Countdown to Christmas

We are in the Christmas spirit!  For the first time, Reece really seems to understand all of the excitement - trees, Santa, reindeer, cookies, and of course, presents!  We are having a lot of fun preparing and celebrating throughout the month of December.  Although Nell doesn't know what her first Christmas is all about, she is rocking lots of sweet holiday outfits and generally enjoying all of the fun.

Here is a rundown of some of the holiday cheer so far:

The tree (fake, found in the basement of our rental) went up on December 1st.  Thanks to the world's best mother-in-law, Mom was able to finish our advent calendar in time.  Reece is loving opening one bag a day and putting the ornament onto the tree.  Nell's stocking is still under construction, but will be ready for Santa's arrival.

We enjoyed the Winter Wonderland at Slater Park in Pawtucket again this year.  Reece and Nell took their picture with Santa and we looked at all of the trees.  Reece was thrilled by one that was decorated with construction hats.  The evening ended with a carousel ride and his first bathroom accident in a long time - on Daddy.  Pretty funny stuff.

Reece had a blast decorating gingerbread cookies and making salt dough ornaments at Lizzy's house with his friends.  All the moms were pleased to note that the preschool crew is getting a bit neater and more detail-oriented with their artistic endeavors.

Reece, Nell, Mom, Dad, and even Uncle Chris had a great time at the Christmas party thrown by our moms' group.  Check out the highlight of the party here, when a special visitor arrived.

Aidan and Stef came over to decorate cookies.  Here Stef oversees the beginning cooks, hard at work.