Golden, CO Railroad Museum

 Before Christmas, we experienced a fun day in Golden, Colorado. Coors Brewery, Colorado School of Mines, a quaint downtown area, and an amazing railroad museum exist in this small town not too far from where we live. Nate had a fun time riding on Santa's steam engine with Nana and Papa to the North Pole. He was very excited taking it all in.

 View from our train of an elaborate model train set up.

 "choo-choo"

 A visit to Santa after the train ride. Still afraid this year but I was able to make an agreement with him that I would do the talking if he went up to him. He told me to tell him he wanted an orange robot and a red bicycle.

 A little more relaxed after he found out Santa had candy canes

 They even filled up the train while we were on it.

Lots of interesting trains around the museum to see

fun at home

Christmas is getting closer!

Nate likes to go against the grain...he's behind his friends, checking out the nativity scene. :)

 Every morning when Nate wakes up, he looks on his countdown calendar to see how many days are left until Christmas. He also has an ornament that counts down the days, minutes, seconds until Santa arrives so it's been a great way for him to learn about time.

 His favorite Christmas friend...a dancing and singing snowman

 Last day of preschool...a fun party with crafts, treats, and singing.

 Really difficult to get 3 year olds all in one spot for a picture :)

 Nate had his own idea of participating in the sing-a-long (he's in the back under the nativity).

 The other night, we composed a letter to Santa

A little quiet time for Nate in the house we made out of cardboard blocks, the laundry hamper, large pillows, and a yoga mat. Here he is reading his Elmo bedtime book to himself.

Butterfly Pavilion

 touching giant cockroaches at the Butterfly Pavilion. He also got to see many tarantulas, stick bugs, and spiders.

 He was afraid of the butterfly portion of the museum, lol. He ducked down almost the entire time when he was in there.

 He didn't really want to pose for this picture...he just wanted to get away from all of the butterflies :)

 Now he's having fun in the interactive kid's area. Lots to do including a kid's zip line!

 Throwing bean bag "leaves" into the caterpillar mouths.

 Giant spider web

Puzzle activities

amazing sunset the other day!

view from our patio

Getting ready for Christmas

A little bit easier to make a gingerbread house this year with Nate. Although, he sure does love sneaking little tastes :)

 I kept telling him to stop tasting and look at the camera and he thought that was funny.

 Louisville Parade. Nate's preschool made a pirate float this year (it passed too fast for me to get a picture). It was a very cold night but luckily they served hot chocolate and coffee along the parade route. I think Nate's favorite float was the one with the Grinch.

Oklahoma for Turkey Day

 Nate's great uncle Pat had some great toys for Nate to play with. Jason and Nate

 Nate and Naomi

 Nate loved all of the attention at Uncle Pat and Aunt Jan's house

 We went to Kingfisher to visit my grandmother, Lillian. This is Nate's great grandma :)

 New friend for grandma

 The whole gang visiting grandma.... Jason, Naomi, my dad and mom, me, baby-to-be (7 1/2 months along), and Nate.

 Nate and grandma in downtown Oklahoma City

 Fireworks outside of our hotel window!

Headed to the OU football game at 7am! (Gotta get there early for the good parties/ tailgating!)

decorating the Christmas tree

 7 1/2 months along

how a 3 yr old puts them on the tree...in clumps :)

after bath fun

Boulder Lighting Ceremony