They Make Me Smile

She makes me smile: Making a total mess with a special sticker delivery from Nana . . .

 He makes me smile: getting ready to wear his life vest on family vacation.  Puppy needed to be safe, too.  Not sure why he wasn't wearing any pants.

The Cambridge Lights That Weren't

We are fortunate to live less than thirty minutes from the bustling city of Cambridge and last weekend we headed over to see "The BIG Switch On".  The advertised Christmas lighting was to take place at 5pm (which is doable since it's totally dark here by 4:30!).  We had big hopes for a festive afternoon and colorful display in a fun city.  Let's just say that the park-n-ride bus and holiday treats were the highlights for all of us that evening.  The lights were LAME-O.  I think I put more lights on our Christmas tree!  While the lights were a disappointment, the kids didn't know any better and we enjoyed some family fun. 

Gretchen thought it was great that she didn't have to wear a seat belt on the bus.  They were both excited about the ride, but she was giddy.

She literally fell asleep as the crowd counted down to the big switch on!

See those panels of lights on the building in the background?  That was pretty much the extent of what switched on.  It's okay, Cambridge.  We still like you.

Thanksgiving Corn

The kids and I had so much fun with this little Thanksgiving craft!  I'm not a crafty person, but 3 and 1-year-old level creations I can handle (as long as they don't include my daughter using markers!).  Glue makes anything fun.  I followed the general idea from here with a little media thrown in.  After popping the popcorn and painting it, we watched This is America, Charlie Brown (part 1, part 2) and ate some popcorn painted with butter while waiting for the real paint to dry.  Then it was back to painted popcorn and glue to finish what we had started.  Happy Thanksgiving!

He was totally into it.

She kept asking for more glue!

Our finished works.  Gretchen was not interested in having her corn cob cut.  She said she was going for the "popping" look!

Phoebe Lee

Let me introduce the newest member of the Payne family: our two-day-old niece, Phoebe!

Sean and Jessica met their daughter for the first time on the 21st.  We can't wait for our first meeting!  Welcome to the world, little Phoebe.  We love you already!

Ely Cathedral and Tea

Last weekend, we spent the day together in Ely.  The highlights were warming up with a proper cup of tea/hot chocolate, viewing the cathedral, and sharing a meal at the Minsters' Pub.  We love getting to explore this beautiful country! 

We didn't stop at this tea shop, but isn't it cute?  I waited for a minute, hoping two people would take a seat at one of those tables.

Daddy snuggles at Peacocks Tearoom.  

The kids did fantastic in this delicate and quaint tea shop while we waited for our drinks.

The long-awaited hot chocolate, complete with mini-marshmellows and a chocolate-shaped tea pot.  He was SO HAPPY and nursed his warm drink the way his daddy does with coffee!

The perfect mug for her

As cute as it was, she really couldn't be trusted with the fairies

I don't remember the name of the tea I ordered, but it was wonderful.

must. get. every. last. drop.

Remembering Armistice Day

The back of Ely Cathedral (how did we miss getting a picture of the front?!)

Speaking of babies . . .

Goofy Big Brother would like to tell you something . . .

Happy Birthday!

She's here!  Maisy Pearl McTaggart is here!  My strong sister delivered a beautiful and healthy baby girl early this morning - hooray!  Even on a grainy Skype video, I teared up at seeing her perfect little features for the first time.  I love getting to be an aunt!  Happy Birthday to our niece, Maisy!  

A Walk Through our Village

Last Saturday, we walked to a local garden center to enjoy breakfast in their cafe (we're seriously missing our favorite Seattle breakfast spots.  Someone please go eat at Volunteer Park Cafe for me!).  I thought I'd share some of the sights on our path to give you a glimpse at the small village we call home.

A newly thatched roof.  For real.

Our local butcher has won awards for his meat pies.  I can testify to their goodness.

A dahlia garden in someone's front yard that is stunning.  The flowers never seem to lose their color.

To our delight, the garden center had a lot of fun activities going on for halloween, the fall season, and getting Christmas decor on display.  It felt so festive!  Rooke was hesitant at first, but finally asked to have a train painted on his face and loved the result.  

We searched the entire garden center for 10 marked pumpkins to trade in our list for a treat.  I was thinking they'd give us a little lolly or halloween-sized candy, but our kids each ended up with a large chocolate pumpkin, which they promptly devoured!  

After naps, we took Ryan back to the pumpkin patch and had fun all over again!  

Call me crazy, but I couldn't resist a beautiful bunch of freshly picked carrots.  Things just taste better on a farm!

Last Week in Pictures

The kids started most mornings with the new coloring book and stickers from Nana.  Thank you!

The one time I didn't bring the second seat attachment, they both wanted to ride.  I told Ryan I needed the work-out - that's about 70 pounds sitting together! 

Gretchen didn't last long

Ryan put our new rake to good use and Rooke was in Fall heaven! 

Hand-me-down pajamas that brought pure joy and needed to be worn for naps  

Rooke and Gretchen got to stay up late playing with friends while the adults met in our living room for church home group

Trying on the new shirts Grammy Deb sent.  Gretchen insisted the red one was for her and Rooke was kind enough to play along.  They're a perfect fit - thank you!