The Spear Family

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Grand Canyon

It was a short drive from Williams to the Grand Canyon. It has been forever since we were there, and the boys had never been. It was very cold, but still suprisingly busy. We took in the amazing view and then got souvenirs and hot tea/cocoa. When Max and I were in line to pay for his purchase, he looked out the window and said "Mommy, what is THAT?" Of course he knew what it was after our spring break adventure at Yosemite; it was snowing. Here are my four favorite guys in the whole world posing for me slash huddling together for warmth.

No matter how many times I have seen it, it still takes my breath away. I always get a bit philisophical when I see all the colors and layers and think of how long it took to make such wonder.

Polar Express

The day after Thanksgiving we trekked to Northern Arizona to Williams. Williams is an adorable "Route 66" town, and home of the Grand Canyon Railway. During the holiday season they have a Polar Express adventure for the kids. Nana had been working overtime to make matching pajamas and robes for all the boys. (You can't see in the picture, but their names were embroidered on their robe pockets, too cute!) All the kids have to wear their p.j's on the train.

They all looked so cute in their matching ensembles. They were chomping at the bit to get over to the train. It was frigid outside and we had to huddle up for warmth waiting for the train.

The Polar Express is made up of railway cars from 1923. It was very charming inside decorated with evergreen around the top. It was warm and cozy as we took off for the North Pole. The chefs danced up and down the aisles and brought everyone hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. We listened to a reading of the Polar Express storybook and then stopped at briefly at the North Pole where Santa boarded the train. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and gave each child a jingle bell from his sleigh.

We sang Christmas carols all the way back to the station. Sam, Nattie and Max were hanging out singing Jingle Bells.

Jake and Russell were enjoying their cookies.

Santa giving Zach his bell. Sam and Zach were especially impressed by Santa. Everyone, including the adults, had a magical time. It was such a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween 2009 Montage

View this montage created at One True Media

Halloween 2009

We look forward to Halloween each year. The boys and I have a great time planning the costumes and working on them. They all look so cute! This year I made Sam's first, as I was working without a pattern and winging it. He wanted nothing to do with it. He wouldn't even try it on for me. When I finished Jake's, he was trying it on for me and Sam saw this. He went and grabbed his mummy costume and said "me too". Now I know what the trick is...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A visit to the pumpkin patch!

Everyone selected a pumpkin. Afterward the conversation went like this: Me - "This year can we paint the pumpkins?" Jason - "sure, and then we'll make some chocolate chip cookies without chocolate chips". Me- "Easy for you to say. I am the one stuck doing all the cleaning and carving." Jason- "I always do it, don't I guys?" Guys - "um, no Daddy, you never have."

Max and Jake in the Corn Maze. The maze was supposed to take 45 minutes, but with Dad the expert map reader they were out in about 15! They did protest about having to stop to pose for a picture, of course.

Max, posing by the "Big Max" pumpkins. (which could be yours for $80!)

Sam, hamming it up as Dracula. He could barely reach the hole.

Reluctantly posing, of course.

Crazy Hair Day!

Jake and Max sported their favorite color in their hair for "crazy hair day" at school. While food coloring looks cool in your hair; it is not so cool all over my beautiful, fluffy white towels. Jake took it upon himself to rinse his out after school and used one of my lovely bath towels. (I guess that is what bleach is for...)