More Holiday Cheer

Wow, Christmas Eve is upon us and I have been very slack in updating the blog with all of our holiday festivities. We've been quite busy spreading and soaking up Christmas cheer. Well, actually, for the last week, I've been very not busy. I've been in bed with a stomach bug. I'm feeling better now, but the computer is still a bit nauseating, so forgive me for not providing too much commentary. Just here come the pics ...Christmas PJs!

We anticipate that some year, the annual picture with Santa will not need to be a family portrait. No luck this year. In fact, Noah still wasn't too sure sitting in my lap ...

And we finally made it to ride the looooong-awaited Macy's Pink Pig with friends Ava and Eli.

Ben made Christmas cookies at his cooking class ...

Last week we had a playgroup holiday party at a fun ice cream place that has old cars the kids can climb on ...

The boys each had Christmas programs this year. Ben sang in the church choir (light blue shirt in back row) ...

And Noah was a shepherd in his school's Christmas Nativity ...

Last Thursday, Jess took the boys and Ava to the town square bonfire and marshmallow roast ...

They met another good friend, Kira, there.

Best buds.

'Tis the Season

Yesterday, the holiday season kicked into full gear at our house. We made the annual trek to the tree lot to pick out our 9-ft. gem. (Jess did not appreciate its height as he was hefting it into the house, but it looks great up and lit and decorated!)

Then we headed to the Post Office so the boys could mail their letters to Santa ...

Hmmmm ... naughty or nice?
The jury's still out on Noah.

Earlier in the day we went downtown with pals Ava and Eli and their Mom and Dad to see the Children's Christmas Parade. Despite the COLD weather, the kids had a ton of fun watching all the floats and marching bands.
Ava and Ben
Noah and Eli (too cute in their matching coats)

The kids loved the giant balloons ...
Mike, Ava and Eli's dad, told me this was "Word Girl" - I found it funny that he knew.
And that classic kids' character, the Fidelity Bank lion.

Noah high-fives an elf.