[Not so] Jolly Old St. Nick

Colin can now say that he met Santa, sat on his lap, and told him what he wanted for Christmas (word is he asked for a ball. SHOCKER.)

He was very excited to sit with Santa until we got closer...

I can't blame him though.  This Santa really needs to work on his skills.  He didn't even say hello, ho ho ho, Merry Christmas...nothing.  We had to coax Colin to sit there by giving him a candy cane.  And even then, he wouldn't look at the camera.



Regardless, he did great - even thanked Santa for the treat. 

We thought it would be a great idea for Colin to help show Will how it's done.  Or not.



Merry Christmas!



Not your average December

We're so lucky to live in the neighborhood that we do, where we can meet up with friends and walk to the park on a 40-degree December day.  These two boys have so much fun together.  That is, until someone falls and cuts their lip open.

Wordless Wednesday

Too cool for words.



Colin's version of thumbs up



Deck the Halls [in 40 degree weather]

Even though it feels like fall instead of December, the tree is up and we're ready to welcome Christmas.  And as you can see, the tree has its own admirer. 

He especially enjoys walking around the tree announcing what ornaments are Dad's, Mom's, and Colin's.  This little elf is his favorite.

We spent last weekend visiting with Scott and Andrea and playing outside in the "winter" weather (more on that later).  Colin and Adella had fun together for a couple hours on Saturday morning.  It's been a while since we've seen her so it was fun to listen to her unbelievable vocabulary and see how much she's grown.  She will be such a great big sister come March! 

Always playing catch-up

There's been so much happening the last few weeks, I'm not sure where to start. 

First up was the wedding of one of my college roommates.  Grandma and Grandpa Holt took Colin overnight so John and I could roadtrip to Riverdale, ND.  We had a blast celebrating Miller and Dave, we all just could've maybe done without the Red Eye. 



The wedding was in the gym!





Of course there was a game of lightning




This dude got the bride out. Who does that?!



Next, we celebrated the upcoming arrival of our first niece.  Kelly was showered with baby goods, including some adorable purple and pink outfits.  I cannot wait to see the little one rocking her pink polka dot swimsuit at Grand View next summer!



Hostesses & Momma-to-be
That green wall isn't doing any of us a favor - we look sickly!



Finally, last weekend we gave thanks and enjoyed a wonderful meal with the Rau's.  John and I played host for the first time (with some help from my mom) and there was no shortage of food or laughs.  We did a little Black Friday shopping and spent some time relaxing together as a family. 

As I turn my calendar over to December today,  I can't help but look forward to the busy holiday season.  Christmas program at daycare, shopping for gifts, decorating the tree...but most of all I look forward to teaching Colin about the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Christmas Kick-off

Colin and I ventured downtown last Tuesday night and took in the Holiday Lights parade.  John had to work late so he met us there and treated Colin to the best seat in the house.  Colin especially enjoyed the police cars and fire trucks, but [I'm assuming] mostly loved the Tootsie Rolls. 

What a great way to kick-off the holiday season with my two favorite people.  This may have to be a new family tradition...

Comfort.

There's just something about a crackling fire on a chilly fall day.  It reminds me of when I was a little girl, Andy and I "helping" our dad make a fire after church on Sundays.  The Vikings were always on in the background and the best part was picking what color match we were going to use.  

The toddler helped his dad make our first fire last weekend.  I loved the novelty of it; me and my boys sitting in the living room, watching log after log burn.  It felt like home. 

  

Bathroom Decor

Here it is. The only decoration up in the bathroom. 

Sad, I know. 

We have one little 2-year-old who is very proud of that cabinet decor though.  And he even counted all 18 of those stickers (it's a little unrecognizable after "12"...everything kinda sounds like "...teen", "...teen," "...teen".)  :)

We started "encouraging" more potty times at home instead of making it a choice.  This chart is what resulted.  It's from last Saturday through this morning.  Not bad!  It also helps that we have the influence of Elmo.

   

Halloween

I have to admit, Halloween is not my favorite holiday (nor is it John's).  So it shouldn't come as a surprise that we picked up a zebra costume last minute at Target (just happened to be a 2T in a mound of other costumes) and didn't carve a pumpkin until mere hours before the actual day.

The little man was so excited to help with the carving this year, unlike last year when all he wanted to do was eat the insides.   

Colin also enjoyed trick-or-treating this year.  We had to coax a "trick-or-treat" out of him every now and then but overall he was very good. I, of course, was proud that everyone heard a "thank you" out of his mouth, too. :)



The visit to see Uncle Luke & Auntie Alexa produced the greatest treat - a juice box.




A sad attempt at a photo with our old neighbors.