Linus is basically an elf in training. He loves holidays. Dave had gone into work. Linus single-handedly rallied the troops. He got them all dressed in their holidays sweaters, with teeth brushed and beds made. From there, he turned on a Christmas movie to entertain them while I put away autumn decor and pulled out the Christmas/winter stuff. He even made sure to try to keep down any noise.
Linus helped me rearrange the living room and move furniture. As soon as he found the stash of Christmas music there was no stopping this decorating/dancing machine. It all came together pretty quickly. We tried a different set up from last year and I think I like it better. My house feels so so very cozy and wonderful now.
On Saturday evening, Dave and I decided to surprise the kids with some holiday fun. Dave was at work all day so it was nice to have some quality time together. First we went to the Garden D'Lights at Bellevue Botanical Gardens. We got there before it started and since it was still light out, we played at the park next door. There was lots of winter cuteness happening.
The kids loved the lights. I thought it was pretty and loved how inexpensive it was. They were so excited as we moved through. I also appreciated how much less crowded it was than zoo lights or wildlights.
After the lights, we headed to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Linus had never been and believed it to be one of the most magical restaurants ever. It was a long long wait. I was ready to throw in the towel. Note to self, do not go to Bellevue Square Cheesecake Factory during the first weekend of the holiday shopping season. Our waitress was great. Linus was in heaven. Eileen and Robin could have cared less since they have been there before. I left Dave to order the cheesecake and then took the kids outside to witness Snowflake Lane. Again, this is something we had never done before. It was wonderful, amazing, fun, festive, so many things. It was nothing like I expected.
We loved every moment and then just as it was about to end we headed inside for cheesecake.
Not one to end an overstuffed weekend of activities, on Sunday the big kids and I went to Seattle Children's Theater to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Linus was intent on hating it, but by midway through the first act he was loving the show. We enjoyed ourselves and the kids still keep giggling about "children" being a bad word.
I've never been so happy for it to be Monday. There was no school last week. The first half went great, but by Friday the kids were falling apart. Too much fun, not enough sleep. I admit there were so many times I just wanted to scream, "Can you please quit complaining and stop being difficult!?! We're trying to make memories here!!!" I know all parents can relate.
Next year I think I will aim to make Thanksgiving weekend a little less busy. Going to the theater was poor planning. Maybe next weekend we will find time for a holiday pajama party--Christmas jammies, cocoa, Christmas movies,a roaring fire, cozy blankets, and wine. We can all practice being asleep so Santa can come. It will be like the game, coma, only more festive.
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