Video of Noah's Solo in Christmas Program

More Pictures from the North Pole

"Mom, Dad, why do you guys look sick to your stomachs???" Gee, I wonder!

You are on your own with that spinning ride, Noah! Have fun!

Annual Trip to the North Pole

Every year, I drag the family up to the North Pole--Ryan always tells the kids that they are helping to "amuse Mommy". But secretly, he loves every minute of it too (I think the comment after our first visit with Noah in 2006 was "That's the best day I've ever had of being a dad!")For those of you who have no idea what I am referring to, Colorado Springs has this kid's Christmas amusement park complete with rides, visits to Santa, and of course, hot chocolate. It been around for over 50 years--I remember going a few times as a kid! Ryleigh and Noah had a blast riding every attraction they could in five hours--they were so exhausted near the end of the day that Ryleigh laid back in the stroller and said she wanted to just rest for a few minutes before riding again! The visit to Santa was a bit of a bust though as we waited 30 minutes only to have both kids walk in his house, say, " I want sunglasses, please!", and walk away in less than ten seconds! Neither one would sit on his lap this year, but they were sure to state their wants (at least, they said please)! Jakie stayed home with Grandma because you have to be at least (or should I say only) ONE YEAR old to ride these rides.

A Star is Born . . .

Who's that cutie in the back row?????!!!

The proud sister!!
The best of buddies!!!

Noah had his first preschool Christmas program last night. It was almost a tear-jerker for Mommy and Daddy as he was picked to sing the SOLO for the program! I guess he is just following in the footsteps of his Gnepper relatives (Ryan's mom's family) who are now infamous for their musical talent all the way back through at least four generations! We were so proud of him standing there with the microphone clutched in both hands, singing with all of his little heart! Afterwards, Ryleigh ran up to him, gave him a big bear hug, and said, "You did awesome, buddy!!"

A Day at the Children's Museum

The kids had a great time with their cousins at the Children's Museum in Denver, playing basketball, grocery shopping, playing vet, and acting like little animals in a forest. What a great place! They played for five straight hours and as you can see, it was enough to completely wear them out for the ride home (a miracle for the Smith kids)!!

Christmas Parade in Estes Park

I took the kids to the annual Christmas lights parade in Estes Park with my mom, Uncle Joel , Aunt Mel and their boys, Colton and Maddox. Noah screamed excitedly about EVERY float, entertaining the entire block. Ryleigh didn't feel too well, but was still her sweet little self, quietly telling all of the people on the floats, "Merry Christmas!!" The kids both liked the last float with Santa on it--Noah wanted to run up and tell him that he wants sunglasses for Christmas.