29 Weeks

Christmas Round One

Let the Christmas festivities begin!! Yesterday, we celebrated our first round of Christmas with the Wiley side of the family. This has been such a wonderful tradition we started last year. Instead of trying to squeeze three, sometimes even four families into Christmas Day, we now spread them out. It is so nice to be able to focus on one family, instead of worrying about being late to the next family's house.

The day was full of love, laughter, and lots of memories made. There were way too many presents, yummy food, crazy cousin playtime (get ready Peanut, you're gonna have to be one tough chickadee to hang with these silly boys!), a performance by Noah and the Noels, ridiculously silly candy cane games, gingerbread men baking and decorating, and miraculously we even squeezed in a nap! What a great start to our Christmas celebrations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preschool Christmas Program

Thursday was the last day of preschool before the winter break and was celebrated with a Christmas program! The 2, 3, and 4 year old classes teamed up to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. It was complete with costumes (and the two cutest sheep you ever saw), adorable singing, Christmas gifts, cookies, and even a visit from Santa! It was a wonderful way to kickoff Christmas break: surrounded by your family, telling the real story of Christmas. 

 

 

 

28 Weeks

 

Lights Under Louisville

Thursday night, we started what may become a new family tradition! Mommy bucked up the courage to take on the Louisville Mega Caverns and we headed out to see some underground Christmas lights.

During the day, we made special Christmas snacks for the drive and got new mugs for hot chocolate to decorate. By the time Daddy got home from work, we were in our Christmas jammies and giddy with excitement, ready to go. 

It was a little overwhelming at first (and maybe even a little scary), but once you warmed up, you both enjoyed it!

We had been warned that there is sometimes up to an hour or more wait, so we thought we'd have plenty of time for our snacks and hot cocoa. Turns out, the weeknight is the way to go! No wait and no time for our drinks! So, on the ride home, you finally got that "hot, hot, hot... hot chocolate!" and to watch the Polar Express on the way home. (To hear you singing "Hot Chocolate," and whispering, "I believe!" was a highlight for this believing momma!)

It was a fun, magical night!

 

 

 

 

27 Weeks

 

Here Comes Santa Claus

For the third year in a row, we headed out to Yew Dell Gardens to see the big man! This is such a fun tradition and magical atmosphere.

You boys are at such a fun age where you love every little Christmas detail - the smallest of Christmas lights makes you squeal. As we entered the cabin where Santa was waiting, you didn't know whether to be in more awe of Santa or the giant train display. Ryan, you blew us all away by walking straight up, hopping on his lap, and telling Santa what you wanted for Christmas ("an airplane"). Wiley, you were a little more reserved, taking in the sights and the train. Eventually you made your way to Santa, but I'm not sure your Christmas wish was ever whispered to him - you just wanted the candy cane and to get back to the trains!

After exploring the trains, we headed downstairs for a craft, next door for a reading of a Christmas book, and then time to explore the gardens. I so love this family tradition.