Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving break couldn't have come soon enough this year.  I feel like we were all ready for some time off to relax and recharge before the next wave of holiday chaos!  It was the Holick's turn to spend Thanksgiving with us this year and with everyone's work schedules we decided to have Thanksgiving in Cleveland on Saturday.  Until then we kept ourselves busy in Columbus getting ready for Christmas, getting things accomplished around the house, and spending time with the kids.

Nolan's teachers surveyed the class on what they are thankful for.  Nolan is thankful for "his house."  :)

A countdown to Christmas has begun!

Our elf "Eddie" returned on Thursday morning.  Nolan was very curious on when Eddie was going to make his appearance and was VERY excited to see him again!!  Eddie brought the kids their Christmas pajamas and we had a Christmas themed breakfast to celebrate.  Quinn is joining in the elf excitement this year and runs after Nolan yelling, "Eddie," each morning as he searches him out.  She then preceded to blow Eddie kisses once he has been found :)

 After our elf breakfast we decided to decorate for Christmas while watching the Macy's Parade.  Nolan put a book on his head...

 …so Quinn put a book on her head.

 Reindeer Nolan.

 Taking a break from decorating to watch the parade.  Both kids were really interested in the parade this year.  Nolan loved the big balloons, especially Thomas, the Ninja Turtles, and the superheroes.

 Busy decorating.

On Friday afternoon we headed up to Cleveland for Thanksgiving with the Holicks.  We spent the night on Friday and then we had our actual Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday night before we headed back home.  At the end of the night Santa showed up to talk to the kids.  Everyone (but Quinn) was SO excited to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.  It was really cute to see all of their faces and their excitement.  Christmas has definitely become very fun in our house as we get to share in all of the magic again with our kids.

 Intently listening to Santa.

 Nolan and Santa.  Nolan told him he would like a "new guitar," "Ninja Turtle jammies," and a "train thing that I saw on T.V."  I knew about the guitar but the pajamas were a surprise and who knows about the "train thing?"

 Quinn was scared, no terrified, of Santa.  It was a tiny bit humorous to watch but then I instantly felt bad and whisked her away.

 Help!

Back at home on Sunday, Eric took the kids out to pick up a live tree for the deck.  We have done it for a couple of years now and Nolan loves to help.  Quinn stayed inside with mom and had lunch :)

 
We capped the weekend off with the Columbus WildLights.  Quinn was so little when we went last year so it was fun to watch her reaction to the lights this year, it was really sweet.  The elephants and tigers were actually pretty active as well which was a bonus :)

Nolan being silly.

 Loving the lights and music!

Now that we can officially check Thanksgiving off of the calendar we are in Christmas mode and looking forward to the next few weeks!!