Christmas Prep and Excitement

We have been busy getting ready for Christmas over the last few weeks.  You can feel the excitement in our house this year.  At 3 and 5 years old, the kids both understand the holiday and are soaking up all of the Christmas traditions and activities leading up to the big day!

Eddie the Elf kicked off the season right after Thanksgiving with new Christmas jammies, a big breakfast, and decorating the house.

Our Christmas card this year. 

We visited zoo lights a couple of times.  The kids loved looking at all of the lights and that huge tree behind us in this picture.  The lights dance to various Christmas songs, it's pretty cool.

Taking a peek at Santa with their cousins at zoo lights.  Nolan wanted to know where his sleigh and reindeer were parked. 

 They have been tracking the big guy around town.  Here they are stalking him at the mall.

 Christmas Ohio State tailgate with friends.

 

Eric and I did our annual shopping day again this year.  We both took a Friday off and knocked out all of our shopping.  I had done a lot online this year so we had some time for a leisurely lunch and also were able to grab a drink and an appetizer before heading home at the end of the day. 

Nolan has been leaving notes for Eddie to fly to Santa.

We went to the Wedgwood breakfast with Santa event where they FINALLY got to sit down and speak with him.  Nolan asked for a robot dinosaur (?) and Quinn asked for baby dolls.  The event was really nicely done with enormous amounts of food, crafts for the kids, a live band playing Christmas music, and mimosas.  We will definitely be going back next year!

We got some snow on a day that Eric was home from work so the kids bundled up and played with dad outside for the afternoon.  It was the first year without tears and a screaming match getting ready to play in the snow and I got to stay in the warm house and grade papers.  It was heavenly!

 Customary hot chocolate after coming in from the cold.

 The kids helped Eric pick out a live tree and put it on the deck.  It looked really pretty with the snow and lights.

 Quinn's Christmas party at preschool.  Lots of cookies, crafts, and carols.

 We baked our cookies last weekend in preparation for Santa and hosting friends and family.  We made chocolate crinkle cookies and the classic sugar cookie that the kids loved decorating.

 The decorator's finished products.

 Quinn helped stock up for the holiday.

 Nolan is getting better at spelling and enjoyed addressing the presents that he wrapped.  Quinn can also spell her name now.  It is really sweet to see their handwriting and pictures on the presents they got ready for their family.

Quinn tagging along at Nolan's school sing along.

Christmas is 3 days away and we are ready!!