Christmas!

A big day, so a big post. We had a wonderful day with many gifts, good food and family. And it all started at the crack of dawn with a visit from Santa. Yay!

Grace was most excited about the wrapping paper and bows, so Owen happily tore into all the presents.

Bundled up to go spread some Christmas cheer!

After trying out Owen's new helmet and kicking tee in the snow.

Actually, the helmet stayed with us all day.

Brunch with Aunt Marie.

Rocking out some carols with Uncle Mike.

Hugs from Grandma and Grandpa.


Santa baby.



Hockey with Aunt Elyse and Aunt Abbie.


More football with Uncle Mike and Pop.


And more hugs from Gram and Pop.

We had a fabulous day and hope you did too!

Merry Merry

Wishing all our family and friends a most joyous and happy Christmas celebration!

Happy Christmas Eve!

Shopping with the Aunties

Some last minute Christmas shopping was much more fun with Aunt Elyse and Aunt Abbie! Owen especially enjoyed the elevators, snacks, a couple trips on the merry-go-round, and touching everything in sight.

Grace enjoyed her first bites of big, soft, buttery pretzel, and Owen was happy to share the goodness.

Snow!

We had our first snow and Owen couldn't wait to go out and play in it!

What's better in the snow than hockey?!?

And yes, this is hockey with golf clubs and a bowling ball.

AND THEN, we found a footprint of the T-Rex that lives in our backyard in the snow! (More on this friend later..)

We finished up the snow day with some hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. And yes, this is the shot right before he started downing those sprinkles...

8 months and ready for her first Christmas!

At 8 months, Gracie loves the Christmas tree. She likes to stare at the lights and closely 'study' the ornaments.


And since Owen always makes sure there are 3-4 together on one branch, there are always plenty to grab! A skill she has definitely mastered.. Grace is very adept at grabbing toys, food, remotes, hair, necklaces, glasses of wine, you name it. Owen keeps trying to explain to her that we "only put food in mouth, Grace, not toys."

And still, big brother is always near... making sure Gracie sticks to her own toys.

We are so excited to celebrate our first Christmas with Grace!

Gingerbread houses!

From the kit, but lots of work nonetheless. Our neighbors joined us for the fun... and lots of candy.

Not saying who did which one, but ours is definitely the more "Griswald" of the two...

Neighborhood pals.

We topped off the night with a visit from Santa, who drove by on his firetruck! Owen was not so thrilled, but then it was pretty loud. Grace just took it all in.

Practicing Christmas

Owen is VERY excited for Christmas and it's been so much fun to see him really "get it" this year. He likes to "practice" Christmas, as evidenced here... he picked out a gift for Grace that he just can't wait to give to her, and help her start playing with.

SANTA!

This weekend we met the big man in red at the fire station. After much discussion and anticipation, we were all ready and excited to go see Santa! Of-course that changed as soon as we got there and Owen wanted nothing to do with him. Grace sat wtih SC for several minutes...

and then was over him.

This was the closest Owen would get, while being held firmly in place. He did manage to tell Santa what he wanted, so for him, the visit was a success.

On the way home he recounted the experience with, "I's just scared. Maybe next year!"

Christmas parade!

This weekend we bundled up and headed to Middleburg for a Christmas parade.

Owen was fascinated by all theanimals, tractors, fire trucks and police cars. But mostly, the candy that was thrown his way. He got very excited when Santa called out to him "See you soon!", knowing we were going to visit Santa the next day. How did Santa know??

Discovering the wonders of the Christmas tree