Today was our last lesson with the 8-year-olds we teach in church Primary class.  We almost never bring treats so today's cupcakes were extra special.  I brought in a sample Rudolph that they could copy . . . "or whatever."  They went with "whatever."  :-)

Jason's post about a faux German Christmas town gave me the craving too.  I researched but only found Denver's Christkindl market.  It's a little sad.  But it's all we have, so I convinced the family to come.  To make it more exciting, we took the light rail into town and rode the 16th St shuttle to get to the market.  Denver has been expanding their light rail service over the last couple years but we had yet to try it out.

The train was definitely the highlight of the trip for the kids. 








The market was pretty and had the right kind of products for sale (beeswax ornaments, roasted nuts, giant pretzels, cuckoo clocks).  Jack was quickly fed up with the place when we refused to buy him an over-priced book "For Sam for Christmas." 


We tucked into the covered pavilion to hear the brass band play, but Jack's whining drove us out before we heard much. 


They had more fun playing out on the steps and listening to the violinist play, which eating giant pretzel. 


After a surprisingly calm lunch at the Corner Bakery across the street we reversed the train ride home.  We all had fun and we learned that Denver has changed a lot more than we thought it had.  We didn't even recognize Union Station when we reached the end of the line.  I look forward to the Arvada Gold line opening so we can do this kind of trip more often from a closer station.

Friday was the last day of school before Christmas.  Can you believe it?  Jack's preschool had a party and pajama day to celebrate.  So. Much. Fun.


So much sugar, so much goofing around.

Sam's babbling is starting to take form.  I keep meaning to report on his talking, but then I delay and he adds more and more skills!



As you know, he's been saying "Mom" since I can remember him making any noise.  Over the summer he clearly said Mamama and Dadadada for each of us. 



Next, early this fall, he started using consistent sounds like Da for dog and Ba for sheep (baa baa they say) and ball, mum for nursing, that sort of thing.



This December he started saying "Day-doo" whenever it would be appropriate to say thank you.  So cute!  This week I asked if he was all done and did the usual sign.  He signed back along with "Al-da!"  That same day he signed his "please" and said "eez." 

What a champ!

Sam's favorite game, Christmas style.