The Boats

Another activity we enjoyed this year was seeing the lights on the boats on the river.  It's a tradition here in Portland for some of the local boat owners to decorate their boats with lights and go up and down the river.  This year we bundled up and headed down to the river.   We were very close to the action.  We went out onto one of the docks and watched as they came out of their small harbor and onto the river.  The boys thought this was so much fun.  We had a great time and hope to make this another one of our Christmas Time traditions.

The Family With Boats

We had a Whale of a Good Time!

On Dasher, On Dancer...

Simon & I Staying Warm

The Spruce Goose Has Landed

Zoo Train

Last weekend we took the family and went to see the zoo lights and ride the zoo train.  We tried to do this last year, but it was raining at each possible time for us to go, so this was our first time.  We knew it was going to be cold, so we bundled up as best we could.  The boys were troopers, and although they were cold, the 2 older boys held it together for the sake of the train ride.  Simon fussed a bit, but he soon felt better after we warmed up his shoes and warmed his feet.

When we got there, the line was really long to ride the train.  I think that people must view this as some kind of tradition, and so many people stand in the over hour long line.  It reminded me much of the lines at Disneyland because the train ride itself only lasts about 10 minutes.  So the grandparents stood in line and we took the boys and walked around a bit.  We got some hot chocolate and tried to keep ourselves warm.  Then we stood in line for that last half hour to ride the train.  After the train ride, we headed home.  It was a fun family tradition, and if we can brave the cold, we might return again next year.

Waiting for Tickets

Joelle Keeps Simon Busy

Simon & Jeff

Daniel Tries to be Brave

Sam Waits for the Train

Some Lights

A Few More Lights

Christmas Time

I've really always enjoyed the holiday season, or even just any holiday for that matter.  Recently we enjoyed going out and getting our tree and bringing it home to decorate.  I think we may have gotten our biggest tree yet this year.  Perhaps next year we'll select one a little smaller.  We also enjoyed making some holiday cookies.  I love to bake if I have the time, and what better excuse than the holidays.  Happy Holidays!

The guys and the tree

Simon helps in the selection process

Placing Ornaments

Putting up the star

Finished Tree

Cookie Making