Christmas is one of our favorite holidays and we're getting in the spirit. My parents came over last weekend and helped decorate, as I knew it would be difficult to tackle with a busy two year old and newborn. Mason helped us decorate the tree one night this week and Andrew put up the outside lights last weekend. It feels like the holidays creep up on us every year, but we're trying to simplify things this year to really enjoy this special time with the kids and the one-time opportunity with both of us being home/on leave. Plus, this year has put a lot of things in perspective after my mom's health scare and the arrival of our little one. It's these type of life events that have caused us to pause and enjoy the small and precious moments - whether coloring with our little guy, reading a holiday book, snuggling on the couch or taking in holiday music at Bellevue's Snowflake Lane.
Taking in Snowflake Lane with dad
Can't get enough of the peppermint sucker
Meeting one of the soldiers
Chloe slept through it all
Not sure about Rudolph
We are also trying to start new traditions as Mason gets older and can understand and appreciate them. One thing that my parents did when I was growing up is an Advent calendar - kind of in lieu of a stocking. One year they purchased a wood one that has little doors and spaces to put small items or clues for future gifts. This year they passed along the calendar to us and we're starting this tradition with Mason. Grandma and Grandpa Gable are providing some of the items, and this week gave Mason a neat book of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with their voices narrating. Mason loved it!
Just a few weeks ago, we also decorated a gingerbread house as a fun activity to do with Mason and let him express his artistic side. Here is the final product - our version of a masterpiece. :) It was truly a family effort - especially when it came to the icing.
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