It wouldn't be the Christmas season if I didn't get to take my annual stroll around Pittock Mansion. I love to see what the tasteful designers do each year. This year's theme was "A Northwest Christmas."
Above: The back and entrance.
Above: The back and entrance. I won't bore you with tons of pictures (which you may have seen here or in other posts in previous years) but at least look Multnomah Falls. 
This year Maisey counted pillow like stars in every room. She (We) came up with 186. At the end of our visit she got a certificate, despite the fact there were 224 hidden stars.
A view of the front which overlooks the city. 
Obviously, not the original view from 1909 when the grounds were broken. the house was first inhabited in 1914. 
A side view. 
This was the first year we've ever toured the groundskeepers home. It's hard to tell, but it was 4 stories. Originally, the chauffeur lived there before the ground keeper and his family joined the family. This home had such an interesting layout, but neat nonetheless.
I love traditions- and dates! 
Wrapping up the date with Baskin Robins.
This year Maisey counted pillow like stars in every room. She (We) came up with 186. At the end of our visit she got a certificate, despite the fact there were 224 hidden stars.A view of the front which overlooks the city. Obviously, not the original view from 1909 when the grounds were broken. the house was first inhabited in 1914. A side view. This was the first year we've ever toured the groundskeepers home. It's hard to tell, but it was 4 stories. Originally, the chauffeur lived there before the ground keeper and his family joined the family. This home had such an interesting layout, but neat nonetheless.I love traditions- and dates! Wrapping up the date with Baskin Robins.
In anticipation for this day (which was actually yesterday), I have been going solo and crafting a little on my own(without my buddy)- or rather with my mini sidekick Maisey! 
Half of a garland made from cool holiday candy, and cling wrap.
And, a Christmas tree of mints for her teacher. 
books, spent about 6 hours between 2 days looking for my new cell phone (it must have gone out of the house with my bag of Kleenex because it's the only thing that left the afternoon it went missing)- thus re-organising closets while Ry played in the dryer and laundry basket.
Since then, every organizational basket has had it's contents expelled so it can be used as a bus or some other mode of transpiration. 
Maddie and Paul 
Maisey is so excited to get baptized in 6 months! She still hasn't quit talking about Paige's baptism (Madeline's big sister- above) which was a year and a half ago. 
It's so fun to watch kids grow up. I have pictures of these girls at bbq's, the swimming pool, in the bath together, and at the blessings of all the siblings to follow. Between the two families there are 3 girls and 4 boys.
Jenny and I. Jenny is the person who inspired me to learn to bake. We use to say we wanted to own a bakery together- we are a sweet combination... We both LOVE to entertain! 
Maisey and I before we left. Unfortunately, Chad had to stay home with Ryley who was sick. I'm so glad we were able to share in this special event. Maisey was beaming the entire time. We are excited for June and Maisey is already thinking about what kind of dress she wants for the occasion, of course!
This weekend my good friend Naomi invited some ladies and I to a sweet resort at Seaside. I had been so excited for this night with my very favorite girls for the last three months!!! I had NEVER left my kids over night so you can imagine how giddy I was. I made the most of my girl time by staying up till 5 Am (I have always been a night owl). It was so nice to go to dinner without kids, swim and hot tub without someone having to go to the bathroom, and shower without kids interrupting. I love being a mom more than I love doing anything else, but it was truly a wonderful 24 hours away! I am also thankful for wonderful girlfriends who weather the storms of life with me each and every day! Really, how many women have a group of 
After checking out and doing some shopping some of us had lunch before heading home. We got home at dinner and my family got up from the table to hug and greet me, with some tears. Can you guess who from?Everything was all in perfect timing. 
Thanks Na for the invite and sorry I snored the 3 hours I slept! 
This kid entertains me all day with his active imagination!
Maisey posing with Lexie. The girls were so excited to be going together.
Here is a group shot with the exception of Ryley. He was pretty done with Halloween by this point in the holiday season. 
We played some festive mummy and pumpkin games. 
And then we let them dance it off. I should have made the party at least 30 minutes longer so these little ones could expend some energy. "Just Dance" is honestly the most played game when The Guenther's are around, and the kids would have loved to have some more Wii time. It was only a filler, and unfortunately during the party time, we only played two songs before most kids had to leave. We are certainly planning on having a dance party the next go round. 
Here Maisey and I pose at 10 PM. It was a must since my usually helpful hubby spent the ENTIRE party chatting with a dad. It was me, and 13 kids solo, and needless to say, the only thing that was sacrificed were photo opps. The pictures I managed to take, we're after the "damage" was done!
