Getting ready for Christmas

Since we were going to be running around non-stop for the next several days, we decided to spend a quiet evening around the house, getting ready for the festivities. So, we got in our PJs really early and had a little bit of holiday fun.

While waiting for dinner, Xander painted a special picture to give to grandma Linda for Christmas
After daddy rolled out the dough, Xander cut out the sugar cookies
Having fun with the sprinkles
And licking the left-over off of the plate!

Of course he had to sample a cookie to make sure it was as yummy as it looked. Oh, the end result was that Xander didn't fall asleep until almost midnight! Sugar really throws off his clock!

Holidazzle!

After Chris got home from work, we headed downtown to watch the Holidazzle Parade - finally! I thought we were going to miss it this year, time has flown by so fast. We went to Brits for a quick dinner and then out to the sidewalk to watch the parade. Macy's was handing out free Santa Bears! That, and a cup of hot chocolate, made this night even more fun! Watching Xander enjoy all the wonders of the holidays gets even better every year.

Checking out the menu
Xander's favorite treat, hot chocolate
Snuggling, keeping warm and waiting for the parade
A beautiful night downtown
All the lights!

The Twinkle Bus. That was a new one for us. Very cool!

One of those days...

Today was one of those days... when my son wakes up in a great mood and so do I. When a good friend calls right away in the morning and invites us over to play. Two boys that play together so well, it really is something to enjoy. Noni is always the best company and makes the yummiest coffee (and Christmas cookies - thanks Noni!) After stopping off at the store to buy the last of Christmas presents needed, we headed home for the usual naptime struggle. But not today - Xander went right to sleep for me! So, how can it possibly get any better? After dinner, we head to drop off the presents for Toys for Tots. It was great! Xander had picked out a couple of toys for younger kids, while Chris and I aimed for the older kids that usually get over looked. Xander may not really understand the concept of donating, but he never asked to keep or play with the toys, which I half expected. After that, we went to Bridgeman's for a scoop of ice cream. A great way to end a perfect day.

Remember, only a couple of days left to donate! We are so lucky to have all that we do, it makes it even better to give to TOYS FOR TOTS!!

Xander looks forward to being able to jump on their couch!
Lew being attacked by the Tickle Monster
This is who played today - Lew, Xander and Buzz (Lightyear, that is)
More couch jumping!
Xander handing off one of the toys to a marine at the Kare 11 Toys for Tots drop off tent
Having a celebratory scoop of ice cream!
Just like Mommy - make sure you get every last drop!
Yummy!

Playgroup holiday party!!

Xander went to his first holiday party today and we had a blast! Noni and Lew hosted (very brave!) Our friend Beth constructed all of the little Gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and frosting. Everyone brought different candies to decorate with. There were sprinkles everywhere! Noni's dogs were probably on a sugar high the rest of the day after cleaning up the floor! The kids ran around the house and played like crazy and the moms had just as much fun visiting and watching our little ones have such a good time. One of my favorite parts was that Chris got to come. He had the day off of work, and so he was able to come and play with the kids and be there for Xander's first party, something he would usually have to miss out on. He does very well being surrounded by so many women. And they find him very entertaining as well!

All the kids decorating their houses
The best hostess in the world!
Xander couldn't get enough of the green sprinkles
Me (and my big baby belly) giving Xander a hand

The final product (after prying it out of Xander's hands before he picked all of the candy off)

Our very LONG day!

For some reason, today just dragged on forever! Chris was at work, then had his final class of the semester and then went out to dinner and play video games with his friend, Viet. So I knew it was going to be a long day for me, but I was in an especially bad mood all day. Poor Xander... It would help if he took a nap once in a while! Anyway, since I was at my crabbiest, I decided to do some things that I should only do on very good days - like letting Xander play with paints for the first time or deciding to cut his hair right before bedtime. I don't know what I was thinking, but it turned out okay in the end. We have a beautiful painting hanging on the wall and his hair looks way less shaggy. At least he was asleep by 8:00!

The only thing that kept him still and from crying was the "Big Machines" DVD that I had him watching while I cut his hair (thanks Aunt Patty!)

Playing with friends

We got together to play with our friends Ann, Ava and Lily today. Xander loves playing with their toys! Chris was off work today, so he got to come and play as well. Then we all went to lunch at Applebees. Xander skipped his nap and was so wound up by dinner time that he was in bed asleep at 7:30 pm - a record!

Chris trying on Lily's tiara. Isn't he pretty?

Lily is having an interesting hair day.

Another fashion statement - Xander trying on Lily's princess shoes. Guess I know what to get my boys for Christmas!

The most wonderful time of the year!

I haven't been very good at taking pictures lately - mostly because Xander doesn't stay still long enough to get a shot and I end up giving up before I get any good ones. But here are some photos I took over the past week as we are getting psyched about the holidays.

Xander relaxing on the couch with a good book

Trying to untangle the Christmas lights

Mark it on your calender everyone! For those of you that think we deprive our son by not giving him candy, here he is with his first sucker. And he is only 2 1/2 years old! Trust me, it wasn't my idea. He found it on the kitchen counter and I really couldn't say no. He thought it was pretty tasty...imagine that?

Chris and Xander putting the ornaments on the tree!

Xander is thrilled by all of the Christmas decor that we put up

Admiring the tree

Putting on the final touches - and one of the rare moments when I am not in control of the camera

Ending the festivities with a rousing rendition of "Ring Around the Rosy"

They all fall down! (and some of us have a harder time getting back up these days)

Thanksgiving Day!

What a Thanksgiving we had! Two full meals with all the fixings. We went to (grandpa)Jimmy and Patti's early in the afternoon and spent time with them, grandpa Ernie and Patti's mom and brother. Xander found many things to get into. We stuffed ourselves and then sat back and visited while Xander entertained everyone with his past-his-naptime-silliness. He took a short nap on the drive to grandma Linda's house. She also made a huge dinner! I was in pregnant woman heaven! Two complete turkey dinners - what more could I ask for? And the left-overs! Yum! I didn't get too many pictures of the day. I guess I was too full and tired to remember to grab the camera.

Great grandpa and Xander reading a book together.
Xander banging out some tunes on the piano for us

Hanging out in grandpa's office. The only computer he can touch without getting into trouble

Scrub a dub!

Even piggy banks needs a bath, I guess.

Trick or Treating

Even though it was freezing out and Xander had a cold, we didn't have the heart to cancel Halloween on him. He had been practicing saying "ooh, ooh, ahh, ahh, trick or treat!" for over a month now. We only went to a handful of houses, but that was enough for him and he was ready to get back inside where it was warm.

Getting ready to go
Our little monkey

Brrrr...it's COLD!!
Last stop, grandma's house