Christmas (twice!)

We were very fortunate to have Santa visit us TWICE this year!  Once when Grandma K was here and again when Grandma and Grandpa W came see us.  Seeing the kids' faces light up at the glowing tree and packages twice was priceless.  E really got into it this year.  This was the first year I think he actually understood the whole 'santa' thing and he loooved opening the "number boxes" (advent calender) each morning.  On Christmas Eve we even sprinkled "reindeer food" on the lawn so Santa could find our house and left cookies, milk and a carrot out (for Rudolf).  He was really into the Christmas TV shows, lights, decorations and stories this year.  We had so much fun with this.  Harper just wanted to do whatever her brother was doing, so if he was excited about something, so was she.  She was very good at opening gifts on her own (if E didn't beat her to it) and loved all the excitement...the toys, the snacks, the music and lights.  This was our first Christmas in our new house.  I had fun decorating with what I called "thrifty decor" - going to the christmas tree lot and getting free tree clippings which I placed on the mantel, made a wreath out of and placed all around the house.  We decided not to decorate our (fake) tree this year and actually placed it on an end table to keep it out of reach of little hands, which worked perfectly.  As always, the fall and holiday season seemed to FLY by this year!  I love this time of year and try to savor every smell, sound and twinkling light despite how quickly they are all gone.  We stayed busy with all sorts of activities and went to the city nighttime Christmas parade, the old-fashioned Dickens festival and friends holiday parties.  I even had a girls night and cookie exchange over here!  We also went caroling with the neighborhood kids, which was a very magical and emotional experience that I know we are all looking forward to next year (we love our neighborhood!).  E was a very handsome shepherd in his school christmas performance this year and did such a good job singing!  Dr. M and I made it out for a much needed date night and went ice skating by the river and a drink.  The four of us even went to a candlelight church service Christmas Eve.  It was a magical Christmas with our family, friends and kids.  So many amazing gifts, thoughtful and beautiful cards and time with friends and family....until next year....

Merry Christmas to ALL!!