Our snowless Christmas season has begun...

Ellie and Patrick,
We had a fun weekend putting up Christmas decorations starting the holiday festivities. It is going to be a long holiday season! The day after Thanksgiving, Daddy got out all of the Christmas decorations and put up the tree while you two were taking a nap. Elise, you woke up first and although you were very excited about the tree and lights, you were quick to tell us, "It is not even Christmas time." When we told you that Christmas time starts after Thanksgiving, you said, "But there is not even any snow." Poor kiddo. No snow for you!
Elise, you were patiently hanging all of the ornaments on the same branch. You were excited to see everything. You are very excited about candy canes.  Patrick, when you came out you were in awe. You pointed at the tree and and said, "BALL". Then you sprang into action and began taking all of the balls that you could reach off of the tree while repeating ball, ball, ball over and over. It is sure to be your favorite game for the next few weeks. You both loved Daddy's electric train from when he was a little boy but we already put it back in the box to save for when you are a little older. That thing would not have made it through the two of you godzillas.
Thanks to Mommom and my teaching days, we have around 30 Christmas books.  I saw the idea from Tiff & Pinterest to wrap all of them and have you open one each day until Christmas. I'm pretty sure this is the only year we can do this. I have a feeling that next year Patrick will get mad that they are all books. Thankfully, Elise gets very excited about books and loves to read. The books along with Ducklyn, our stinker elf, and the advent calendar from Mommom will give us a very fun countdown to Christmas. Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

Sunday we went to the mall to walk around outside and play in the kid area. We had an unplanned visit with Santa. Grandma helped Mia and Ellie write letters to Santa. They both asked for peace on earth and guitars. It was fun to take a picture with all of the little Caruso cousins for Grandma. While it certainly isn't the best picture, it captured that moment well. It was a very fun day. Thanks, Grandma!