Life at a "Swell's" pace

A Macy's Christmas

Every year, since moving to Oregon, we have made our yearly trip to Macy's to see Santa and the wonderful Santaland. Skylar had just turned two the first year we went, and ever since that year (2004) we have enjoyed the Macy's Santaland so much. The Christmas decor is so amazing at the Portland Macy's and makes the kids feel so special. Our dream would be to see Santaland in the original Macy's in New York.

Maybe one of these Christmases soon.

Such a fun Santa Clause. He was so sweet and nice.

A few more birds to add to my collection. I have quite a collection going now. It's the highlight of the Macy's trip to me. New birds each year. Love it!

The train used to run along the top of the ceiling back in the 80s and the kids were able to ride on it around Santaland. Now it sits on the stage where the kids can still get inside, but it's just for show now.

Skylar is so big now that he can't even fit under the frame of the snowman anymore. :(

While we were there, Skylar mailed his letter to Santa in the Macy's Santa Mailbox.

If you don't have a Macy's near you, you can create your own letter here next year!

Skylar was "Elfing" it up the escalators on the way out. He said next year he needs to dress like "Buddy" the Elf to pull it off completely. Ha!

See our trip to Macy's last year here.

Our great friend, MacKenzie caught up with us and came along on our Santa adventures too. We made a stop at Peacock Lane in Portland and looked at the wonderful Christmas lights.

What happened this time last year?

Newport, Oregon at Christmas

After picking out the most wonderful Christmas tree this year, we headed over to the Newport to spend the evening. We hit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and ended the evening eating at Mo's. Here is a recap of our fun night over on the Pacific Coast.

The NOAA fleet was parked along the bay front while we were there. It was a bit foggy, but it was still an interesting view. The Coast Guard ships were cruising up and down the bay front as well. The lights from their ships almost looked like Christmas lights.

After watching the ships move around the bay front, we headed to Mo's to have some clam chowder and hot cocoa. I just loved how our tree looked on top of the car; so festive!

"Rain or shine, Mo's is always fine."

While at Mo's we had a few oyster shooters. If you haven't had these, they are fab!

The Coast Guard station at Newport was all festive for the holidays.

After Mo's we walked through the Sea of Lights at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

The entire aquarium was decorated for the holidays.

And, watched Santa scuba dive into the tanks to talk with the kids about ocean life.

He even asked each child what they wanted for Christmas.

He sang them a few Christmas carols and answered questions.

We then headed out to the otter tank to see the otters playing.

We walked through the aquarium tunnel and looked at stingrays, rock fish, and even sharks. All fish native to the Pacific Coast.

12 days of Christmas pinspiration (day 12) DIY: Leave your holiday boots at the door

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Day Twelve:

Holiday Boots
from: South North South

I love the holidays, as do tons of other people, but the one thing I love the most about the holidays; THE DIY CRAFTS! For the last 11 days I have posted all sorts of great DIY ideas to add to your Christmas decor this year. From gift tags to wreaths, there was a bit of everything this year for the "12 Days of Christmas Pinspiration."

And to add to that DIY theme, here is a fun and festive way to bring the holidays to your front door in lieu of a Christmas wreath.

What you'll need:

1. Old rubber boots
2. Outdoor/All-weather paints (I went with red and white)
3. Greenery or Garland
4. Decorations
5. Burlap
6. Holiday Ribbon

• Tools:
1. Drill with bit
2. Glue (E-6000 is best)
3. Twine
4. Door Hanger Hook

Start by washing the old boots with soap and water. I used an old pair of Skylar's rubber boots from last year. He wanted to keep them, so they worked perfect for this project.

Once the boots are dry from washing, apply your paints. You can pretty much be as free or as disciplined with this step as you want. If you want to use them after the holidays, then a free design that can work year around would be best. I stuck with the Christmas theme and painted a red and white design.

After the main colors were dry I applied white polka dots to the red for a more festive design. The eraser of a pencil works great for this. Just dip the eraser in the paint and dot it up.

Once you've painted on your design, allow about 72 hours to dry completely, or as your paint instructions direct on the bottle. The brand I used was DecoArt and needs to cure completely for 72 hours.

When the paint is dry, drill a small, to medium-sized hole in the "sleeve" of the boot where you want the ribbon to tie on.

Attaching a contrasting color ribbon and tie to secure.

Finally, add in your mix of spray, twigs, or clippings. I used some small clippings from our Christmas tree when we brought home. I also used one of these.