Trains and Santa

Sunday, we took the kids to Northpark Mall to see the Trains exhibit and Santa. We went last year (2008) with Natalie and I was pregnant with Ryan at the time. Gosh, this year has flown by too fast! Natalie is now 2 years old and Ryan is 7 months old. The kids had a great time and enjoyed looking at all the trains go by. Who knows, we may make this our holiday family tradition to take the kids every year ;-)

NYC: Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge

Washington DC / The Capitol and The White House

Downtown Dallas

Natalie and Ryan wanted to touch everything

After the train exhibit, we went to see Santa. Our number was ways away, but the nice ticket man put us through the line ;-) When it was our turn, Daddy put Natalie and Ryan on Santa's lap. Our kiddos did not even freak out or cry - YAY! Ryan, on the other hand, pulled on Santa's beard. You can see him tugging on his beard in the photo below. Ha!

Thank goodness, Santa was a good sport. Alain later noticed there were a few beard hairs between Ryan's fingers. They told us we could keep it as a souvenir. I don't think so ;-)

We, including the photographer guy could not get Natalie to crack a full smile, but Ryan did great. Afterwards, Santa asked Natalie what she wanted for Christmas. She told him, "I want a shopping cart, and dolls, and trains, and a bicycle." Too cute!

Santa and Trains

Alain took the day off to go to my doctor's appointment for my 20-weeks checkup. Everything looks good and baby and I are doing well. I am half-way now--Woo-hoo! After my checkup, we headed off to Northpark mall to take Natalie to meet Santa and see the model train exhibit.

Our first stop: Santa. This guy is by far the best Santa we have seen. He has been the Santa at Northpark for over 20 years! He has become a true celebrity for the young and old. We were very lucky the line was not long to get pictures with him. When I put Natalie on Santa's lap, she took a look at him and was about to cry. Oh no! Luckily, she saw we were close by and the photographer lady held up an Elmo puppet and distracted her with it. That helped and we got a few good pictures!

Natalie looking at Dada taking a picture.

Check out the boots on Mr. Claus. A true Texan!

After pictures with Santa, we went upstairs (by Neiman Marcus) to tour the model train exhibit. The Trains at Northpark come every year benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas to help critically ill and injured children and their families. When we entered, Natalie's eyes were glued to all the trains as they zoomed by with all their sounds, lights and whistles. A few times, she said "choo, choo." Even Alain and I were amazed with all the scenery and details!

Mount Rushmore and Golden Gate Bridge


New York City and Dallas skyline


The Capitol and Southwest desert

Off she goes!

Later, we stopped by Neiman Marcus' children's department and saw this cute mini grand piano. ADORABLE! Natalie started tapping away! We have to start her early, right?

Then, Alain and Natalie were "horsing" around with this large stuffed animal!

Before leaving, we checked out the pond where there are some ducks and turtles. This is one of Natalie's favorite spots in the mall. She pointed to the ducks and said "quack, quack."

Overall, we had a great time! It was nice to go to the mall during the middle of the week where it was not too crowded, especially during the holiday season.

Happy Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving at the Roels' house was good. I made my two "number one" dishes--roasted turkey and home-made cranberry sauce. My two sisters, Reggie, kids, and Raymond (Alain's dad) came over and brought over a variety of side dishes and a home-made apple cobbler for dessert. Everything was delicious!

Natalie, who is our picky eater, tried some turkey, mac-n-cheese, and stuffing; however, she did not eat it. Her Thanksgiving feast ended up being green beans, rice, and grapes. She is getting better at trying new things. Slowly, but surely ;)

It was a huge milestone day for Natalie: walking! She walked on her own for most of the entire day! Of course, she stumbled a lot; but, when she fell a few times, she kept saying "oops." Then she would get up and tried it again. Everyone watched and rooted for her as she tried to find her balance to go further through the house. Natalie had this a huge smile on her face! Aww!

This year, Alain, Natalie, and I are THANKFUL for having families and friends who love and support us every day. And to our families overseas: We MISS and LOVE you! XOXO