Christmas Preparations

The week after Thanksgiving we begin decorating the house for Christmas.  We have a pretty quick turn over in this house to get things "Christmas-ified".  Part of the reason is because we have a toddler with whom we are so excited to share this season.  The other part is Mike.  He LOVES Christmas!  I have to hold him back from listening to Christmas music during the entire month of November.  So come the Monday after Thanksgiving....it's go time.

We get the decorations out....and play with some.

Charlie puts up a Santa...

and admires his picture with Santa.

He goes around the house saying things like, "Sanna?  Sanna?"  "Tismas Tee."  "Lights...niiice!"  "Stah".  Translated: Santa, Christmas Tree, lights are nice, and star.

Then he takes a break and helps Daddy fix things.

Amidst all this fun, something even more fun happens....St. Nick fills his stocking!!!!!

There is nothing like reaching into the stocking to see what treasures await us.

Then he gets to play with his toys....

while we pester him with things...like eating.

Charlie loves the Christmas tree, especially the lights and the star at the top!  We put only "safe" ornaments on the tree this year with the safest of the safe toward the bottom. He loves spinning the balls.

The house is decorated.  The tree is up.  Baby Jesus is in his manger.  St. Nick came.  Songs are being sung and cookies are being eaten.  What is left to do?   I guess nothing...except wait for Santa.

Thanksgiving 2011

I cannot believe the holiday season is over; it always passes so quickly.  We had a wonderful time with family and friends.  Things have finally settled down and Charlie has, somewhat, adjusted to life back at home without the constant attention from Grandparents and the endless fun with cousins, aunts and uncles (this is a difficult transition for him.....and us!!!)  So now I get to reflect on the holidays and share with you the fun we had.
Thanksgiving morning was welcomed by a fresh, beautiful snowfall.

 We traveled to Massachusetts and spent the long weekend with Mike's entire family.  This was great fun because now Charlie has two cousins (Jake and Chloe) to play with.  Okay, he didn't really play with Chloe, but he did give her some occasional observational glances and sweet bedtime kisses.  But he had FUN with Jake!  I think they conspired and taught each other all things they should NOT do at NunaMia and Grandad's house. 

 We spent most of our time hanging out and playing...and eating.

 And the rest of the time admiring Chloe.

 The boys sure do love their Grandad!

 We look forward to the time we can ALL get together again!

We have so much to be thankful for!!!  We hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful, too!