In case anyone wondered, this is what the aftermath looks like when 3 moms try to coordinate 6 kids ages 2 and under to decorate Christmas ornaments… we decided we would try again in about 5 years...
Knowing we had a busy couple weeks coming up with John taking on some additional side projects, we decided to break out our Christmas decor early. And ever since the first day it snowed, Rudy has been SO interested in "snow" -- with a silent 'S' -- that we were even more anxious to start the excitement of Christmas in our house. Not to mention, I am still trying to finish putting everything up. It's not a one day or one afternoon project anymore. Having 2 rugrats to look after constantly does not make for easy or quick decorating (or easy or quick anything!).
We went with our artificial tree again (borrowed from Gran and Papa) -- much less mess around the kids. I have a hard enough time keeping up with dust and crumbs, let alone pine needles! Rudy helped John get it out of the box and carry it to the living room... they are such strong boys!
Going through our ornaments was a real treat for everyone...
Rudy was so excited to pick out his favorites to put on his tree and to pick out which ones he wanted on the big tree.
And Avery loved exploring and trying to eat anything she could get her hands on.
Rudy had fun decorating Avery, as well.
All cozied up by the Christmas tree... doesn't get much better than this!
We have also started some holiday festivities.
We took the kids to the Festival of Trees with the Allotey's. We all had a lot of fun! The kids decorated their own gingerbread cookies, saw and sat with Santa, and took a train ride. Add cheese pizza for dinner back at home, the Grinch movie, and time spent with good friends… pretty great night for everyone involved!
Avery enjoying Rudy's hard work
Yummmmm!
The look of awe Rudy had when Santa walked by was priceless...
A couple of my favorite moments… Rudy was SO excited when we saw Santa and were waiting in line that he had to share his excitement with Sissy. He ran over to her stroller, got in her face, and with eyes and hands wide, exclaimed, "Sissy! Ho Ho!"
And the same goes for the train, "Sissy! Choo Choo!"
Such a brave boy
"Sissy, why are you crying?! Don't you realize who this is?!"
Choo-Choo!
"ALL ABOARD!!"
Rudy and Jorja next to their favorite tree.. the Grinch
And our elf showed up from the North Pole the day after Thanksgiving! It was so exciting!!
He left a note for Rudy and Avery, and a few treats he snuck from Santa's workshop.
And since then, he has been showing up all over the place! We named him Howie, or as Rudy says, "How-Weigh." Every morning we look for him and Rudy runs around with his arms out, "How-Weigh… How-Weigh… How-Weigh…" until he spots him… "OH! Ders How-Weigh! Hi How-Weigh!"
Rudy is SO into snow, snowmen, snowflakes… anything snow related. Howie brought us this "Melting Snowman" to build (and we have done so at least once a day since having him).
Howie must have seen us building our snowman, because the next morning, he had built his own snowman!
Rudy couldn't believe it and had to quickly build his snowman again .. and proudly show Howie (melt.my.heart.)
Then one day Rudy made this project and we talked all about Baby Jesus...
…and the next morning Howie was sitting with Baby Jesus! He really is paying close attention to what we do every day!
Just had to throw this in… Avery is so determined to get to the trees… but just look at that face :)
St. Nick also made a visit to our house! Rudy and Avery each left out one of Dad's boots… because everyone knows the bigger the shoe, the more presents you get
The kids were pretty excited about it! (And made me that much more excited for Christmas morning!)
We also packed the kids up one night and drove through a "Light up the Park" festival. We gave the kids baths before we went, got them snuggled up in warm pajamas, packed some popcorn and drinks and off we went.
Avery got her new view installed (a week early.. shhhh) and both kids were having fun checking each other out.
Happy babies!
The light festival was pretty good -- not the best -- but Rudy and Avery were impressed and that's all that matters. Santa was even there and came and said hi to the kids before we left! It was close to home, only $5, and made for a fun activity for the four of us to do.
We have been whipping up some quick batches of cookies (and by whipping up, I mean taking the pre-made dough out of the refrigerator). I've let Rudy do the decorating.. sprinkles are pretty harmless. Much quicker and neater than icing and food coloring!
Enjoying our beautiful creations…
…with some milk, of course!
Nolan joined us for round 2.. Rudy was an old pro by this point and not quite as delicate with his sprinkle pouring…
…but they sure had fun!
We also went to a breakfast with Santa with Gran and Papa. Some local children's choirs performed Christmas music and the kids had a great time.. of course neither was letting go to sit with Santa this time..
There is just something so special about this time of year
Next up: Little Miss turns 1! (holding back the tears…)
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