COVID Christmas at Grammys

Where there is a will there's a way!   We bundled up from head to toe (+masks) and found a safe way to celebrate Christmas at Grammys.  My mom decorated her garage with a Christmas tree, candles and a firepit.  It was actually pretty perfect and felt kind of normal.   Grammy spoiled us yet again and we spoiled her back so it was perfect. 

It was the first time may family had all been together since the 4th of July - it felt so good to be together.  I hope everyone found a safe way to spend time with loved ones this Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning starts bright and early in the Bates household.    We were all spoiled by Santa as always.  This year we extended the morning a bit but opening gifts one at a time so we could watch each person open their gifts (even Coho).  It was really nice to slow down and enjoy.

Some of the big hits this year for Kallie were:  waterproof shower speaker, air hockey table, clothes from Justice & new earrings !  

Christmas Cookie Tradition

Kallie was pretty sad  that the annual Christmas cookie decorating at Grammy's was cancelled.  The kids look forward to it every year so it was a big bummer for all.   Since everyone needs Christmas cookies we decided to do our best to replicate the tradition at home.  We used Grammy's recipe and they turned out great.   

The Santa Tradition MUST GO ON!

Yet again things look different but we could not let the Sanat photo tradition end . . . so we found a way to make it work!  I made a reservation at the Cougar Mountain Zoo for the Reindeer Festival.  It was actually pretty perfect.  We were pretty much had the entire zoo to ourselves.  We fed the reindeer, watch them feed the tigers and got to see Santa.  It was such a great adventure so glad we found a way to make it work . . . different is not always a bad thing I guess.  

The Perfect Christmas Tree

 

We decided to get our Christmas tree early this year to bring a bit of joy to our house.  Being stuck at home is hard for everyone so we figured why not!  We found the perfect tree at a local tree from in Issaquah - Trinity Tree Farm.  

Once we got it home we realized it was WAY bigger than our usual trees which is probably a good thing since we have so many ornaments.  Let the Christmas Season Begin!

Thanksgiving for Four

Thanksgiving looked a little (well ALOT) different this year.  We usually host Eric's entire family (20-24 people) but due to the COVID and the mandate that you should only be inside with your immediate family that was not an option.  Instead we invited Grammy over and made the best of it. I cooked all of the fixings and my mom made dessert.  Although it was not our usual Thanksgiving we had a great day and are very grateful for our health and family.

Ears Pierced!

Today was a big day . . . Kallie got her ears pierced.  She has been asking every day for weeks now so figured it was time.   With soccer on break due to COVID this was the perfect opportunity.  We made an appointment at a local fine jewelry store in Issaquah and went for it.  She is a happy girl and they look great!

 

Pumpkin Patch - Gunners G10A

 Kallie's soccer team planned a fun day at the Pumpkin Patch.   Thankfully the weather cooperated and everyone had a great time.  The girls split into groups and found their way through the corn maze (some quicker than others).  There were tons of activities for them to explore (socially distanced) ending our adventure in the pumpkin patch. 

Although they are only allowed to practicing due to King County being in phase 1 the team is still trying to find ways to bond and have fun together. 

Virtual 4th Grade

Today was Kallie's first day of "Virtual" 4th Grade at IVE.  Although she would much rather be at school she was still very excited to meet her teacher Ms. Matheson and all of her classmates.  All went well and her teacher was amazing - helping to make Day 1 engaging and even more important FUN! 

Kallie - I know online learning is not ideal but we know you will ROCK IT!  Dad and I are here for you and we will get through this together.  Love you!

   

Sunriver Get-Away

I am so happy we booked a last minute vacation to Sunriver.  We knew it would be different due the  pandemic but a change of scenery was much needed.  |We packed up our bikes, games, inner tubes and found a great condo with a perfect outdoor space for our nights at home.  

We spent our time riding bikes, exploring the most beautiful lakes, floating the river in Bend with friends, riding horses, bbqing dinner at home, lawn games and honestly just enjoying being out of our house!  

It was a great way to end the summer - I think we all left feeling recharged (minus the 7 hour drive home)!

Happy 10th Birthday

Happy 10th Birthday Kallie!!!  You are officially double digits, can you believe it?  Today we celebrate YOU!  We had a packed agenda starting off with our annual trip to the zoo which you request every year on your birthday.  Next up, a surprise drive-by birthday parade with all of your best friends.  And last but not least a PJ/Outdoor movie with a few friends from the neighborhood.

I know you really wanted to have your first slumber party birthday this year and were super bummed but I am hopeful that today was special in it's own way and that you felt the love of your friends and family all day! 

You are one amazing girl - kind, loving, caring, sassy, sporty and most importantly you are you!  Happy Birthday to our baby girl - we love you to the moon and back.

XO Mom & Dad