Grinch

Next on our list was to go to the Redmond town center and city hall.  It was a pretty cold night so we didn’t stay long, but we did manage to watch the tree light up and take a quick ride on the carousel.

 

Tree at Redmond City Hall and carousel at Town Center

Declan on the fire truck and riding the carousel

More fun things we did…

Declan’s Christmas play at Wee Care Academy

He was pretty proud of himself after singing his songs

Fun breakfasts for the boys

Christmas crafts

And a trip to the Reptile Zoo in Monroe.  One of the boys favorite things to do!

Declan petting a snake

LJ holding a snake

Grandpa Louie arrived on the 23rd with a truck full of snow from Wenatchee!  He brought some last year and I think it’s going to be a tradition from now on.  Oh what fun the boys had playing in the snow!

Fun in the snow

Nothing better than a snow bunny!

After playing in the snow, we all packed up and drove to Stanwood and The Lights of Christmas festival.  There was music, lights, a 3D exhibit, a story teller by the fireplace, a Christmas train and the most delicious melt in your mouth mini donuts I’ve ever tasted!

Stanwood Lights of Christmas festival. The picture on the bottom is the lights maze. Fun!

Christmas train and Christmas fun!

Boys going through the 3D Christmas Story exhibit

Christmas Eve is a time for making cookies, wrapping gifts and setting out a tray for Santa and his reindeer!

Christmas morning! Santa’s been here and he and his reindeer got their snack! So many gifts, so much fun!

Whew!  It was a busy month but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  My other two grandchildren are all grown up with lives of their own, so I’m so thankful that I’m able to spend these special times with these special boys while they’re still little.  Time goes so fast, it’s here and gone in a flash.

Declan is my pillow boy. This is the one I made for him this year. Hugs to him and his brother and all my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren today and always!