Christmas Parade

Last Friday night, we braved the cold and headed out to the downtown Knoxville Christmas Parade. I wanted to go last year but Reagan was just 6 months old and it was so cold, that we decided to hold off another year. I am glad we went this year. I think Steve thought I was crazy when I picked him up from work at 5 pm (the parade started at 7) but by the time we got there, it was 5:45 and there were a TON of people there. We still got a good spot but we were farther down the parade route then I would have thought. We brought blankets to sit on and cover our laps and Steve and Mason ran and picked up dinner while Reagan and I guarded our spots. Before we knew it the parade began and Mason and Reagan LOVED it. I have to say the most magical thing it seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. They were both filled with such amazement and excitement. Mason kept saying, "mommy, it is so beautiful," and not a float went by that Reagan didn't wave at or say hi too. They both loved it and I see it becoming a family tradition. Reagan refused to nap that day so you can imagine when we got in the car at 8:45 she immediately feel asleep.

She was so excited for the parade to start.

Steve, Mason and Reagan enjoying some blue coast.

Some of the floats.

I am usually taking the pictures but I thought it might be nice to actually have a picture of me and the kids.

Count your blessings

I can't believe it was one week ago today, we were feasting on turkey and celebrating with family. Our thanksgiving included 54 (YES, FIFTY-FOUR) of our dearest family and friends. I like to think of it as a family reunion, but my mom and dad prefer to say it's their Christmas. Yes, it is wild, and sometimes chaotic but it is also fun, filled with laughter and memories that will be relived for years to come. My favorite part is having the red head connection (all three Knapper girls) back together. I don't get to spend as much time as I would like with my sistas, so for me thanksgiving brings us all home. As we begin our holiday season I like to think of all the reasons I feel blessed.

Two of my greatest blessings.

We took this after some people left, but here is the majority of our group.

And just for fun. Here is Reagan this year....

And last. WOW this year flew by.

Taking Seattle by Storm

Before we head home for the holiday's I figured I should get caught up on the blog!

We spent the first week in November visiting Seattle. Steve had a conference at Microsoft so we decided to tag along. I seriously could not have asked for a better week. We got to visit with old friends, laugh, play, and overall have a wonderful time. I can't believe how much it felt like home, although at the same time, we missed Tennessee. It feels weird to consider two places "home" at one time, but then again, we have only been gone a year, and Seattle will forever hold so many memories for us. I think a part of my heart will always consider it home no matter how much time passes. I was proud that I remembered my way around. I was happy to see Mason recognize his old friends and take up playing just as easily I was able to pick back up with their moms. I was overjoyed for Reagan to get to interact with so many people who welcomed her into the world with open and loving arms, our family when our family was across the country.

We opted to stay on the Eastside and for the most part avoid the normal tourist spots. We had seen them dozens of times; even Mason and Reagan had been to the space needle. So we stuck with activities that centered around the kids; the zoo, the amazing parks, the falls, lunches and dinners with friends, and of course, a little shopping.

The time flew by and before we knew it, it was time to leave. I wasn't ready to say goodbye, but I was ready to get home. Get back to our routine, our life, our home. I said it when we moved away and I will say it again, we'll be back Seattle. Until then sending some southern love your way.
Be ready for picture overload.

So we didn't take too many pictures at the zoo- 7 kiddos, 4 mama's. It was fun but WILD. The original 4 all took pics on the lion.
The 3 "seconds" just hung out taking in all the big brother/big sister action.

I remember moving to WA, how in awe I was of how tall trees can grow.
I want Mason to always remember that feeling.

Look at that face. He is at home with his buds.

The tire swing.

We had a blast hanging with Creede, Josie and Will.
Will is our oldest buddy. We have known him since 3 days young.
I think Reagan maybe crushing on creede too
(it doesn't hurt that he was a robot for Halloween- AND I was crushing him)

Loving the group pic!

Reagan was a trooper, totally off schedule, napping in the car, and rolling with the punches.

It did help that she LOVES her backpack.

Oh the falls! It was misty and overcast, but the experience was amazing for Mase!